Author: Mae Antar

Mae Antar joined IPM as a general assignment reporter in October of 2023. She graduated in May 2023 from the University of Illinois with a bachelors in Journalism from the College of Media. She began her career at IPM in the Illinois Student Newsroom in her final semester as a senior. She frequently fills in as a host for All Things Considered and Morning Edition.

History | Race & Culture

Central Illinois commemorates Juneteenth with Block Parties, History Bus, Bike Ride
ByMae Antar June 15, 2023June 15, 2023

MTD will hold its first Juneteeth Block party on Friday, June 16 in downtown Champaign.

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Education

Lifelong Urbana resident appointed to vacant seat on school board
ByMae Antar June 13, 2023June 13, 2023

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…

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Community | Criminal Justice

Urbana City Council appoints new ‘progressive’ police chief
ByMae Antar June 12, 2023June 12, 2023

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…

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Criminal Justice

Coroner identifies man killed in fatal Rantoul police-involved shooting
ByMae Antar June 9, 2023June 9, 2023

Multiple detectives are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting in Rantoul.

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Community | Race & Culture

Danville breaks tradition and holds its very first LGBTQ pride event
ByMae Antar June 5, 2023June 5, 2023

DANVILLE — The newly minted Vermillion County Pride Coalition held its very first event on Saturday, June 3. A DJ, crafts, vendors, food, and much more filled Temple Plaza in downtown Danville for the first VC Pride Fest. The president of the VC Pride Coalition, Caylynne Dobbles, said that there was a need for some…

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