WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 16 – Apr. 19
A Tango festival, the last Ebertfest, and an event honoring Earth Day are all happening this weekend in Central Illinois.
Illinois regulators have little power to stop hospital shutdowns. Lawmakers are stepping in.
Bills from state Sen. Laura Fine and state Rep. Robyn Gabel would require all hospitals to file plans with the state in case they close or scale back services to make sure patients don’t fall through the cracks.
Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Christian Mitchell on downstate Illinois, data centers, and future goals
Gov. JB Pritzker picked Christian Mitchell to serve as his running mate as he seeks a third term in office. Mitchell sat down with The 21st Show to discuss why he wants to be lieutenant governor.
Faculty strike at University of Illinois Springfield continues into second week
The two sides have been unable to reach an agreement over salary increases despite the help of a federal mediator and eight bargaining sessions having taken place between tenured and tenure-track faculty since the strike began on April 3.
South Mattis Avenue in Champaign to close through December for resurfacing, new bike lanes
South Mattis Avenue will be closed through December starting this week from Windsor to Curtis Road. Champaign officials say the new design will be easier to maintain and create new options for people who are not driving.
Trump’s foreign farm worker policy criticized by both unions and ‘America First’ groups
Guest farm workers holding H-2A visas are more important than ever for agriculture, especially after President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Savoy celebrates 70 years since the village’s incorporation
The village of Savoy turned 70 years old last week. In that time, the town has grown from a few hundred residents to nearly 9,000 people. Officials there are looking forward to future development projects.
Illinois Men’s Basketball: Wagler to the NBA, other players transferring in and out
Wagler thanked the city of Champaign and the university for all the support this season.
Most American prairies are gone. These people are working to bring them back
From a field on an Illinois university campus, to rare, untouched land in Texas, here are some efforts to replant once-abundant prairie in the Midwest and Great Plains.
Siebel Center for Design facilitates conversations around AI use for U of I faculty
Artificial Intelligence has quickly become a staple in campus life – from generating ideas in classrooms to analyzing data in research labs. But for many college instructors, the rapid rise in AI prompts more questions than answers.
One woman’s journey from addiction and homelessness to helping others in C-U
People who are homeless face many challenges when it comes to finding housing in Champaign-Urbana. Christine Pierce is drawing from her life experience to support people on their journey to recovery and housing.
Illinois Republican lawmakers introduce a bill for a 6-month gas sales tax pause
GOP state lawmakers want to lower gas prices in Illinois as the price of gas has risen above $4 a gallon because of the war in Iran.
Solidarity rally held in support of striking UIS faculty
Heading into another bargaining session Wednesday afternoon, the UIS faculty strike that began Friday showed no end in sight.
Illinois Public Media and the College of Media team up to offer teen podcast workshops
The workshops will be held April 4, 11 and 25. Registration is required.
University of Illinois students, unions launch campaign to ‘De-ICE’ campus contracts
Dozens of U of I students and workers gathered on campus Wednesday to demand the school cut ties with companies profiting from immigration enforcement.
Illinois farmers ease critical labor shortages through this agricultural visa program
The H-2A visa has become a lifeline for farmers who can’t find enough domestic workers.
ISU workers go on strike after negotiations hit dead end
Another round of negotiations took place Tuesday at Hovey Hall, the main ISU administration building, but the two sides could not resolve their differences.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 9 – Apr. 12
Boneyard Arts Festival, the Festival of Quilts, opening nights of theatre and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
The Latest: Iran says it has accepted a 2-week ceasefire in the war
U.S. President Donald Trump says he’s pulling back on his threats to widen attacks on Iran. The president says that includes an array of bridges, power plants and other civilian targets — subject to Iran being ready for a two-week ceasefire and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
U of I Springfield faculty strike continues
A key issue remains salary. The administration is proposing a 1% increase effective March 16, 2026.
Waymo begins testing in Chicago as bill seeks to legalize autonomous vehicles
For the last year, legislators in Springfield have been trying to work through a variety of issues raised by skeptics of the autonomous vehicles, known as AVs.
Temperatures to warm up later this week with chance of rain returning
Temperatures are expected to warm up again by Wednesday with a chance of rain on Friday.
Soon after massive honeybee deaths, Trump moves to close the nation’s premier bee lab
When beekeepers saw widespread honeybee die-offs last year, researchers at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center stepped in to help. The Trump administration now plans to close the facility.
Illinois pursues abortion coverage for people with little or no insurance
Federal law requires the insurers to segregate that money and use it only for abortion care. Illinois’ bill would allow the state to exert greater authority over the funds.
University of Illinois Springfield faculty go on strike
Union voices concerns over inadequate pay after months of negotiations
United Airlines pushes back start date for new Willard Airport flights, citing FAA restrictions
United’s four new daily flights to and from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will now launch starting June 1. The airline originally planned to have the service kickoff on April 30.
Players, fans in Indianapolis and C-U mourn after Illinois’ historic basketball season comes to an end
Fans and players alike reckoned with the Fighting Illini men’s basketball team’s loss to UConn Saturday night in Indianapolis, bringing the team’s historic season to an end.
UConn reaches 3rd national title game in 4 seasons, beating Illinois 71-62 behind Mullins and Reed
UConn will face Arizona or Michigan on Monday night.
Gallery: Illinois Men’s Basketball makes it to the Final Four in NCAA tournament
Illinois men’s basketball fans made their way to Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday as the team participates in the Final Four semifinal for the first time in 21 years.
WATCH: Illini travel to Indiana for the Final Four against UConn
A blog of videos from Illinois Student Newsroom members Elissa Eaton and Cooper O’Kelly.
Illini look to advance to NCAA National Championship for the first time in 21 years
The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team takes on UConn this weekend for the NCAA Final Four National Semifinals. IPM’s Steve Morck and Kimberly Schofield talk about the team’s success this season.
Why the Illinois men’s basketball team’s European recruitment strategy has paid off
“The Balkan Bloc,” a group of six players from Southeast Europe, have helped Illinois punch its ticket to the Final Four. They come from a region with a long history of basketball culture.
Catholic Diocese of Peoria sees increased attendance amid reorganization of the church
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria has seen a recent jump in attendance in its parishes. Bishop Louis Tylka said the number of people participating in first communion
Attorney General Pam Bondi out at DOJ
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who is Trump’s former personal attorney, will step in to serve as acting attorney general, the president said.
State Police vehicle fleet will take 18 years to replace as costs rise, ISP director says
ISP has more than 1,000 vehicles that need to be replaced for age and mileage.
University of Illinois police prepare for Saturday’s Final Four game
Few incidents occurred last weekend when Illinois beat Iowa to move onto the Final Four, according to the University of Illinois Police Department.
Local organization receives advocacy award to support child sexual abuse prevention efforts
Morning Edition Host Kimberly Schofield sat down with Jaya Kolisetty, RACES executive director, to discuss the Darkness to Light Advocacy Award and the organization’s services
WATCH LIVE: Trump to outline latest developments in Iran war
The president is expected to discuss the execution of Operation Epic Fury, according to a statement from the White House.
New Illinois bill aims to address ‘asset trap’ for residents with disabilities
In Illinois, asset limits tied to public benefits can make even modest savings risky for many people with disabilities. A bill in the state legislature aims to keep people informed about their options.
Supreme Court hears challenge to birthright citizenship as Trump attends arguments
Volunteers with the ACLU, joined by immigrant rights organizations like CASA and the League of United Latin American Citizens, handed out fliers that read “protect birthright citizenship” and “14th Amendment.”
‘Quiet leader’: Former middle school coach, teacher remember University of Illinois men’s basketball star from way back when
Before he became a point guard for the Illini, senior Kylan Boswell went to Edison Middle School in Champaign.
Illinois business leaders want more funding for child care as facilities close and demand increases
Bloomington-Normal has recently seen child care facility closures even though demand is still high.
LISTEN LIVE: Supreme Court hears arguments in Birthright Citizenship case
The Supreme Court will weigh and hear arguments on whether Trump can deny citizenship to children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 2 – Apr. 5
The Champaign Vegan Chef Challenge, an egg hunt for dogs, the Edible Book Festival, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Brad Underwood waited 26 years for a Division I job. Now in Year 39, he has Illinois in Final Four
Illinois’ Brad Underwood coached for 26 years before landing his first Division I head coaching job. Now in Year 39, the well-traveled 62-year-old is finally
Immigration Project grapples with reduction of accredited legal program for immigrant families
The Immigration Project said their DOJ Reps have served approximately 948 individuals in Central and Southern Illinois.
Federal judge finds Trump violated free speech by ordering NPR defunded
A District Court judge has found that a Trump White House executive order to defund NPR and PBS violated the First Amendment and is therefore “unlawful and unenforceable.”
War with Iran disrupts fertilizer supply for Kansas farmers, right as planting season begins
Gulf states are major fertilizer producers, and the war with Iran has triggered a 25% price hike just as struggling U.S. farmers are planting corn.
Thousands gather in downtown Urbana for third ‘No Kings’ protest
The protest on March 28 was part of a broader wave of rallies across North America. Organizers and demonstrators pointed to growing concerns over civil rights and government actions while urging continued public engagement.
In Illinois, a short-term guardianship can help youths during ICE deportations
Some parents are turning to the state program to protect their children during a crisis.
Immigrants lose access to food aid in more states, as federal restrictions take effect
Last year, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the eligibility changes aim to reduce “fraud and waste” in the program.
‘Cow vision’ goggles let farmers see the world on four hooves – and may improve animal welfare
A Wisconsin university is using augmented reality to show staff from meat processing plants and farmers what it’s like to look through the eyes of livestock.
Gallery: No Kings protest in Urbana
People joined “No Kings” protested President Donald Trump’s actions. They demonstrated in Urbana as well as across the U.S. and in Europe.
The Final Four is set as UConn stuns Duke to join Illinois, Arizona and Michigan
The Final Four is set. Illinois will face UConn and Michigan will take on Arizona next Saturday, with the winners squaring off two nights later for the national title.
Illinois advances to Final Four after 21 years
For the first time in 21 years, Illinois is en route to the Final Four after beating the Iowa Hawkeyes 71 – 59.
Photo Gallery: celebrations after Illini beat Iowa
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students erupt with enthusiasm after the Men’s Basketball team defeats Iowa to go to the NCAA Final Four.
Buzzer sounds nonstop for about 7 minutes, causing delay in Iowa-Illinois March Madness game
Players stood on the court ready to play for a couple of minutes before both teams started to warm up as the buzzer continued to sound. It was finally silenced, but then the main scoreboard and video screen that hangs over the middle of the court went dark.
MTD property annexations bring the agency a step closer to expanding bus service
The MTD moved to add properties onto its tax rolls, a move that could allow the agency to expand bus routes and increase access to the Carle health facility along Curtis Road and Mattis Avenue.
Blues icon Robert Cray coming to the Virginia Theatre
Robert Cray has been a staple in blues and the music industry for over five decades. Cray spoke with IPM Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield about his career and upcoming performance in Champaign at the Virginia Theatre.
Junk fees, child torture, tipped wage proposals among bills to clear committee
More than 150 measures have moved thus far as House deadline approaches.