A prototype of a small modular reactor

The University of Illinois hopes to build a smaller, safer and smarter nuclear reactor. Here’s what’s next

Forty-five years ago, the worst commercial nuclear accident to occur in the United States happened at Three Mile Island power plant in Middleton, Pennsylvania. Thousands of people had to evacuate due to a malfunction and human error causing a steam explosion in one of the reactors.

A person heats up a frying pan over a gas stove.

Electrochemical device developed at UIUC offers sustainable solution for PFAS removal

A class of synthetic chemicals, commonly referred to as PFAS, have raised concerns because of their link to cancers and other illnesses and their environmental persistence. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scientists are working on developing new approaches to removing these “forever chemicals” from the environment.

Wind turbines stand on a field.
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Illinois is transitioning to cleaner energy. Here’s how it is impacting some rural communities

Up to 50 wind turbines are set to operate in Piatt County, Illinois, as part of the Prosperity Wind project from Apex Clean Energy. Standing more than 600 feet tall, they are the largest turbines in the state.

A person holds a stress ball while another person touches their wrist.
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Caregivers play a crucial role in the health care system. But their needs are often unmet

Family caregivers play an important role in the well-being of older adults and can help in their recovery after an illness or hospitalization. But communication between the health care system and caregivers it often lacking.

Urbana City Council tables measure that would require approval for police surveillance technology
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Urbana City Council tables measure that would require approval for police surveillance technology

Officials in Urbana have tabled an ordinance that would require the city’s police department to seek approval before purchasing and using surveillance technology, including license plate readers, facial recognition software, drones, social media analytics software, mobile X-Rays and tools used to gain access to a mobile device. 

A man in a yellow jacket stands in front of a wetland landscape
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Amidst a biodiversity crisis, these Champaign County groups are working to restore native ecosystems

The Midwest has seen an incredible loss of native prairies and wetlands over the past few centuries. The changes have been driven primarily by farming and urban sprawl. But in east-central Illinois, several initiatives aim to bring back native ecosystems. 

A man dressed as Santa talks to a young boy holding a baby doll.
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The Champaign Urbana Autism Network hosts annual sensory-friendly breakfast

With Christmas just around the corner, the Champaign Urbana Autism Network hosted its sensory-friendly breakfast Sunday, at the City Center in Champaign. Children with autism can struggle waiting for hours in crowded places, which can make it hard to attend other holiday events for kids, said Julie Duvall, executive director of CU Autism Network. “It’s…

three men in wheelchairs pose for a photo with arms around each other
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Daniel Romanchuk shares his journey to becoming an elite wheelchair marathoner

Earlier this month, Daniel Romanchuk, from the University of Illinois’ wheelchair racing team, won the 2024 New York City men’s wheelchair marathon. This year’s marathon drew roughly 50,000 racers from 148 countries, according to organizers.

A pair of hands holding a fork and a knife carve a turkey. The turkey is surrounded by other food items like roasted mushrooms, pumpkins and a charcuterie board.
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Worried about political tensions with family this Thanksgiving? Here’s some expert advice

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many are making plans to spend time with family. What is supposed to be a peaceful family gathering can sometimes turn into a nightmare due to political disagreements.

a person in a wheelchair in a bathroom. the person is wearing a green hat, a jacket and has a backpack attached to the back of the wheelchair.
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Accessibility blocked: U of I senior dropped disability studies minor over inaccessible bathrooms

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was a pioneer in campus accessibility, and remains one of the most accessible schools in the world. But issues still persist, creating barriers for some disabled students, like Alyx Bibbs, a U of I senior and a wheelchair user.