Community
8 months ago
RPC Cooling Program set to begin at June 9

The program begins on June 9, and is expected to help about 200 households. Resources allocated for utility assistance during the COVIID pandemic have not been sustained post pandemic by the federal government, causing the RPC to exhaust its funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in early May. With Summer 2025, the RPC administers a Summer Cooling program to support low-income households in Champaign County.

Community
8 months ago
IDOA lifts poultry sale suspension

Poultry flock owners, managers, and veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing, immediately to IDOA at 217-782-4944 or the United States Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593

Community
8 months ago
Piatt County Master Gardeners host Over the Garden Gate Garden Walk 2025

Tickets are now on sale for $10 and can be purchased at go.illinois.edu/GW and at the following Monticello businesses:  Boka Shoppe, The Brown Bag Deli, Hartfield Book Company, Monticello Mercantile, Out of the Blue Polish Pottery, Prairie Fire Glass, 3Ravens and 3R2 coffee, and the Piatt County Extension Office.

News
8 months ago
Illini greats Kevin Hardy, Simeon Rice named to College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Two of the most dominant defenders in Illinois football history are one step closer to joining the sport’s most elite fraternity. The National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame announced its 2026 ballot on Monday, featuring former Fighting Illini linebackers Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice among the candidates for induction.

Community
8 months ago
Illinois Public Health Department celebrates Pride Month with expanded LGBTQIA+ health programs

In celebration of Pride Month, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is highlighting a range of initiatives designed to improve health outcomes and expand access to care for the state’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Crime
8 months ago
Prosecutors seek 12½-year prison sentence for ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan

Federal prosecutors are recommending a 12½-year prison sentence and $1.5 million fine for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, portraying him as a “grand master of corruption” who misused public office for private gain over the course of a decade.

IL State News
8 months ago
Illinois legislature pushs through $55.2 billion budget with new taxes, limited cuts

With just hours to spare before the end of the legislative session, Illinois Democrats muscled through a $55.2 billion state budget late Saturday night, drawing swift criticism from Republicans for raising taxes and offering little time for public scrutiny.

IL State News
8 months ago
Illinois lawmakers pass smaller Medicaid package amid budget pressures and federal uncertainty

In a late-session flurry on Saturday night, Illinois lawmakers approved one of the narrowest Medicaid omnibus packages in recent memory, citing budget constraints and growing uncertainty around federal funding.

Community
8 months ago
Goodwill brings affordable elegance to Champaign with Bridal Gown Show

Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries is bringing wedding dreams within reach as it hosts a special Bridal Gown Show at its Champaign location on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 912 W. Anthony Dr.

Community
8 months ago
Illinois EPA warns of air quality impacts from Canadian wildfire smoke

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has issued an air quality advisory as smoke from Canadian wildfires has entered Illinois, with conditions expected to worsen through Friday evening and linger into Saturday.