Former Madigan ally contradicts past statements after being ordered to testify
Ex-state Rep. Eddie Acevedo was forced to take the stand during the Madigan trial despite objections over his dementia.
Sam Banks is third school board member to resign from Champaign Unit 4 this year
Sam Banks is the third Champaign Unit 4 school board member to resign this year. All three have cited unproductive tensions in the group.
More of the nation’s milk supply will be tested for bird flu under a new federal rule
The new strategy aims to pinpoint where bird flu exists in the U.S. and halt its spread. There have been hundreds of cases in cattle and dozens in humans.
Rhythm and roots: The restorative power of Black holiday music
From the tone and tenor of Black holiday music, what brings the spirit more than sounds that bring a community together?
Illinois teachers urging lawmakers to help them use artificial intelligence safely in the classroom
A group of teachers have published a report through the nonprofit Teach Plus asking the General Assembly to provide guidance to schools “with urgency.”
Lobbyist testifies ‘loyalty’ to Madigan led him to make payments to ousted staffer
After nearly a dozen years working for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, Tom Cullen went out on his own in 1999, building up a lengthy roster of diverse – and often high-paying – clients that kept him busy.
Temperatures in the single digits greet Central Illinoisans, light snowfall expected
Central Illinoisans woke up to freezing temperatures Thursday morning with light snow expected to fall starting in the afternoon.
Amidst a biodiversity crisis, these Champaign County groups are working to restore native ecosystems
The Midwest has seen an incredible loss of native prairies and wetlands over the past few centuries. The changes have been driven primarily by farming and urban sprawl. But in east-central Illinois, several initiatives aim to bring back native ecosystems.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Dec. 12 – Dec. 15
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45
Former Madigan ally ordered to testify in ex-speaker’s corruption trial
Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo was summoned to the Dirksen Federal Courthouse so the judge overseeing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial could evaluate whether he’s fit to testify.
Pro-Palestinian protester charged with Mob Action seeks to dismiss charges
Charges are moving forward against protesters involved in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in April on the University of Illinois campus.
FBI Director says he intends to resign at end of Biden’s term in January
FBI Director Christopher Wray told the bureau workforce Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January.
Danville gives community opportunity to showcase unique talents
A popular talent show is returning to Danville next year.
Kasparas Jakucionis scores 24 points and Tre White has 23 as Illinois beats No. 20 Wisconsin 86-80
It was the fourth straight game that Jakucionis scored 20 or more points for the Illini, who beat Wisconsin for the ninth consecutive time.
First look: New Illinois state flag designs unveiled
Voting will open in January for potential replacement flag.
Illinois ranks fourth for whooping cough cases nationwide
As of the end of November, 1,902 whooping cough infections were reported in Illinois this year.
Prosecution could rest next week in ‘Sphinx’ Madigan’s corruption trial
After an extraordinarily short day of trial Monday, jurors may only remember one detail: those high up in Gov. JB Pritzker’s 2018 campaign had nicknamed then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan “Sphinx.”
Details emerge about suspect charged with murder in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO
Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family, was arrested Monday in the killing of Brian Thompson, who headed one of the United States’ largest medical insurance companies.
El cónsul general de México en Chicago se prepara para la segunda administración de Trump
CHAMPAIGN — En las semanas previas a la toma de posesión de Donald Trump como presidente de Estados Unidos, Reyna Torres Mendivil anima a los
The Champaign Urbana Autism Network hosts annual sensory-friendly breakfast
With Christmas just around the corner, the Champaign Urbana Autism Network hosted its sensory-friendly breakfast Sunday, at the City Center in Champaign. Children with autism
Farm groups say producers need a new farm bill, but many expect another extension as time runs out
The clock is ticking for Congress to address the expired farm bill. Several groups are urging lawmakers to get an updated bill to the finish line before the end of the year.
A ‘strong person of interest’ has been arrested in the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing, police say
Police arrested a “strong person of interest” Monday in the brazen Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after a quick-thinking McDonald’s employee in Pennsylvania alerted authorities to a customer who was found with a weapon and writings linking him to the ambush.
Illinois law requires transparency when police kill people. Many cases stay in the dark
Illinois promised answers after fatal officer-involved shootings and other deaths at the hands of law enforcement. But some prosecutors stay silent.
Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say
Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule.
Stirring history: The plates and legacy of Black holiday food
From collard greens to mac and cheese, and even sweet potatoes, the flavors and traditions behind Black holiday meals are passed down through generations. But could we be losing recipes?
Police believe the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO left NYC on a bus after the shooting
The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer three days ago may have quickly left New York City on a bus after escaping on a bicycle and hopping in a cab, police officials said Friday.
‘There’s something fishy here, don’t you think?’: Wiretapped calls detail Madigan confidant’s confoundment over complicated land deal
Republican lobbyist Mike McClain testifies about ‘crazy parking lot disaster’ at heart of Madigan corruption trial.
From classroom to club: U of I holds student DJ showcase in Urbana
Student DJs from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign showcased their work at an event at Gallery Art Bar Thursday night. The DJ 101 showcase was held in tandem with the U of I’s Hip Hop Innovation Center.
Champaign announces appointment of new Deputy City Manager
The City of Champaign is continuing to navigate changes in leadership with the appointment of a new Deputy City Manager. The move comes after the promotion of the current deputy manager Joan Walls to the position of City Manager.
Mexican consul general in Chicago prepares for second Trump administration
Reyna Torres Mendivil leads Mexico’s consulate in Chicago. The office provides provides passports, birth certificates, and legal aid.
‘Significant milestone’: Champaign appoints first African-American city manager
Joan Walls has worked for Champaign’s government for 24 years. Her experience earned her unanimous support from the city council.
Jurors see list of Madigan’s job recommendations given to newly elected Gov. Pritzker
In the weeks following now-Gov. JB Pritzker’s November 2018 victory over one-term Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan busied himself preparing for a brand new administration after years of conflict with governors of both parties.
White Christmas opens at Parkland College to celebrate the holiday season
White Christmas, the stage musical adaption of the 1954 film, runs for the next two weekends in Champaign.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Dec. 05 – Dec. 09
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45
‘You won’t spend a day in jail’: Madigan attorney hammers Solis’ agreement with feds
Former Chicago Alderman-turned-FBI mole Danny Solis finishes five days of testimony as government’s star witness.
How RFK Jr.’s health proposals could affect Illinois
The federal health department nominee has a history of spreading false information, but he could find a partner in Illinois on food regulations
Local theater holding auditions for actors to explore race and the American dream
The Station Theatre in Urbana is holding auditions for Skeleton Crew this weekend. The play tells the story of four Black characters working at an auto plant that’s at risk of going under.
Madigan attorney accuses Solis of not telling feds ‘all the crimes you committed’
Former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis spent more than 2 ½ years living a double life as an FBI cooperating witness after agents approached him in 2016, asking him to wear a wire on his colleagues or risk being charged for multiple bribes he’d taken while in office.
Illinois assistant Dana Dimel, a head coach at Wyoming, Houston and UTEP, dies at the age of 62
Illinois assistant coach Dana Dimel, who was an All-American offensive tackle for Kansas State and later became the head coach at Wyoming, Houston and UTEP,
Holiday fun returns to Allerton Park with some extended hours
A popular local holiday event is coming back this year to Allerton Park and Retreat Center.
Chapter 8 Fallout- An Uncertain Path Forward
What does the land between the Jordan
River and the Mediterranean Sea look like in year 2048, 100 years after the founding of the state of Israel?
Appellate Court finds former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson should be released until trial
Prosecutors will ask the Illinois Supreme Court to review an appellate court ruling that found former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson should be released from jail pending trial on charges related to the July 6 shooting death of Sonya Massey.
Meteorologists: Light snow and bitter cold to continue this week
Snow and low temperatures are expected this week in central Illinois, according to the National Weather Service.
Champaign on track to get its first African-American city manager
CHAMPAIGN– Officials in Champaign will decide at a meeting Tuesday whether to promote Deputy City Manager Joan Walls to serve as the city’s chief executive.
After closure of Stateville Correctional Center, some incarcerated students may never speak with their professors again
Illinois Department of Corrections policy does not allow volunteers to communicate by phone, electronic mail or letter.
No. 22 Illinois reaches 9 wins for first time in 17 years with 38-28 victory over Northwestern
No. 22 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories for the first time since its 2007 Rose Bowl season.
Discussion revisits music of the Civil Rights Movement and integration of America’s schools
The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is holding a year of discussions 70 years after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that desegregated schools.
Kasparas Jakucionis scores a season-best 23 points as Illinois tops No. 19 Arkansas 90-77
Freshman Kasparas Jakucionis scored a season-high 23 points, Tomislav Ivisic had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Illinois beat No. 19 Arkansas 90-77 in the Thanksgiving Hoops Showcase.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Nov. 28 – Dec. 01
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45
Celebrate the holidays on Candy Cane Lane at the Parade of Lights
The Parade of Lights returns to kick off the holiday season in downtown Champaign this Saturday, November 30th.
E. coli and listeria have forced multiple large food recalls. Here’s what to know
Millions of pounds of food have been pulled off of shelves across the country in recent months due to health concerns.
‘You know why I’m interested’: Wiretaps, secretly recorded videos show Madigan recruiting business to his law firm
For the second time in the span of seven months, then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan called up Chicago Ald. Danny Solis after reading about a proposed real estate development in the alderman’s ward.
Turkey is Thanksgiving’s iconic centerpiece. But in recent years it’s started to slip from the menu
It’s been a tradition to eat turkey for Thanksgiving since the 1800s. But one economic report suggests the custom has lost footing in recent years.
Voice of the Voter: Central Illinoisians Have Different Visions for Second Trump Term
Illinois was one of a handful of states that went for Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election, but residents in the central part of the state have differing visions of what happens next with former President Donald Trump heading back to the White House.
Urbana officials pledge $800,000 for new grocery store, contingent on state grant
Urbana officials are taking steps that could bring a grocery store to the city’s north end. On Monday night, the City Council pledged to allocate
‘You shouldn’t be talking like that’: Madigan scolded alderman-turned-FBI mole for bringing up ‘quid pro quo’
Then-Chicago Ald. Danny Solis had already been cooperating with the FBI for a little more than a year in June 2017 when he received an unexpected voicemail from powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Champaign County seeking feedback on proposed South Lincoln Avenue redesign
Officials are asking for input on a proposal that aims to improve safety along one part of the north-south arterial road in Urbana. The plan would include a lane reduction as well as new bike lanes and pedestrian crossings.
Chapter 7 Fallout- Where is the limit?
Last fall – as the death, suffering and destruction in Gaza mounted – local residents described the numbing effect of prolonged grief and how Israel’s response to October 7 had led them to rethink their support for the state of Israel.
Daniel Romanchuk shares his journey to becoming an elite wheelchair marathoner
Earlier this month, Daniel Romanchuk, from the University of Illinois’ wheelchair racing team, won the 2024 New York City men’s wheelchair marathon. This year’s marathon drew roughly 50,000 racers from 148 countries, according to organizers.
Jakucionis scores 21, Ivisic has double-double as Illinois beats Little Rock 92-34
Freshman Kasparas Jakucionis hit three 3-pointers and scored 21 points — both season highs — and Tomislav Ivisic had a double-double to help Illinois beat Little Rock 92-34.