The tents are down but protesters at the U of I still want divestment. What might that entail?
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The tents are down but protesters at the U of I still want divestment. What might that entail?

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators on campuses across the U.S. – including at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — are calling on their schools to divest from companies with ties to Israel. One of the groups — Students for Justice in Palestine UIUC — wants the university to divest from weapon manufacturers and institutions; disclose all financial…

Promise Healthcare receives a state grant to establish a school-based health center in Champaign

Promise Healthcare receives a state grant to establish a school-based health center in Champaign

Promise Healthcare and the Champaign Unit 4 School District received a grant to fund planning activities for a new school-based health center.  The $50,000 grant was awarded by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Promise Healthcare is a federally qualified health center that provides medical, behavioral and dental services for people in Champaign-Urbana and surrounding…

Illinois schools have to offer a vegan lunch if a student request it in advance. Urbana schools go one step further.

Illinois schools have to offer a vegan lunch if a student request it in advance. Urbana schools go one step further.

Since the fall of 2023 a state law requires all Illinois school districts to provide vegan lunches if requested by a student in advance. Urbana School District 116 goes one step further and offers vegan lunches every day. 

New UIUC signs honor early Black students, promotes inclusion
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New UIUC signs honor early Black students, promotes inclusion

The African American Heritage Trail, established in 2020, is a series of memorial signs that chronicle the history of African Americans throughout the county. Recently, two new displays have been added to the trail. These are dedicated to William F. Earnest and Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield. The new signs are located on First street in…

Local schools educate eligible students on voting ahead of general election
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Local schools educate eligible students on voting ahead of general election

While voting may be a familiar opportunity to most adults, it will be a new experience for those turning 18 ahead of the November 5th election.  Rob Meagher is an American Government and Civics teacher at Centennial High School in Champaign.  Meagher told IPM News Reporter David Pierce the school collaborates with the local chapter of…

Champaign Unit 4 school board unable to vote in new members because of protests by current members

Champaign Unit 4 school board unable to vote in new members because of protests by current members

Eight candidates showed up to the Champaign Unit 4 school board meeting Tuesday to interview for two empty seats. Because board members Amy Armstrong and Betsy Holder were absent in protest, there weren’t enough members to hold the meeting.

Mentee reflects on life purpose discovered following UIUC professor’s death
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Mentee reflects on life purpose discovered following UIUC professor’s death

CHAMPAIGN-Prior to his death, University of Illinois professor, Dr. William Patterson, inspired Champaign residents to build new things. For some, it was a new life. Miquel Smoot told IPM Reporter, David Pierce, that he was living in Champaign and was unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. Then one day in 2020,…

Resignations, walkouts and protests mark Champaign Unit 4 school board meetings this spring

Resignations, walkouts and protests mark Champaign Unit 4 school board meetings this spring

CHAMPAIGN — Two school board members walked out of Monday’s Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education meeting, preventing the others from taking any action.  This follows the resignation of two other board members, including Jamar Brown, earlier in March. “After my first term, I dubbed that experience as the best thing that I never wanted…