MTD pursues plan to expand bus service following passage of state transit funding bill
Funding from the state transit bill will enable the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District to continue planning new bus routes and improve frequencies for existing service.
Illinois unveils plans to celebrate 250 years of American independence
The programs will seek to highlight local histories and celebrate Illinois’s achievements.
Champaign City Council rejects public encampment ban
The measure would’ve prohibited people from camping on public and city property while requiring city staff to make an effort to connect people with social services.
217 Today: Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois
In today’s deep dive, the political climate in some states has encouraged hostility towards trans people. It’s causing some to leave in search of more affirming communities.
Freezing temperatures continue until end of the week
Meteorologists said wind chills will range from zero to as low as 15 degrees below zero on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Unit 4 parents, students looking for ‘strong communicator’ in next superintendent
Those who want to be Champaign Unit 4’s next superintendent can apply now. The job description is based on the input parents, teachers and students.
Sean Grayson’s attorneys seek new trial after murder conviction
Defense says judge should have barred video of minutes following Sonya Massey’s shooting.
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.
217 Today: Crisis Nursery offers holiday shopping for kids
In today’s deep dive, the Crisis Nursery in Urbana is hosting its annual holiday shop this weekend. We’ll hear about how the children can shop for their loved ones.
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.
217 Today: A native prairie bird lost federal protection. People are still trying to save it on private land
In today’s deep dive, lesser prairie chickens used to roam across the Great Plains by the millions. Now there’s only a few thousand. And they recently lost federal protection.
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.
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