
‘Standing on the shoulders of giants’: C-U groups honor the legacies and sacrifices of Black Veterans
A Black History Month event hosted by Healing Invisible Wounds in partnership with the local NAACP and the Veterans Assistance Commission, speakers honored the historical legacies and sacrifices of Black veterans.

Flyover Film Studios in Rantoul brings new growth to central Illinois’ film industry
Flyover Film Studios, a company that launched in late 2022, has already been recognized by state leaders for bringing notable economic growth to Illinois.

Meet Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson, the Republican candidates for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District
Republicans Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson are competing in this year’s primary election on March 17. They are seeking their party’s nomination for the IL-13 Congressional District, which spans from Champaign-Urbana to East St. Louis.

Here’s how one Urbana High School teacher is using AI in the classroom
The Urbana School District released guidance for teachers in January on the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, ahead of published guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, which is expected this summer.

Mother of teenager killed by police files lawsuit against Village of Rantoul
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Amy Richardson claims that her son, 18-year-old Jordan Richardson, died due to excessive force in 2023 after he had already complied with an officer’s orders to drop his gun.

Urbana’s King Park revitalization plans include teen hangout area, gaga ball pit and outdoor classroom
After over 20 years of weathered playground amenities, King Park in Urbana will be restored and revitalized. The plans include more accessible walkways, basketball courts, a teen hangout terrace and an outdoor classroom.

A new task force in Champaign County will set parameters for large-scale data center development
The Champaign County board voted unanimously Thursday night to create a data center task force. In parallel, the Board is working to implement a 12-month ban on the construction of new large-scale facilities on unincorporated county land.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin visits Parkland College to announce $3.5 million for dental hygiene clinic
Parkland College officials say the $3.5 million investment from the federal government will allow them to train more students and expand access to free and low-cost dental care in the community.

C-U accountants have this advice for tax filers curious about AI tools
AI tax tools can be handy for summarizing dense tax language and can give people a general idea about how to approach their tax filings. But local accountants warn: Speed doesn’t always equal accuracy.

Kelly, Krishnamoorthi and Stratton participate in U.S. Senate candidate forum in Champaign
Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnomoorthi and Juliana Stratton – Illinois Democrats running for U.S. Senate — attended a forum hosted by the Illinois chapter of the NAACP. The event took place at Love Corner Church in Champaign.

At IPM News forum, Champaign County Executive candidates discuss data centers, ICE and local finances
Democrats Sanford Hess and Michelle Jett took part in an IPM News candidate forum ahead of the primary election for Champaign County Executive.. With no Republican in the race, whoever wins the race will be the one to take office.

New C-U Public Health director says he’ll focus on access to affordable health care in Champaign-Urbana
The new head of public health in Champaign County says he’s adamant about health equity and equal access to affordable health care. Dr. Mamadou Tounkara is stepping into the role following former administrator Julie Pryde’s retirement in January after 30 years of service.

