Marchers protest killings of two Black men in Rantoul

Marchers protest killings of two Black men in Rantoul

RANTOUL – Protesters marched on the streets of Rantoul to demand justice for two young black men, 21-year-old Azaan Lee and 18-year-old Jordan Richardson. Both were killed in separate police-involved shootings this year. On July 29, about 50 people gathered at Christopher Rudzinski Memorial Park and marched to and from the police station chanting the…

Braver Angels hosts bipartisan talk between politicians and constituents in Rantoul
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Braver Angels hosts bipartisan talk between politicians and constituents in Rantoul

RANTOUL – On Wednesday, Republican and Democratic state lawmakers met with constituents at Rantoul Township High School to bridge political divides.  The Bipartisan Constituent Conversation was hosted by Braver Angels Illinois. It was the first time public officials in Illinois attended one of the nonprofit’s events.  “Our goal is to facilitate the conversation because so…

Champaign police are finding new ways to engage with community youth
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Champaign police are finding new ways to engage with community youth

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign Police Department began gathering in coffee shops about six years ago for their “Coffee with a Cop” program. This month, they launched a new youth-geared program – “Ice Pops with Cops.” Their most recent “Coffee With A Cop” event was June 6th at the Starbucks on S. Neil St. in Champaign. …

Republican and Democratic lawmakers will discuss differences in Rantoul on Thursday

Republican and Democratic lawmakers will discuss differences in Rantoul on Thursday

RANTOUL –  Braver Angels Illinois, the non-profit organization that works to bridge the divide in the political climate, is holding an event to bring Democratic and Republican voters together for a civil discussion. On Wednesday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m., Braver Angels will hold a Bipartisan Constituent Conversation at Rantoul Township High School. For the…

Lifelong Urbana resident appointed to vacant seat on school board

Lifelong Urbana resident appointed to vacant seat on school board

URBANA – An alumnus, grandmother, and former school bus driver for Urbana School District 116 is its newest school board member. The district recently appointed Lola Jones to fill a vacant board seat.  She was sworn in on June 6 and has since attended her first meeting. Her term expires in two years.  Jones was…

Urbana City Council appoints new ‘progressive’ police chief
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Urbana City Council appoints new ‘progressive’ police chief

URBANA – More than a year since the retirement of Urbana’s police chief, the City Council unanimously appointed the only finalist, Larry Boone, as the new chief. The appointment came after months of various interviews and community meetings and the recommendation of Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin.  Marlin said the city conducted online and paper surveys…