When most growers plant corn, they expect neat rows and full, golden ears. But at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a team of USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists does the opposite — they plant the misfits. Twisted, speckled, and tassel-covered corn varieties thrive at the Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center, where more than 100,000 genetically unique corn lines are grown and preserved. Each carries mutations that offer clues to some of the most valuable traits in modern corn — from disease resistance to enhanced sweetness.
The Urbana Board of Education has officially appointed Megan Kirby as the next Principal of Thomas Paine Elementary School, with her new role beginning on July 23.
In a show of unity and renewed direction, the Danville School District 118 Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday night to appoint John Hart as Superintendent and Markesha Parker as Associate Superintendent. Both votes passed 6–0 and were met with standing ovations from those in attendance.
Danville High School administrators have focused in on a new way to help curb issues with students spending too much time on their cell phones and not enough time on school curriculum. During Tuesday night’s board of education meeting, the school district approved spending about $70,000 for cell phone pouches that will lock student’s cell phones during school hours, but will also allow for use in emergency situations.
Parkland College will host its annual Women of Impact Scholarship Celebration and Selection on Tuesday, June 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Parkland Student Union.
A newly filed lawsuit is shedding light on disturbing allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct within the Paxton-Buckley-Loda (PBL) School District, spanning more than a decade. The suit, filed by three individuals including two parents, accuses teacher and coach Robert Pacey of grooming and sexually assaulting students, and claims the district failed to act on repeated warnings.
Residents of all ages are invited to step outside and support pollinator conservation during the Champaign-Urbana Pollinator Quest, a weeklong community science event taking place June 15–21 in celebration of National Pollinator Week 2025.
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees has approved Charles Lee Isbell Jr. as the next chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and vice president of the University of Illinois System, following a unanimous vote during a special board meeting.
Charles Lee Isbell Jr., currently provost at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has been appointed as the next chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and vice president of the University of Illinois System. Pending formal approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, Isbell will officially begin his tenure on August 1. He will serve in a designate capacity beginning July 16 as outgoing Chancellor Robert Jones concludes his term.
Paxton-Buckley-Loda District 210 Superintendent Travis Duley has announced his resignation, citing prolonged stress and the demands of the role. In an email sent Tuesday to district families and staff, Duley said the challenges of the superintendency had begun to take a personal toll.