Illinois Public Media News

University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen spent nearly two hours gathering input in the second of three town hall meetings for a university-wide strategic plan, hearing comments on areas ranging from race to college affordability.  He calls it a 'pivotal' time for the school, calling for a 'resolutely student-centered approach' in areas like research and civil engagement. 

Organizers say they aren’t making demands of the school. Rather, they wanted black students to come together and realize their own strength on the U of I campus.

The new solar farm is the first solar power installation in east central Illinois large enough to be considered "utility grade", generating enough electricity to power 700 average American homes.

Industry experts believe agribusinesses, farmers and food companies are likely the agreement’s biggest winners.

​Republicans in Illinois' Congressional delegation are on board with Governor Bruce Rauner's move to temporarily close the state's borders to Syrian refugees in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris. The state's eight Republican House members are also condemning President Obama's plan to let in 10,000 refugees from that country this year.

After two failed referendums to relocate Central High School, Champaign Unit 4 Board President Chris Kloeppel says a 2-tiered committee will be formed over the next couple of months to research if a two or three high school model is best.

Rauner's first pick for ag director was a farmer. But Philip Nelson, who came to the job after serving as the president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, resigned in late September, less than a year into the job.

There are no big ceremonies Tuesday to mark the two-year mark of the EF-4 tornado that tore through the tiny Champaign County village of Gifford, destroying or damaging 70 homes.  "We did not want to always dwell on the destruction of what had happened that day," said Christina Gann, who was a large part of relief efforts in 2013 and 2014.

Illinois is one of 15 states closing its borders to Syrian refugees in the wake of the terrorist attacks in France on Friday. But it's unclear if this move is legal under federal law.

After House Speaker Michael Madigan announced he would be forced to miss Wednesday's meeting with Gov. Rauner and other legislative leaders, Governor Bruce Rauner moved the meeting to December 1st.