Illinois Public Media News

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.

Sunday brought daylight and a chance to view the magnitude of damage in Taylorville.  Many residents spent the day removing debris and helping neighbors after a tornado roared through the Christian County community on Saturday afternoon.

Democrats will gain an additional seat, when the Champaign County Board holds its organizational meeting Monday night at 6PM. Six newly elected members will be sworn in. Five of them are Democrats: Leah Taylor, Mike Ingram, Charles Young, Eric Thorsland and Maria Vasquez, plus Republican Jodi Wolken.

The National Weather Service says multiple tornadoes touched down in central Illinois, damaging dozens of structures and injuring at least 20 people.