Champaign substitute teacher among those joining “March to Gaza” protest in Egypt
Central Illinoisans are among the over 4,000 people from the United States heading to Egypt as part of a peaceful march to the border with Gaza.
Local activists decry ‘one year of silence’ from Champaign officials on Gaza
Champaign officials have declined to take action on the conflict, saying the issue isn’t a local one. That’s prompted some local Arabs and Muslims to say they feel their safety is being ignored.
University of Illinois Pro-Palestinian protests one year later: Felony charges, new policies and fear
One year later, the campus’ political climate is in a much different place. For many students, their decision to speak out has taken a toll.
U of I funding to help showcase cancer research through theater
The University of Illinois Chancellor’s Research Program will help fund a research project that is examining cancer disparities in underrepresented groups.
‘Laced with uncertainty’: rehired Veterans Affairs worker expects she’ll lose her job again
One woman who was rehired at the Veterans Affairs facility in Danville after being fired is worried that she won’t be back for long.
Local activists march in downtown Champaign after Israel breaks Gaza ceasefire
Nearly 200 people marched from West Side Park to downtown Champaign and back Tuesday evening after Israel resumed air strikes in Gaza, breaking a temporary ceasefire.
New plaza in downtown Champaign on track to open this summer
A surface parking lot downtown is being converted into a plaza with bench swings, new landscaping and a performing arts stage.
Dozens protest on the streets of Champaign for the rights of transgender people
Protesters spoke out about recent executive orders by President Donald Trump, targeting transgender and nonbinary people with a series of executive orders.
Local Muslims and Arabs have anxiety and aspirations for a second Trump term
It is unclear how President-elect Donald Trump will address the war in Israel when he returns to office on January 20, 2025. That has left local Muslims and Palestinians with mixed feelings.
‘Trying to hold on to hope’: Local Jewish and Palestinian communities remember October 7 one year later
CHAMPAIGN– Vigils and gatherings were held around the country and in Champaign Monday to mark one year since an attack by Hamas killed about 1,200 people in Israel. Hillel and the Chabad Center came together on the University of Illinois Quad to mourn those lost and those still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. An…
U of I grad running as write-in candidate for congress
URBANA – A candidate for Illinois’ 13th congressional district is now running as a third-party write-in candidate. Chibu Asonye, 27 grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois in 2018. She currently serves as a residence director at the university. Hi @AOC @briebriejoy, I'm Chibu Asonye! I am a down-ballot candidate for…
Pastor-led grocery store officially opens in Danville food desert
With help from a state grant, Carle Health and other partners, Heavenly Square is bringing fresh ingredients to an area of Danville where they were inaccessible before.
University of Illinois student charged with mob action for pro-Palestine encampment
Yafa Issa is the first University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student to be charged for participating in pro-Palestine demonstrations on campus at the end of the 2024 school year.
Urbana sees spike in need for rent, food help
Cunningham Township, which serves the same area as the city of Urbana, spent $100,000 over budget this fiscal year in its quest to help all those needing food and housing help.
Champaign floats sales tax increase to replace statewide grocery tax
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the state budget on Wednesday that eliminates the statewide, 1 percent grocery tax. Because the tax was a source of revenue for local governments, the city of Champaign is looking for ways to offset a loss of about $2.7 million per year.