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.
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‘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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ebertfest’s ‘Last Dance’ honors founder and namesake Roger Ebert after festival’s 27-year run
Last year, Ebertfest organizers had said they wouldn’t be coming back, but they pivoted and made a final return for the “Last Dance” event on April 17 and 18, featuring nine film screenings plus a play re-enacting an episode of Siskel & Ebert.
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Regardless of their stance on the war, Iranians in C-U feel silenced by those who disagree with them
Some Iranians in the U.S. say they support the war to get rid of the violent Iranian regime. Others are not as hopeful, citing numerous examples of failed external military interventions for democratization of the Middle East.
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Champaign Public Library marks 150 years of growth, access and community impact
The library will celebrate its 150th anniversary all year. National Library Week will be one of the biggest celebrations, from April 19 through April 25.
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CUrbanism Club uses data and art to draw attention to Champaign-Urbana’s housing needs
CUrbanism Club used data from the city of Champaign — plus photography, paintings and collages — to highlight steps toward meeting local housing needs. The interactive art exhibit highlighted policies that pose barriers and proposed solutions.
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One woman’s journey from addiction and homelessness to helping others in C-U
People who are homeless face many challenges when it comes to finding housing in Champaign-Urbana. Christine Pierce is drawing from her life experience to support people on their journey to recovery and housing.
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WATCH: Illini travel to Indiana for the Final Four against UConn
A blog of videos from Illinois Student Newsroom members Elissa Eaton and Cooper O’Kelly.
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Thousands gather in downtown Urbana for third ‘No Kings’ protest
The protest on March 28 was part of a broader wave of rallies across North America. Organizers and demonstrators pointed to growing concerns over civil rights and government actions while urging continued public engagement.
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Illini Students Supporting Israel hosts speaker from the Israel Defense Forces
URBANA — A member of the Israel Defense Forces visited the Illini Union Monday night to share his experience living and serving in war zones and discuss the U.S. and Israel’s war in Iran. Eli Wininger, a Los Angeles native and an IDF reservist, said he grew up in a family with strong Zionist beliefs….
