Headlines from Champaign and beyond, five days a week. Hosted, written, and produced by WPGU correspondents.
The final broadcast of the 2024-2025 season of WPGU News brings listeners an inside scoop on international students' summer plans, self-care tips for finals week, summer fashion predictions, Hot Takes of CU and more. Stories by Zayna Quraishi, Peter Hanson, Emily Huffman, Faith Routley, Kennedy Caldwell, Samaya McDonald, Brandi Roman and Abby Timm.Hosted by Amelia Benson, alongside the voices of Zayna Quraishi, Peter Hanson, Emily Huffman, Faith Routley, Kennedy Caldwell, Samaya McDonald and Nick Roacho. Music by Boxout
Real IDs needed to fly domestically, New Urbana Mayor, Professor emeritus Shozo Sato passes, Bike and Roll to School Day, GayBar venue closingStories by Sean Farnsley, Peter Hanson, Brandi Roman, and Faith RoutleyHosted by Nick RoachoMusic by Boxout
President Trump cuts public broadcasting funding, the Department of Homeland Security pays travel costs for self-deporting immigrants, Illinois senators debate over community college degree offerings, Fighting Illini men's golf will host the NCAA Urbana Regional and Champaign Park Pickleball Tournament registration ended yesterday.Stories by Emily Huffman, Peter Hanson, Sean Farnsley, Maeve Keeley and Zayna QuraishiHosted by Zayna QuraishiMusic by Boxout
Debate takes place over new proposal, New Urbana Mayor, Pro-Palestinian protests return to Main Quad, Circular Fashion Expo takes place, Fighting Illini Baseball team falls to RutgersStories by Nick Roacho, Samaya Mcdonald, Faith Routley, Kennedy Caldwell and Maeve KeeleyHosted by Nick RoachoMusic by Boxout
World news roundup, Resist at the IMC, the Wedding Singer at Parkland and Moo-of-I.Hosted by Amelia BensonMusic by Boxout
Bills to raise require more training for law enforcement handling sexual assault cases, and another bill to raise the minimum detainment age for minors. CFE clothing swap and runway and an IHSA baseball venue change.Hosted by Amelia BensonMust by Boxout
Pritzker clarifies his speech, University student visas get reactivated, the Centennial Chargers win against the Champaign Central Maroons and Springtime Walk and Talks begin May 1.Stories by Zayna Quraishi, Peter Hanson, Maeve Keeley and Faith RoutleyHosted by Zayna QuraishiMusic by Boxout
Attorney General Kwame Raoul urges borrowers to vacate default, University commits to higher education amid recent actions by the Trump Administration, Farmers Market set to reopen, and former Fighting Illini football player gets drafted into the NFL.Stories by Sean Farnsley, Emily Huffman, Peter Hanson and Maeve KeeleyHosted by Nick RoachoMusic by Boxout
Spring Jam takes over the Main Quad and Race Weekend occurs in ChampaignStories by Maeve Keeley, Brandi Roman, and Faith RoutleyHosted by Nick RoachoMusic by Boxout
News Correspondent Emily Huffman sat down with Michelle Schwarz to talk about her experience in losing her husband to suicide. Amnesty International thrift sale, World News Roundup and another Midnight MarketStories by Emily Huffman, Faith Routley, Zayna Quraishi and Amelia BensonHosted by Amelia BensonMusic by Boxout
Undergrad Research Symposium opens, Bank building construction, Urbana high school earth day cleanup and Marathon weekend around the cornerHosted by Nick RoachoStories by Zayna Quraishi , Nick Roacho, Abby Timm and Maeve Keeley.Music by Boxout
The Department of Education will resume involuntary federal student loan repayments, the University responds to the changing DEI landscape, International Dark Sky Week starts this week and road closures will go into effect in the CU area starting tomorrow.Hosted by Zayna QuraishiStories by Sean Farnsley, Abby Timm, Faith Routley and Brandi RomanMusic by Boxout
Pope Francis dead at 88, Protest at Alma Statue, EbertFest begins tomorrow and Champaign Central Maroons host Richwood KnightsHosted by Nick RoachoStories by Faith Routley, Sean Farnsley, Peter Hanson, and Maeve KeeleyMusic by Boxout
Urbana protests against President Trump, Professor sues Turning Point USA, and Circular Fashion Expo clothing collection to begin soonHosted by Nick RoachoStories by Faith Routley, Nick Roacho, and Amelia BensonMusic by Boxout
This weeks World News Roundup, Boneyard Creek Community Day recap and Illinois Vintage FestHosted by Amelia BensonMusic by Outbox
A state bill is passed, the University files a lawsuit against the federal government, University AI researchers try to keep students healthy and the women's gymnastics coach is not extended.
The DCEO expands the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, an Illinois Senate bill declaring cannabis odor no longer cause to search a vehicle without a warrant passes, the Champaign School Board reschedules their meeting, the Hotel Royer reopens in Urbana and the 2026 Illini football season will see a number of freshman linebackers.Hosted by Zayna QuraishiStories by Abby Timm, Brandi Roman, Amelia Benson, Emily Huffman and Maeve KeeleyMusic by Boxout
New bill protects University press affliates, UI graduate students art exhibit, Virginia Theatre opens in time for EbertFest and Women's basketball adds new transfer. Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Emily Huffman, Faith Routhley, Sean Farnsley and Maeve KeeleyMusic by Boxout
Governor JB Pritzker called to testify in DC, A state Democratic bill for HIV medications passes, Worker unions rally at Main Quad and Women's basketball adds new transfer guard. Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Abby Timm, Amelia Benson, Emily Huffman and Maeve KeeleynMusic by Boxout
Deputy News Director Abby Timm and News Correspondent Maeve Keeley present a special feature on the SSLC's Sustainapalooza event this Saturday, followed by the world news roundupStories by Abby Timm, Maeve Keeley and Zayna QuraishiHosted by Amelia BensonMusic by Outbox
University students are having their visas revoked in the midst of a President Trump crackdown, the stock market is on the mend, Urbana's Hotel Royer is set to reopen and four campus restaurants are issued yellow food safety alerts.Hosted by Peter Hanson. Music by Boxout
The NWS will not pursue a new contract with artificial intelligence company Lilt, President Trump signed an executive order aiming to boost coal production, Charlie Kirk visited the University on his American Comeback tour, and the Virginia Theater reopened in Champaign.Hosted by Zayna QuraishiStories by Faith Routley, Abby Timm, and Emily HuffmanMusic by Boxout
"Hands Off" protests in Champaign, Stolen SNAP benefits, Charlie Kirk comes to UIUC, Cherry blossoms bloom at Japan House and Champaign Central HS softball team plays. Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Faith Routhley, Emily Huffman, Sean Farnsley, Peter Hanson, and Maeve KeeleyMusic by Boxout
Toxic baby food awareness bill, New Champaign School District board members, UI housing policy changes and Tomislav Ivisic returns to Illini basketball. Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Sean Farnsley, Nick Roacho, Brandi Roman and Maeve KeeleyMusic by Boxout
Pritzker signs agreement with Mexico, Engineering Open House and street closures, UC Books to Prisoners sale and Plant Fair. Hosted by Amelia BensonStories by Nick Roacho, Abby Timm, Zayna Quraishi and Amelia BensonMusic by Boxout
Urbana mayor Diane Marlin will retire after eight years in office, the Boneyard Arts Festival begins tomorrow, and Wiz Khalifa will perform at the Canopy Club on May 21.Hosted by Zayna QuraishiStories by Nick Roacho, Amelia Benson, and Emily HuffmanMusic by Boxout
Trump Administration projected to cut annual funding to the University, Demonstrators rally together against the Trump administration on Saturday outside of the Champaign County Courthouse , Longest serving UI System leader Stan Ikenberry dead at 90, Registration for Champaign County's Spring Residential Electronics Collection Event opens and The Centennial High School Track team attend meet in Bloomington.Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Ian Rushing, Abby Timm, Faith Routhley and Maeve KeeleyMusic by Boxout
Illinois to defy President Trump's executive order, Champaign County's election is right around the corner, Three Illinois Men's basketball players join the transfer portal and unofficial mascot Kingfisher gets a new costume.Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Abby Timm, Maeve Keeley, Nick Roacho and Faith Routhley.Music by Boxout
Ballot question regarding property taxes, new vintage shop in Champaign, Black Dog reopening to come in Urbana and new University administrative unit."University creates new Division of Parks and Natural Spaces" by Reyanna PaulHosted by Amelia BensonMusic by Boxout
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker used a rare veto, a towing company employee is fired after a video of him performing an anti-semetic gesture surfaces online, new restaurants will soon open in Urbana and a local tradition returns after a hiatus.Hosted by Peter Hanson.Music by Outbox.
Illinois governor JB Pritzker passed a bill protecting victims of sex trafficking, Clark Park is to undergo renovations in the spring, and University students voted to adopt the kingfisher as the official mascot.Hosted by Zayna Quraishi.Stories by Maeve Keeley, Faith Routley, and Zayna Quraishi.Music by Boxout.
A new Illinois law requires state run facilities to offer halal and kosher food options, Japan House has begun construction on new addition and Women's basketball tournament run ends.Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Peter Hanson, Amelia Benson and Emily Huffman.Music by Boxout
World news roundup, Chancellor Jones to deliver commencement speech and soybean lab to close.Hosted by Amelia BensonMusic by Outbox
Three men's basketball players earned All-Big Ten honors,A University of Illinois sophomore opened a brick and mortar store on Green St.and Snoop Dogg will be headlining the Illinois State Fair.Hosted by: Michael SweeneyStories by: Peter Hanson, Amelia Benson and Nick RoachoMusic by Boxout
Rural Illinois faces a teacher shortage, the Illinois Environmental Environmental Protection Agency invests in water infrastructure loans, and the Social Security Administration changes its overpayment policy.Hosted by Zayna QuraishiStories by Brandi Roman, Zayna Quraishi, and Kaitlyn DevittMusic by Outbox
IL state police to host first all women recruitment event, Pritzker proposes school phone ban, Champaign seeking input on downtown renovations, and The Fighting Illini Men's basketball team place seventh in the final conference standings.Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Sean Farnsley, Amelia Benson, Kaitlyn Devitt and Peter Hanson.Music by Boxout
This week in world news, Illinois keeps classic state flag, food bank in Eastern Illinois gets extra donations and DOGE closing 6 federal buildings located in Illinois.Hosted by Amelia BensonStories by Zayna Quaraishi, Brandi Roman, Faith Routley and Dylan StrackmanMusic by Outbox
The Trump Administration has denied reimbursements for food programs dedicated to aiding farmers and communities in need,Champaign City Council Member Davion Williams has yet to return to City Council meetings,and three women's basketball players received All-Big Ten Accolades.Hosted by: Michael SweeneyStories by: Peter Hanson, Emily Huffman and Sean FarnsleyMusic by Boxout
Japan House to add a new location, Art Sitkowski promoted to coach position at UIUC, and new IL law will allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees.Hosted by Kaitlyn DevittStories by Zayna Quraishi, Dylan Strackman, and Amelia BensonMusic by Boxout
'Carnaval' comes to the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, Illini women's basketball loses to Michigan, Prime Healthcare buys 8 Illinois hospitals and protestors gather in Champaign against Trump's immigration policies.Hosted by Kaitlyn DevittStories by Kaitlyn Devitt, Sean Farnsley, and Nick RoachoMusic by Boxout
World news roundup, Pritzker announces health debt erasure and upcoming "Red Hot Winter" showHosted by Amelia BensonMusic by Outbox
Urbana has a new mayor,Illinois Baseball flies the W after their home opener,and Illinois becomes the first state to provide free test preparation.Hosted by: Michael SweeneyStories by: Emily Huffman, Peter Hanson and Amelia BensonMusic by Boxout
Urbana adjusts its population count, a new Springfield bill would give sexual assault survivors vouchers for rideshare services for medical treatment, Illinois scores in the top 5 states with the highest AP test scores, and author Kent Brown will visit Champaign to promote his book tomorrow.Hosted by Zayna QuraishiStories by Zayna Quraishi, Emily Huffman, Kaitlyn Devitt, and Brandi RomanMusic by Boxout
Mass Transit District to vote on annexation of stops, Illini gymnast earns spot on national team, and The Fighting Illini Men's basketball team face the Iowa Hawkeyes.Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Amelia Benson, Peter Hanson and Dylan StrackmanMusic by Boxout
Illinois swim and dive team breaks records at Big Ten Championship, Illini Women's basketball loses to USC, and a prairie fire requires the help of six fire departments to get shut down.Hosted by Kaitlyn DevittStories by Faith Routley Michael Sweeney, and Nick RoachoMusic by Boxout
World news roundup, upcoming Urbana mayoral election and Insect Fear Film FestivalHosted by Amelia BensonMusic by Outbox
Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered the State of the State Address,Three University of Illinois professors were awarded a prestigious fellowship,and Indiana bill to absorb several Illinois southern counties, moved forward in the lower courts.Hosted by: Michael SweeneyStories by Peter Hanson, Michael Sweeney and Nicolas RoachoMusic by Boxout
An Indiana house bill that proposes a commission to decide to redraw state lines was passed, Soft Spoken performs this Thursday at the Krannert Center, and the Illinois State Museum is recruiting volunteers and judges for Illinois History Day.Hosted by Zayna Quraishi.Stories by Kaitlyn Devitt, Zayna Quraishi, and Emily Huffman.Music by Boxout.
Gov. Pritzker hints at no tax hikes in 2026 state budget, The Fighting Illini Women's golf team at the Spartan Suncoast Invitational, and legendary Illini baseball coach passes.Hosted by Nick RoachoStories by Amelia Benson, Emily Huffman and Michael SweeneyMusic by Boxout
Urbana police department announces new plan to combat gun violence, Illini wrestling loses to Penn State, and Urbana Mayor democratic primary candidates prepare for the election.Hosted by Kaitlyn DevittStories by Kaitlyn Devitt, Nick Roacho, and Peter HansonMusic by Boxout
Madigan has been found guilty. Former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Michael Madigan was convicted after 4 months of courtroom disputes.Champaign County jails will now be reporting the use of chair restraints--as they should have been doing.and University of Illinois Professor Marcelo Garcia has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.Hosted by: Peter HansonStories by: Peter Hanson, Amelia Benson and Nicholas RoachoMusic by Boxout