Pritzker signs bill allowing Illinois to issue state-specific vaccine guidelines
The new law will allow the state to publish guidelines that differ from the CDC.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 4 – Dec. 7
The Nutcracker ballet, a holiday parade, community dances, and more are all happening in Central Illinois this week.
Nonpartisan think tank identifies Illinois’ most effective state legislators
Because of their legislative supermajorities, Democrats in the Illinois House and Senate ranked the highest on the researchers’ list of legislators’ deemed to be the most effective.
Illinois prison artist wowed that her artwork reached Pope Leo XIV
When Gov. JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker visited the pope in Rome on Nov. 19, they gave the pontiff a gift: a hand-drawn self-portrait by Yesenia Diaz, who’s incarcerated downstate.
A native prairie bird lost federal protection. People are still trying to save it on private land
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates millions of lesser prairie chickens may have once scurried across a range of almost 100 million acres across the Great Plains. Today, scientists estimate there are only about 27,000 left in five states – Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado.
Snow ends in central Illinois, prepare now for dangerous cold
From IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard: Another, weaker storm system will bring another coating of light, powdery snow to central Illinois on Monday.
School closings/delays/e-learning days for December 2, 2025
Tolono Unit 7 Schools will hold an e-learning day on Tuesday, December 2.
Crisis Nursery offers holiday shopping for kids
The Holiday Shop is open this weekend to all children who want to find gifts for family, friends, and loved ones.
National Guard member shot in DC has shown positive signs, West Virginia governor says
Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House while deployed as part of President Donald Trump’s crime-fighting plan that federalized D.C. police.
Floating wetlands in Lake Decatur aim to improve water quality while providing wildlife habitats
As winter approaches, the durability of two new floating wetlands in Lake Decatur will be tested. These man-made structures were installed on the lake this summer with the goal of improving water quality and creating a habitat for wildlife.
Trump cuts could shrink Illinois economy by $10B: report
The report offers a detailed looked at the effects of cuts enacted by Trump through executive order or legislation, directives by federal agency leaders or through Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency.”
Ebertfest and beyond: How the C-U film sphere moves forward after the loss of a giant
CHAMPAIGN — Ebertfest began in 1999 as a star-studded, red-carpet affair showcasing the overlooked indie film darlings in Hollywood at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign.
Miles Scott’s 2 late interceptions secure Illinois’ 20-13 win over Northwestern
Luke Altmyer, one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, was 10-of-15 passing for 136 yards in his final regular-season home game for Illinois.
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?
Ameren residential gas customers to see average $3.65 increase on bills in January
Ameren serves approximately 816,000 customers in central and southern Illinois.
U.S. Rep. Sorensen pushes for extension of Obamacare subsidies during visit to Normal
Sorensen dismissed an idea raised by the chair of the U.S. Senate Health Committee, Republican Bill Cassidy, to shift the money from the subsidies to health savings accounts for consumers.
Wind advisory in effect today for much of Central Illinois
The National Weather Service’s advisory is in effect for portions of central, east central, southeast, and west central Illinois until 6 pm Wednesday.
Budzinski intervenes in local housing dispute on behalf of low-income residents
In late August, after months of conversations with residents, Budzinski approached HUD with concerns, requesting information about the frequency of inspections and compliance with HUD standards.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Nov. 27 – Nov. 30
Rigg’s Christmas Market, a tribute to music legends, the Parade of Lights, and more are coming to central IL this weekend.
Cold front expected with chance of snow during Thanksgiving weekend in Central Illinois
Central Illinois could see high wind gusts, low temperatures, and possibly snow this holiday weekend.
Small businesses feel more uneasy ahead of the holidays after a year of slow sales and high costs
A national survey found the smallest business owners are feeling less confident as they close out the year. Inflation, tariffs and shifts in consumer spending are some of the reasons why.
Which Thanksgiving pie do you serve: pumpkin or sweet potato? There’s a rich history behind both
Are you serving pumpkin or sweet potato pie this Thanksgiving? A look at the history and cultural ties that influence why Americans may prefer one or the other.
Requests for new K-12 funding in Illinois likely to outstrip available resources
If advocates, stakeholders and members of the public were granted all their requests for public school funding next year, lawmakers would have to increase the state’s K-12 education budget by nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars.
A new temporary emergency homeless shelter opens in Champaign
As of Nov. 1, there are 82 unsheltered adults and children in the area, and homelessness is on the rise in Champaign-Urbana, said Cunningham Township supervisor Danielle Chynoweth.
New Federal Rules Could Put Formerly Unhoused People Back Out on The Streets Across Illinois
The Trump administration is dramatically cutting the money available to help pay for housing for people in need, including those with mental illness or disabilities.
Welcome to Morton, Illinois — the bite-sized town that produces a whole lot of canned pumpkin
The pumpkin pie Americans enjoy each Thanksgiving often comes from pumpkins grown near Morton, Illinois.
Stojakovic scores 20 points as No. 8 Illinois routs Long Island 98-58
David Mirkovic had 12 points and eight rebounds for the 5-1 Illini, who bounced back nicely after losing to No. 11 Alabama in Chicago on Wednesday night.
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?
9 months after federal bribery conviction, former Speaker Madigan disbarred
Nearly six decades after becoming a lawyer, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been disbarred following his convictions on federal corruption charges — including bribery — earlier this year.
Illinois regulators cut Ameren’s natural gas rate increase request by nearly $56M
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $73 million natural gas rate increase for Ameren on Wednesday. It’s not yet known how much bills will go up with the decision.
This niche card game has a loyal following in an Illinois prison
Danville Correctional Center reversed a ban on Magic: The Gathering cards last year. Since then, the game has been a source of community and joy.
Now-9am: Dense fog advisory in much of central Illinois
URBANA – The National Weather Service in Lincoln has posted a Dense Fog Advisory for much of central and southwest Illinois until mid-morning on Friday.
Carle Arrow Ambulance is now Champaign’s sole emergency medical services provider
Arrow Ambulance is setting aside four trucks and staff to exclusively serve Champaign. Some paramedics are concerned the agency is not prepared for the task.
Newly released cache of Epstein emails reveal deeper ties with Thomas Pritzker, governor’s cousin
Thomas Pritzker, Gov. JB Pritzker’s cousin, exchanged at least 20 back-and-forth emails with Epstein that show the two remarking on current events and making plans to see each other.
7th Circuit stays judge’s order restricting immigration agents’ use of riot control weapons
The ruling comes after this fall’s Chicago-focused “Operation Midway Blitz” immigration enforcement campaign quickly wound down late last week.
Your Thanksgiving turkey could be more expensive this year. Tariffs are a big culprit
An average 15-pound turkey could cost around $30 this Thanksgiving, according to an analysis from Purdue University.
Illinois prisons are confining the incarcerated to their cells more often than during the pandemic. Can peer education help?
Prison lockdowns cut incarcerated people off from educational opportunities, and they often occur due to staff shortages. Experts say peer mentorship could help fill the gap.
What’s next now that Trump has signed bill releasing the Epstein files
The bill will most likely trigger a rarely seen baring of a sprawling federal investigation, also creating the potential for unintended consequences.
A Farewell to Kennedy Vincent and a Deep Dive Into the ‘No Kings’ Movement
On the Dialogue show, we revisit a conversation about the New Kings movement with civil rights lawyer Gloria J. Browne-Marshall and give a farewell to our inaugural host and producer Kennedy Vincent.
This week in Black Central Illinois: Remembering Latrelle Bright, an Underground Railroad mural and a play about veterans
This episode of “Dialogue” features a round-up of stories from around our region, from remembering Latrelle Bright, a pillar in the CU theatre community, the unveiling of the Underground Railroad mural and a play about veterans brought to life on stage.
Pritzker discusses immigration crackdown with Pope Leo XIV in Rome
The governor also extended an invitation to the Chicago-born pontiff to visit his hometown.
Digital driver’s licenses, IDs available to Illinois residents starting Wednesday
Digital IDs will first be available for iPhones and Apple Watches via the Apple Wallet app, and the new mobile IDs “will soon expand” to Google and Samsung wallets for Android devices.
Duckworth staffer dismissed in wake of immigration accusations
Duckworth sent the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Capitol News Illinois, to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons on Monday, notifying him that staffer Edward York has been terminated.
Junior League of Champaign-Urbana celebrates final Festival of Trees
Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield spoke with the JLCU’s Vice President of Fundraising Monica Samii-Porter about the Festival of Trees and how the group came to the decision.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Nov. 20 – Nov. 23
Musicals, films, holiday markets, and more are all happening this week in central IL.
Senate President Don Harmon avoids $10M fine after election board deadlocks
The Democrat was accused of accepting millions of dollars beyond contribution limits in 2024.
Several counties in Central Illinois under Severe Thunderstorm warning
Residents are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for safety precautions.
House and Senate both approve releasing the Epstein files by a near unanimous margin
The measure advanced through both chambers Tuesday following a day of quick action by the standards of Congress.
Put your rake down! Fallen leaves are healthy for soil and wildlife
Scientists say leaving autumn leaves on the ground can add important nutrients to the soil and create needed habitat for insects.
CPB agrees to revive a $36 million deal with NPR killed after Trump’s pressure
The arrangement resolves litigation filed by NPR accusing the corporation of illegally yielding to Trump’s demands that the network be financially punished for its news coverage.
‘There’s a softness that starts to settle in’: peer educators incarcerated at Danville Correctional Center describe their teaching journey
Danville Correctional Center has led the state in experimenting with peer education programs. Men serving long sentences there have transformed themselves, through learning and teaching, into community pillars at the prison.
U of I students say some leasing companies scam them out of their security deposits
Thousands of students at the University of Illinois of Urbana-Champaign live in apartments. Some say they’re being taken advantage of by the leasing company University Group.
Starved Rock State Park will undergo an $18 million improvement project over the next year
The improvements will include repairs to retaining walls, bridges, stairways and boardwalks.
Decatur begins first phase of water rationing due to the ongoing drought
Officials said Lake Decatur’s water level continues to drop and drought conditions persist in the Lake Decatur watershed as much of central Illinois has received below average rainfall since mid-August 2025.
Man dies after being electrocuted at Clinton nuclear plant
DeWitt County Coroner Randy Rice has identified the man who died as Samuel Ward, 29, of Decatur.
Illinois Public Media’s new leaders describe their vision, hope to allay staff concerns
Lillie Duncanson and John Steinbacher officially began sharing the executive director role on Sunday.
Illinois stands tall against Maryland during Military Appreciation Day Game
Illinois (7-3, 4-3) celebrated the weekend with a 24-6 victory against the University of Maryland (4-6, 1-6). It was a windy game as Illinois tried to fight off the 15 mph winds all game.
Mirkovic’s 27 points and 21 rebounds carry No. 14 Illinois to 84-65 win over Colgate
Mirkovic, a 6-foot-9 freshman from Montenegro, became the first Illinois player to have 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game since Nick Weatherspoon in 1972.
USDA data casts doubt on China’s soybean purchase promises touted by Trump
OMAHA, Neb. — New data the Agriculture Department released Friday created serious doubts about whether China will really buy millions of bushels of American soybeans
Protesters arrested, officers injured in clash outside Chicago-area immigration facility
Police and Cook County sheriffs detained 21 people by midday Friday, and said four officers were injured. Demonstrators sang and chanted before allegedly crossing a protest barrier around 10 a.m.