IPM Student Newsroom
Honorary Chris Decker Drive remembers a friend and protector of downtown Champaign
Honorary Chris Decker Drive is located in Champaign on Main Street between Walnut and Chestnut Street. For more than two decades, Chris Decker worked in downtown Champaign as a security professional.
Honorary Daniyjah D. Staple Way commemorates a young woman whose life was cut short by gun violence
The City of Champaign honored the life of Daniyjah Staple, a 2024 Centennial High School graduate with Honorary Daniyjah D. Staple way. The designated road runs along Kenwood Road between John and William streets in Champaign.
It’s a hard time to be a farmer. Many can struggle, but help is available
Farmers have one of the highest suicide rates in the U.S. of any occupation, and in rural communities, suicide rates tend to be higher than in urban areas. Mental health initiatives, like the statewide Farm Family Resource Center, aim to help.
Historic Urbana home that played host to local music closes its doors
The closing of “The Mirror” venue came earlier than expected, after damage to the flooring below the living room made it unsafe to host events.
People with mental illness are stuck in Illinois jails awaiting treatment. A task force seeks solutions
Hundreds of people found unfit to stand trial in Illinois wait months in county jails for a psychiatric bed. Despite an amendment intended to help defendants access treatment more quickly, wait times have increased over the past three years.
After one year in office, Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams reflects on progress and future goals
Williams says he remains committed to the goals he set during his campaign — especially bridging the gap between city government and Urbana residents.
‘Engaging the community in learning has always been our mission’: Parkland College celebrates 60 years
Parkland College serves about 9,600 students and offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs. Parkland’s 60th anniversary celebrations began in March and will continue throughout the year, ending with the Diamond Jubilee Gala in November.
Bovine brouhaha at the U of I: campus cow caper ends calmly
A cow escaped onto U of I’s campus while being loaded onto a trailer on Wednesday afternoon. After charging at several people, the animal was tranquilized and safely recovered; no person was seriously injured.
Urbana officials seek input for Florida Avenue construction, aimed at improving road conditions
Local residents gathered for a public information meeting to discuss construction plans for a portion of Florida Avenue in Urbana. The plans focus on improving road conditions, but some residents want more emphasis on pedestrians and bikers.
Asking for help is a sign of strength: How one Urbana nursery is redefining family crisis
Hundreds of families are served each year at Crisis Nursery — the only 24-hour, 365-day emergency child care facility in Champaign County. The organization also runs programs aimed at supporting child and family well-being.
About 1 in 4 eligible Champaign County voters cast ballots in this year’s primary election
This year’s voter turnout was on par with past midterm primary elections. This year, about a third of voters cast ballots by mail — up from about a fifth in the most recent midterm primary election in 2022.
Champaign is taking steps to more easily allow bike-share companies to operate in the area
The city’s municipal code will be amended to standardize regulations for e-bike companies like Veo and others.