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UI7 Live is dedicated to delivering timely, accurate, and impactful news, weather, and sports coverage for Champaign County. As a student-driven newsroom, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism—informing, engaging, and empowering our community with stories that matter. Whether it’s breaking news, in-depth reporting, or local sports coverage, UI7 Live brings you the facts with integrity, curiosity, and a passion for storytelling.

UI7 Live | Season 34 | Episode 4

The Midwest is still recovering from late-night thunderstorms.

UI7’s Weather Team has you covered on how to stay prepared.

Then — an update on the conflict in Iran… and how the price of war could soon be hitting your wallet.

What the U.S. Defense Secretary is saying… and whether there’s any end in sight.

And finally — Women’s History Month is being celebrated across the nation.

See how Champaign County is honoring the women who make our community strong.

From Illini to Olympians: Illinois Athletes Shine at the Winter Games
02:39
Gov. J.B. Pritzker Unveils $56B Budget in Illinois State of the State Address
01:10
Remembering Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Icon and Advocate
00:52
Champaign Vigil
02:32
Substance Violations Drop at U of I — But Consumption Remains Steady
00:40
Honoring Our Heroes: Parkland College Veterans Day Ceremony
02:15
The Northern Lights Show
00:37
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case Challenging Gay Marriage
01:45

UI7 Live | Season 34 | Episode 3

Police are searching for a shooter tonight—after a Champaign teenager was rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
What we know so far—and how you can help bring the person responsible to justice.

Plus, tensions are rising overseas as Iran continues to recover from recent attacks involving the U.S. and Israel.
We’ll show you how this growing conflict is hitting closer to home here in Champaign.

Take VO—Cold Open 3

And with midterm elections just around the corner, we’re breaking down your ballot—
Which races matter most, and what’s at stake in your community.

All this and more, as UI7 Live starts—
Right now.

UI7 Live | Season 34 | Episode 2

In a speech on the floor of the United States Capitol, Donald Trump declared a “new golden age of America.” But do people across Illinois agree? We break down the reaction and what it means locally.

Plus, new federal regulations are putting Illinois wildlife at risk. We take a closer look at how local organizations are working to protect vulnerable wetlands.

And for fans of the Chicago Bears, big changes may be ahead. A proposed stadium deal could move the team to Indiana, taking them out of Chicago—and possibly out of Illinois.

UI7 Live | Season 34 | Episode 1

Tonight on U-I-7 Live

We’re breaking down J. B. Pritzker’s State of the State address and what his plans mean for Illinois.

Three candidates vying for the open U.S. Senate seat also share their non-negotiables—get the highlights and key takeaways from the debate.

Plus, from Illini to Olympians: we spotlight three former University of Illinois athletes now competing on the world stage at the Winter Olympics.

All this and more on U-I-7 Live.

Executive Producer Piper Pascarella

Show Producer Nathan Gonzalez

Director Addison Petrinos

Advisor Kenneth R. Erdey

UI7 Live | November 12, 2025

A crucial House vote could finally end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. How the GOP’s narrow majority may decide what happens next.

Plus — Illinois Senator Dick Durbin faces pushback after siding with Republicans on the bill to reopen the government.

And — it’s starting to feel like the holidays! We’ll show you the best winter events around town.

UI7 Live starts now.

Executive Producer Piper Pascarella

Producer Nathan Gonzalez

Director Addison Petrinos

Advisors Kenneth R. Erdey, Colleen King

UI7 Live | November 5, 2025

We’re following major breaking news — a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy has been found guilty in the murder of Sonya Massey. We’ll bring you the latest details and facts from the case.

Plus, millions of Illinois residents could soon lose money for food assistance. Find out what’s behind the change and the resources available in your area.

And finally, prices are shifting across the state — while some Illinoisans may say goodbye to a credit card fee, they could also be saying hello to higher energy bills.

Executive Producer Piper Pascarella

Producer Nathan Gonzalez

Director Addison Petrinos

Advisors Kenneth R. Erdey, Colleen King

UI7 Live | October 29, 2025

We’re following breaking news — a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy has been found guilty in the murder of Sonya Massey. We’ll break down the facts of the case and what comes next.

Plus, millions of Illinois residents could soon lose access to food assistance — we’ll share what you need to know and where to find help in your area.

And finally, prices are shifting across the state — while one credit card fee may disappear, energy bills are on the rise. Here’s how these changes could affect you.

Executive Producer Piper Pascarella 

Producer Nathan Gonzalez

Advisor Kenneth R. Erdey

UI7 Live | October 22, 2025

ICE IN CHAMPAIGN COUNTY: Lawmakers confirm federal immigration agents have arrived. Why Urbana is now at the center of Illinois’ immigration crackdown.

THE SONYA MASSEY TRIAL: The former Sangamon County deputy accused of her murder is back in court. How this case continues to shock the nation more than a year later.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IMPACT: As the shutdown drags on, lawmakers across the country warn of a growing threat of authoritarianism.

 

Executive Producer Piper Pascarella

Producer Nathan Gonzalez

Director Addison Petrinos

Advisor Kenneth R. Erdey, Colleen King

UI7 Live | October 15, 2025

TONIGHT on UI7 Live

 

Redistricting Battle: Illinois becomes a key target for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — and your district could be at the center of the fight for control of Congress.

Election 2026: The race for Senator Dick Durbin’s seat is heating up. Hear from the candidates hoping to represent Illinois and their take on the issues that matter most to you. Government Shutdown: It’s Day 15 — and the pressure is mounting. As funds for federal workers run thin, the threat of chaos grows.

All that and more.

Executive Producer Piper Pascarella

Producer Nathan Gonzalez

Advisors Kenneth R Erdey, Colleen King

UI7 Live | October 8, 2025

Executive Producer: Piper Pascarella

Producer Nathan Gonzalez

Director: Addison Petrinos

Anchors: Kaitlyn Devitt, Layli Nazarova

Advisors: Kenneth R. Erdey, Colleen King

Tensions are escalating in Illinois as more National Guard troops arrive under President Trump’s immigration crackdown in Chicago—an operation he’s calling a “war zone.” Governor J.B. Pritzker continues to push back against the deployment as troops prepare to begin their assignments.

Meanwhile, the federal government remains shut down for a second week, with no deal in sight. The Senate once again failed to reach an agreement to reopen the government—leaving millions wondering how the ongoing standoff could soon impact them.

UI7 Live | October 1, 2025
Executive Producer: Piper Pascarella

Producer Nathan Gonzalez
Director: Addison Petrinos
Advisors: Kenneth R. Erdey, Colleen King

We’re following a major breaking story tonight: the federal government is now officially shut down.
Congress failed to reach a spending agreement by last night’s deadline—and tonight, both parties remain locked in a bitter blame game, with expiring subsidies for the Affordable Care Act at the center of the stalemate.

Also tonight, Julianna Lynn is here with your forecast for the week, and Nate Miller sits down with two brothers making a huge impact on Illinois Football.

All that and more, right here on UI7 Live—your source for campus, community, and state news.

UI7 Live | September 24, 2025
Executive Producer: Piper Pascarella
Producer: Nathan Gonzalez
Director: Addison Petrinos
Advisors: Kenneth R. Erdey, Colleen King

On today’s edition of UI7 Live, our show begins at the Champaign County Courthouse, where they handed down a major sentencing in a local murder case that’s drawn significant attention across the community.

We then turn to the world of politics, with an exclusive announcement you’ll see only on UI7: a new candidate has declared that she's officially running for Illinois’ 103rd State Representative seat—and she chose our show to break the news.

Also in the headlines, Parkland College is launching a brand-new initiative—rolling out a mobile trailer designed to bring hands-on learning and educational opportunities directly into the community.

All that and more, right here on UI7 Live—your source for campus, community, and state news.

Latest Episodes & Stories

UI7 Live

UI7 Live Kickoff

UI7 Live Kickoff

Original Airdate: September 18, 2025

UI7 Live brings you the latest in local news from Champaign County, along with up-to-date weather forecasts and major national headlines. From what's happening in your community to the stories making news across the country, our team delivers clear, reliable coverage to keep you informed every weekday.

Executive Producer Piper Pascarella

Lead Producer Nathan Gonzalez

Lead Anchor Kaitlyn Devitt

Co-Anchor Layli Nazarova

Advisors Kenneth R. Erdey, Colleen King

Have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you!

If you have a story idea or want to be featured on one of our UI7 Newsroom programs, please reach out to us by email at ui7-news@illinois.edu.

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