Illinois Public Media News

Prairie politicians didn't let challenges, like rules, get in their way, historians say.

A survey of destruction in Taylorville shows a Saturday tornado left 100 homes destroyed or with severe damage.  The survey, which included the areas of the town that took less of a direct hit, determined another 400 homes damaged, but habitable.  

For the fourth time since Democrats won a majority on the Champaign County Board in 2002, one of those Democrats has become county board chair with Republican support. Giraldo Rosales was named the county board’s new chair at Monday night’s organization meeting.

On the 21st: On this day 200 years ago, Illinois became the 21st state to join the union (yes, that's where our show's name comes from). We're bringing you an hour of our favorite bicentennial conversations from this past year—everything from our first state constitution, to the best Illinois movies, to the little-known history of free black communities in southernmost Illinois. Plus, we'll check in with immigration advocates about the 'VOICES Act,' which will become law next year.

The Illini men's basketball team lost its Big Ten opener 75-60 Sunday in Lincoln, Nebraska.