The ‘Friendliest Small Town In America’ Can’t Agree On Removing Robert E. Lee Monument

The ‘Friendliest Small Town In America’ Can’t Agree On Removing Robert E. Lee Monument

MURRAY, KY – The sun was setting on the courthouse square in the rural college town of Murray, Kentucky, after another sweltering July day. The town bills itself as the “friendliest small town in America,” but recent controversy around the removal of a Confederate monument have complicated that image. The city of Murray had unanimously…

Recount Completed In Contested Macon County Sheriff’s Election

Recount Completed In Contested Macon County Sheriff’s Election

A manual recount of ballots has been completed in the 2018 Macon County Sheriff’s election, where the initial tally showed a one-vote margin between the winner and loser. Champaign County Circuit Judge Anna Benjamin ordered the recount, after the Republican candidate, Jim Root, contested his loss to Democrat Tony Brown, 19,655 to 19,654. Both candidates…

What Should Be the Role of Police in Champaign-Urbana? – FB Live
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What Should Be the Role of Police in Champaign-Urbana? – FB Live

URBANA – Illinois Newsroom held a complex and sometimes spirited discussion over the history and future of police and policing in Central Illinois. The following people participated in a 90-minute discussion on Facebook live event on July 23 to discuss their views and visions for the future.: Tatianna Ammons, community activist & Champaign County Board…

Conservationists Start Project Restoring Some Of Central Illinois’ Native Prairie

Conservationists Start Project Restoring Some Of Central Illinois’ Native Prairie

DECATUR – Workers cut down a large tree at Rock Springs Conservation Area in southwest Decatur. They’re clearing invasive tree species to make way for re-seeding something that is now rare in Illinois—native tallgrass prairie. Less than one-tenth of 1% of Illinois’ native prairie still exists. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois…

With Hopes Of Safe Reopening, Some Schools Launch Widespread COVID-19 Testing
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With Hopes Of Safe Reopening, Some Schools Launch Widespread COVID-19 Testing

URBANA – As universities prepare to welcome students back to campus for the fall semester, some are counting on widespread COVID-19 testing to help clamp down on potential outbreaks.  At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, large white tents, with signs reading “Walk-Up COVID-19 Testing,” have been popping up across campus. On a sunny summer…

Illinois Prisons Have Tested Few Inmates For COVID-19, Researchers Say More Is Needed

Illinois Prisons Have Tested Few Inmates For COVID-19, Researchers Say More Is Needed

CHAMPAIGN – Nearly 350 incarcerated people in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections have tested positive for COVID-19, and more than 200 staff members have also contracted the virus. At least 13 inmates have died from COVID-19. But as of June 23, IDOC had conducted only 958 COVID-19 tests on its prison population,…

The Champaign City Building figures prominently in this view of downtown Champaign, as seen from University Avenue.

Gun Violence In Champaign Could Surpass 2019 Say Leaders

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign reported a record 100 incidents of gun violence last year. This year is only half over and the city says there has already been 95 incidents. On Tuesday, city leaders said most of the shootings are between people who know each other. Anthony Cobb is the police chief. “Gun violence does not…

News Around Illinois – July 21, 2020

News Around Illinois – July 21, 2020

House Progressive Caucus Weighs In On Madigan, ComEd CHICAGO (AP) — Members of the Illinois House of Representatives’ progressive caucus said Monday longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan must resign if allegations of a bribery scheme involving utility ComEd are true. The 12 caucus members said the allegations disclosed Friday by federal prosecutors in Chicago are…

Illinois To Fund Summer Jobs For Low-Income Youth And Young Adults
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Illinois To Fund Summer Jobs For Low-Income Youth And Young Adults

URBANA – A new statewide effort aims to provide vulnerable young people in Illinois with summer jobs.  The COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program provides $9.3 million to fund summer jobs for 2,400 young adults with a focus on low-income youth living in high-poverty communities. State and local officials spoke at a press conference Monday, held…

Mattoon Accountant Files For Independent Statehouse Bid

Mattoon Accountant Files For Independent Statehouse Bid

MATTOON – An accountant living in Mattoon is running in the 110th Illinois House District against Republican incumbent Chris Miller. Kody Czerwonka filed ballot petitions on July 13 to run for the seat held by Miller, a first-term Republican from rural Oakland. No Democrat has filed to run for the seat, and Czerwonka says he…