Illinois Public Media News

The Illini men played catch-up all night, but never caught the Iowa Hawkeyes, who won the opening game of the Big Ten Tournament 96-87, Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

On The 21st: We talk about the politics of McLean County in Central Illinois. How are party leaders struggling with defining party labels and values? Also, we hear about a wellness study and the University of Illinois. But first, mega fast-food chain McDonald's is making some big changes to their brand, including partnering with Disney to provide toys for happy meals, 10 years after the companies parted ways. 

Republicans in McLean County - which includes Bloomington-Normal and surrounding areas - are used to being in charge, and have had a strong voice in Illinois politics. But local Democrats are fired up for this year's midterm elections. And all the while, both parties are trying to answer the same question: What should it take to be a member of our party?

Several gun-related proposals passed an Illinois House hearing Tuesday. 

Despite a wet February in our part of Illinois, it’s been a dry winter for most of the U.S. That’s raising concerns about a repeat of 2012’s drought, the worst since the Dust Bowl that cost farmers, ranchers and governments $30 billion.