‘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.
Illini Students Supporting Israel hosts speaker from the Israel Defense Forces
URBANA — A member of the Israel Defense Forces visited the Illini Union Monday night to share his experience living and serving in war zones
Following Shahid Khan’s honorary degree rejection, U of I System is reexamining the process
The University Senate has rejected both of U of I billionaire and alum Shahid Khan’s honorary degree nominations. Now, for privacy concerns and other reasons, the U of I system universities are taking a closer look at their processes for awarding honorary degrees.
University funding overhaul bill advances in House despite U of I opposition
Legislation would create a need-based formula for universities similar to one used for K-12 schools.
Illinois clamps down on Houston for a 65-55 March Madness win to reach Elite Eight
Next up is a meeting Saturday with ninth-seeded Iowa to see which Big Ten team will advance to the Final Four. It will be the 11th Elite Eight appearance for Illinois and its second in three seasons under Brad Underwood.
Strong to severe storms produce hail and high winds in central Illinois
Hail fell in parts of Champaign and Vermilion Counties on Thursday night.
Central Illinois Regional Airport seeks community donations to support unpaid TSA officers
On day 39 of the partial government shutdown, TSA officers across the country missed at least one full paycheck.
Lawmakers advance Pritzker’s cell phone ban, social media regulations
A bill expanding 4-year degrees at community colleges progresses after facing opposition last year.
Iran rejects US ceasefire plan, issues its own demands as strikes land across the Mideast
Iran’s defiance came as Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and as the United States deployed paratroopers and more Marines to the region.
Illinois House committee advances bill banning immigration detention centers near homes, schools
The bill comes months after Broadview facility became focal point of Midway Blitz.
Michelle Jett is set to be the next Champaign County executive
Michelle Jett is currently the director of administration for Champaign County. She held 60% of the vote, according to unofficial results on Tuesday night.
Yearslong ethanol policy standoff could cost Illinois drivers at the pump yet again
The Trump administration soon could announce that it will temporarily lift the restrictions on E15 sales during the summer amid pressure surrounding rising costs due to the conflict in Iran.
Legal battle intensifies over appointing special prosecutor for alleged ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ abuses
The Cook County state’s attorney calls demand “baseless” and claims effort would backfire.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Mar. 26 – Mar. 29
Opening night of a play, a professional ballet performance, an exhibition featuring locally-created games, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Insurance bill combining homeowners and auto regulation passes House, awaits Senate action
Bill gives state authority to regulate homeowners and auto insurance premiums
All top Champaign Unit 4 administrators asked to reapply for their jobs
The Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education approved demotions or resignations of all top administrators. They can reapply for their jobs.
Juvenile suspect in custody following fatal shooting in Champaign outside Market Place Shopping Mall
Police arrested a 15-year-old after the fatal shooting in Champaign. The Champaign County Coroner’s office said the victim is Jaylen Bailey of Champaign.
Homer Lake Nature Center addition will bring new classroom to the park
The district is currently renovating the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.
Rep. Darin LaHood wants the war in Iran to wind down, doesn’t think ICE in airports is ‘the right approach’
The Peoria-area Republican representing parts of Bloomington-Normal won’t commit to green lighting a request for an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund the ongoing conflict.
Who can own big cats in America? Fatal tiger attack draws scrutiny to federal rules
Some animal welfare advocates say federal regulations don’t go far enough to protect these animals and the people interacting with them.
Vanderbilt eliminates Illinois women’s basketball from the March Madness Tournament
After winning the team’s first round of the March Madness Tournament, the Illinois women’s basketball team was eliminated after losing 75-57 to the No. 2-seeded Vanderbilt Monday night.
Mass shooting injures 6, including ISU students, in off-campus residential neighborhood
The victims include two juvenile males, two adult males, and two adult females, police said. Illinois State University Police said in a statement that two of the people injured are ISU students.
Jet collides with fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. 2 pilots killed
The crash shut down LaGuardia — the New York region’s third busiest hub — during what was already a messy time at U.S. airports.
Illinois beats Colorado for 1st round win as youngest team in women’s NCAA Tournament
Cearah Parchment scored 21 points as seventh-seeded Illinois beat No. 10 seed Colorado 66-57 on Saturday night in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Illini are the youngest team in this tournament after replacing four starters.
Andrej Stojakovic scores 21 as No. 3 seed Illinois beats 11th-seeded VCU 76-55 to reach Sweet 16
Andrej Stojakovic scored 21 points and No. 3 Illinois beat 11th-seeded VCU 76-55 on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second time in three seasons under coach Brad Underwood.
Illinois Primary Election 2026: Champaign County results and updates
Michelle Jett has won the race for Champaign County executive with more than 60% of the vote. A narrow majority of voters also appear to have rejected a measure to expand the Mahomet Public Library.
Champaign County takes first step towards a one-year data center moratorium
The Champaign County Zoning Board of Appeals passed a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data centers.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students to pay more for campus health insurance in fall
The University of Illinois says increasing prescription costs and more use of mental health services are causes.
David Mirkovic has 29 points and 17 rebounds to lead No. 3 Illinois to 105-70 rout of No. 14 Penn
David Mirkovic had 29 points and 17 rebounds, and No. 3 seed Illinois dominated No. 14 seed Penn 105-70 on Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
After Illinois’ primary election, here is who will be on the ballot in November
Illinois’ November midterm election is taking shape as results are coming in for statewide, congressional and local primaries.
Margaret Croke wins Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller
Four Democrats fought to replace outgoing Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
Carle, Christie Clinic to launch new endoscopy center in Champaign this summer
Carle Health and Christie Clinic say the Champaign Endoscopy Center will expand access to digestive healthcare and offer colonoscopy and upper endoscopy services.
Gas prices are surging. Farm groups say American ethanol could help ease the pain
Agriculture leaders and producers are urging Congress to allow year-round sales of fuel made with up to 15% ethanol, which they say could boost domestic demand for corn — and offer a cheaper gas option for U.S. drivers this summer.
Super PAC scorecard — how outside spending groups fared in efforts to influence Illinois primary voters
An unprecedented influx of special interest money into primary races led to mixed results for big industries on election night.
A student farming program is expanding in urban schools. Here’s what city kids get out of FFA
Program advisors say students are learning skills that can help them work in a wide range of industries — from biotech to cosmetology.
Budzinski, Wilson to face off in general election for Illinois’ 13th congressional district
Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski beat political newcomer Dylan Blaha, and Republican Champaign County Board Member beat Joshua Loyd, who previously ran against Budzinski two years ago.
Illinois governor’s race will be a rematch in 2026
Republican voters in Illinois have once again chosen former state Sen. Darren Bailey as their candidate for governor, giving him a second chance to unseat incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker in November.
Croke leads Democratic comptroller race as downstate voters dominate GOP primaries
State Rep. Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, held a 24,000-vote lead with 83 percent of votes reporting as of 10 p.m. — a roughly 2.4% advantage over state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Mar. 19 – Mar. 22
A discussion with an award-winning author, a presentation and hike about snakes, a race through a state park, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Illinois Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton wins Democratic primary for US Senate
CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won Tuesday’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, edging out two sitting members of the U.S. House to
Illinois U.S. Reps. Bost, Budzinski and Miller win their primaries
All three Metro East members of Congress won their party’s primary contest on Tuesday and will advance to the general election.