Scott Bennett Funeral Scheduled For Krannert Center on December 19
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Scott Bennett Funeral Scheduled For Krannert Center on December 19

State Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign will be remembered at a funeral at the University of Illinois’ Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Monday, December 19 at 10 A.M. Owens Funeral Home in Champaign, which is handling the arrangements, says the public is invited to the funeral at the Krannert Center, which will follow a…

Rivian and Mercedes pause plans to build electric vans together in Europe

Rivian and Mercedes pause plans to build electric vans together in Europe

Rivian says it’s canceling plans to build electric vans with Mercedes-Benz in Europe, just three months after their joint venture was announced. Rivian is calling it a “pause” in the partnership. The company says it wants to focus on its consumer business and existing commercial business — which is making vans for Amazon. The e-commerce giant…

State Farm ends retiree charitable matching gifts

State Farm ends retiree charitable matching gifts

BLOOMINGTON – In a surprising move that has implications for not-for-profit organizations in central Illinois, State Farm is cutting back on its charitable giving in at least one area. The company website notes retirees will no longer be eligible for the company’s charitable matching gift program, effective with the new year. The Bloomington-based insurer will…

Winter months bring added struggle to people with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Winter months bring added struggle to people with Seasonal Affective Disorder

CHAMPAIGN — While his music may be loud and energetic, guitarist and Champaign resident Aaron Heath said he prefers complete silence when he meditates.  He said meditation is a way of keeping a routine when his seasonal depression gets overwhelming.  “I’m just mindful of it,” Heath said. “I know I meditate almost daily, a lot….

Parent backlash delayed school desegregation plans in Champaign. What are the options now?
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Parent backlash delayed school desegregation plans in Champaign. What are the options now?

CHAMPAIGN – After parent backlash, the Champaign Unit 4 school board has a new option for further desegregating schools – keeping student placements mostly the same. Consulting firm Cooperative Strategies presented this new option to the Unit 4 Board of Education on Monday. The board hired the consulting firm to improve racial and class equity…

CVS and Walgreens agree to pay $10 billion to settle lawsuits linked to opioid sales
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CVS and Walgreens agree to pay $10 billion to settle lawsuits linked to opioid sales

WASHINGTON — CVS and Walgreens have agreed to pay more than $10 billion to several states in a settlement of lawsuits brought against them alleging their roles in the opioid crisis. CVS would pay nearly $5 billion over 10 years, while Walgreens would pay $5.7 billion over 15 years, according to statements released by state…

Lawmakers hear from advocates for assault weapon ban

Lawmakers hear from advocates for assault weapon ban

Victims say minority communities experience more mass shootings SPRINGFIELD – Victims and survivors of multiple mass shootings urged state lawmakers on Monday to pass a ban on assault weapons, arguing that communities throughout Illinois have felt the pain of deadly mass shootings. “I was shot multiple times on the Fourth of July in Highland Park,”…

217 Today: Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder

217 Today: Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 Today’s headlines:  Survivors of gun violence and those close to it are talking to Illinois lawmakers about a proposal to ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun its latest Census of Agriculture.  Champaign Unit 4 families have a new option to consider as the…