U of I students call for better housing and meal options over breaks
The International Student Advisory Board wants the U of I to give students the option to stay in University Housing for no additional cost during breaks and provide meals at dining halls or nearby locations. The group has a change.org petition circulating.
USDA ends programs that help schools and food banks buy locally-grown food
The cancellation of two programs will affect more than $1 billion in expected funding this year. Food advocates worry the cuts are coming when other federal food programs are at risk.
Trump administration makes cancellation of Innovation Lab funding permanent, ending the Soybean Innovation Lab at the U of I
The Trump administration has terminated the Soybean Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, nearly two months after its funding was paused pending a review. The lab’s funding is set to officially end on April 15.
Illinois eyes taxing drivers by the mile — rather than by the gallon of gas
As engines become more fuel efficient, and electric vehicles make greater inroads , Illinois faces an unexpected consequence — less funding for roads.
New plaza in downtown Champaign on track to open this summer
A surface parking lot downtown is being converted into a plaza with bench swings, new landscaping and a performing arts stage.
Illini Softball team captures another win at home against ISU
The Fighting Illini Softball team continued their winning streak Wednesday night with a 3-1 victory against Illinois State.
Billions of federal aid for farmers is due this month. Some are counting on it
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said earlier this month that economic aid payments Congress approved late last year are on the way. But with days left before the deadline, some farmers are anxiously waiting.
Community embraces Urbana’s new Health and Wellness Center as a welcoming space for fitness
The Urbana Health and Wellness Center has become a community hub, drawing in people of all ages to enjoy its recreational spaces, fitness classes and social atmosphere.
Rural schools face unique challenges filling positions
Districts finding creative solutions to persistent shortage.
Illinois extends win streak with a 6-4 victory against Indiana State University
The Fighting Illini Softball hosted their second home game of the season with a 6-4 win against the Indiana State Sycamores.
Partisan politics infiltrating non-partisan local Illinois elections
Illinois Democrats backing candidates in new strategy to get involved in all elections.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Mar. 13 – Mar. 16
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
Small town grocery stores face unique challenges. Some Midwest states are trying to help
More states in the Midwest and Great Plains are trying to support rural, independent grocery stores through tailored grant programs.
Closing Market Report turns 40 years old
The Closing Market Report turned 40 years old this year.
Illinois schools turn to retirees, substitutes, outsourcing & state grants to combat prolonged teacher shortage
Annual educators’ survey showed lack of applicants, salary issues and poor working conditions among main causes.
Midgets no more? Bill would require Freeburg High School to change its mascot
A bill introduced in the Illinois General Assembly would prohibit public schools from using discriminatory references to disabilities as mascots — requiring Freeburg High School to phase
‘Danville’s Got Talent’ shines a spotlight on the city’s vibrant performing arts community
The city of Danville hosted its annual “Danville’s Got Talent” show at the Fischer Theater Friday night, showcasing a variety of talents and genres. Fifteen local performers competed in youth and adult divisions for cash prizes.
WILL-FM and WILL-TV interruptions on Monday due to maintenance
Our engineers and electricians are on site at our Transmitter in Monticello hooking up our new transmitters and current (soon to be back up transmitters) to an updated power supply.
Rallying for research: C-U community members express concern over recent federal orders
Hundreds of people gathered at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Friday to rally against President Donald Trump’s attempts to freeze federal funding. They held picket signs and chanted, “Stand up, fight back,” and “Elon Musk has got to go.”
A Dialogue on the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail
This segment of Dialogue goes inside the first public bus tour of the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail. Then, a conversation on preserving African
Tracing Carnival’s origins and its path to the Midwest
Carnival is more than just a celebration; it’s a story of rich history, cultural identity and community. So how did these traditions find their way to the Midwest?
Jakucionis’ 3-pointer completes Illinois’ rally for 88-80 win over No. 18 Purdue
Will Riley led five Illinois players in double figures with 22 points. Tre White had 20 points and nine rebounds.
Illinois opened their first game at home with a win against Saint Louis University, 5-0
Illinois pitcher Karley Yergler only allowed three hits all game and had three strikeouts.
Gene Hackman died of heart disease, his wife died of hantavirus about 1 week prior, authorities say
Authorities have revealed that Danville-raised actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease and showed severe signs of Alzheimer’s disease a full week after his wife died of hantavirus in their home. Chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell said both deaths were ruled to be from natural causes.
Medicaid’s future is uncertain. C-U’s free & reduced-cost health clinics are bracing for what’s next
Federal funding for Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program that covers more than 70 million lower-income Americans, could be on the chopping block. Clinics that provide free or reduced-cost care to residents of east-central Illinois are preparing for the possibility that a need for their services will spike if Medicaid faces cuts.
Savoy Village President candidates talk downtown development, pedestrian access at public forum
Incumbent President John Brown is running for reelection against current Village Trustee Jan Carter Niccum.
War heroes and military firsts are among 26,000 images flagged for removal in Pentagon’s DEI purge
References to a World War II Medal of Honor recipient, the Enola Gay aircraft that dropped an atomic bomb on Japan and women and minorites are among the tens of thousands of photos and online posts marked for deletion as the Defense Department works to purge diversity, equity and inclusion content.
Illinois comes up short in the Big Ten tournament against Nebraska, losing 74 – 70
Genesis Bryant led Illinois with 20 points with Kendall Bostic adding 19.
Midwest farmers worry about the impacts of tariffs on exported crops and imported fertilizer
The Trump administration’s tariff announcements this week are bringing uncertainty to farmers going into planting season. Farm groups warn that retaliatory tariffs will add an additional “burden” to U.S. producers.
Gov. Pritzker: Champaign’s school district is a model for a potential statewide K-12 cell phone ban
Superintendent Shelia Boozer said in a recent survey, Unit 4 families and teachers reported the change is having a positive impact.
What can black holes teach us? C-U astronomers weigh in
Black holes get a bad rap in science fiction. They’re often portrayed as massive monsters of unrelenting hunger, gobbling up spaceships, planets and Matthew McConaughey. But these depictions aren’t really accurate.
State lawmakers brace for possible federal cuts to Medicaid
Democrats warn of widespread consequences; Republicans call hearings ‘performative’
Legislative revenue estimate more than $700M lower than Pritzker’s proposed budget
Forecasters predict revenue growth in current fiscal year will miss the mark.
Trump takes credit for ‘swift and unrelenting’ action in speech to Congress
Trump says he is working to “reclaim democracy from this unaccountable bureaucracy” and has threatened federal workers anew with firings if they resist his agenda.
Watch Live: President Trump address a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol
NPR’s Live Special Coverage of Trump’s address will begin at 8 PM CT. here at ipmnewsroom.org and on WILL-AM 580, WILL-FM 90.9 and WILL-TV.
How the U of I’s new Bicycle Plan aims to make the campus more bike-friendly
Around 15% of students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. The latest Campus Bicycle Plan aims to add more bike racks and implement additional infrastructure improvements that have been on hold due to funding constraints.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Mar. 06 – Mar. 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 a.m., and Thursdays at 5:44 p.m.
Deadline extended for Pens to Lens competition, giving students a chance to bring ideas to the big screen
Students have until March 9 to submit a script to the Pens to Lens Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition.
US tariffs take effect and Mexico, Canada and China retaliate with their own tariffs on the US
Starting just past midnight Tuesday, imports from Canada and Mexico are now taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties. In addition, the 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%.
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge open for students to share their stories
NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge is open through May 2nd, for students in grades 4-12.
Housing costs in Illinois are rising. Lawmakers are considering several bills that could help
Rent and housing prices in Illinois have been steadily rising for the past decade, leading to an uptick in homelessness across the state.
Robert E. Crimo III pleads guilty to murder and attempted murder in shooting at suburban Chicago July 4 parade
Robert E. Crimo III withdrew his earlier not guilty plea to 117 felony counts in the shooting in 2022 that left seven people dead and wounded more than 40.
Poll: Majorities say state of the union is not strong, and Trump is rushing change
How Americans are reacting to the first month of the administration, according to an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.
C-U community members protest for immigrant rights in downtown Champaign
Community members marched in downtown Champaign to protest the Trump administration’s efforts to target and deport those without legal status.
Tre White leads Illinois Mens Basketball to a 93-73 rout of No. 15 Michigan
Tre White had 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead Illinois to a 93-73 rout of No. 15 Michigan 93-73.
Illinois Women crumble in their final game of the season against Michigan, losing 78 – 69
The Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball came up short in Sunday’s game against Michigan at State Farm Center.
A Dialogue with the Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) Image Awards celebrate Black excellence across film, television, music and more. From the story of
Carrying the spirit: The power of Black sacred music
Black sacred music has carried faith, history and strength across generations. But how are these traditions being passed down to the next?
‘Feeding Champaign County Food Summit’ addresses food insecurity with a collaborative approach
More than 13% of U.S. households have challenges with access to food, according to the USDA. Rates of food insecurity in Champaign County track closely with the national trend, which means more than 26,000 residents do not have access to enough food.
Zelenskyy leaves White House without signing minerals deal after Oval Office blowup
During his visit with Trump, Zelenskyy had planned to attend sign a deal allowing the U.S. greater access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, then hold a joint news conference. Instead, Ukraine’s leader left the White House shortly after Trump shouted at him, showing open disdain.
Jury finds Illinois landlord guilty of murder, hate crime in 2023 attack on Palestinian American boy
A jury has found a 73-year-old Illinois landlord guilty in a hate crime attack that left a Palestinian American boy dead and injured his mother. Joseph Czuba faced murder, attempted murder and hate crime charges in the death of Wadee Alfayoumi and the wounding of his mother, Hanan Shaheen, in October 2023.
WATCH LIVE: Gov. Pritzker, Illinois Democratic Leaders raise concerns about possible Medicaid cuts
They’re concerned about the Republican House budget resolution, passed about a week ago, that would include $880 billion in Medicaid cuts.
A Midwest farmer was promised money for a new delivery truck. Then Trump froze the funds
Farmers, nonprofits and state agencies received almost $3 billion in grants from the Inflation Reduction Act in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. But recent federal funding freezes have recipients concerned they won’t end up receiving money.
Threats to cut federal funds over DEI initiatives spark concerns among U of I students
Some University of Illinois students worry about the future of cultural houses on campus due to the U.S. Department of Education’s letter that says schools risk losing federal funding if they support diversity initiatives.
Updated special census boosts Urbana’s official population
City officials say the updated numbers should trigger $600,000 a year in additional revenue from the state.
First public bus tour explores the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail
Illinois Public Media rides along for the first public bus tour for the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.
Danville-raised actor Gene Hackman, prolific Oscar winner, found dead at home at 95 years old
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has been found dead at his home. He was 95. Hackman starred in “The French Connection,” “Unforgiven” and dozens of other films. He was known for his studied portraits of reluctant heroes and conniving villains and won two Academy Awards.
Pritzker says federal funds still being withheld; warns of further spending cuts
770,000 Illinoisans could lose health coverage under GOP federal budget plan.
DeShawn Williams is poised to become Urbana’s next mayor
Williams ran against Annie Adams for the Democratic ticket in the Urbana Primary Election Tuesday. With no Republican candidate running for the position, the primary effectively brings the mayor’s race to a close.
Urbana 2025 primary election results
Urbana voters put DeShawn Williams on the path to becoming the city’s next mayor. Residents also reelected all incumbents currently serving on the City Council.