Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Today’s headlines: Two measures in the General Assembly would ensure families of first responders killed in the line of duty get their benefits without delay. A pair of tornadoes touched down near Champaign-Urbana on Monday just before 9 a.m. After Florida banned AP African American studies, Champaign Unit 4 is preparing…
Monday, February 27, 2023 Today’s headlines: State Representative Mike Marron is one of many Republicans critical of the spending proposals outlined in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget, but he has a plan of his own. Environmental groups in Illinois are hoping to limit microplastic waste, and they’re looking at washing machines. Twenty-five community organizations and government…
Friday, February 24, 2023 Today’s headlines: More than 400 workers at Akorn Pharmaceuticals’ Decatur plant were laid off Thursday after the company filed for chapter seven bankruptcy after years of financial problems. A play meant to teach kids about Black history is coming to the Krannert Center for Performing Arts this Saturday as it nears…
Thursday, February 23, 2023 Today’s headlines: An asbestos problem at a local elementary school led the Urbana school board to vote Tuesday night to close it this summer. Illinois police recruits must now complete training on the importance of gathering and analyzing evidence to avoid wrongful convictions. The University of Illinois hosted a Mardi Gras…
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 Today’s headlines: Governor J.B. Pritzker is joining 19 other Democratic governors in launching what they say is a non-partisan coalition to protect and expand reproductive rights. Remote work may offer rural America an opportunity to draw new residents who otherwise might not consider living there. During his state of the state…
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Today’s headlines: Students at Parkland College will pay more for their classes starting this summer. The Urbana Park District is commemorating Black History Month with an “I Have a Dream” quilt. The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team topped Minnesota on Monday night in Champaign 78-69. In today’s deep dive, we’ll talk…
Monday, February 20, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed a $20 million investment to help open independent grocery stores in food deserts across the state. A proposed bill could fine Illinois cat owners up to $2,500 for declawing their cats. The spot where a local gay bar once stood may soon be Champaign’s…
Friday, February 17, 2023 Today’s headlines: An East St. Louis’ early childhood education center could be a model for others across the state. Urbana school officials say they’re considering closing Wiley Elementary at the end of this school year to carry out renovations and address problems with asbestos. Three candidates are running in the Champaign…
Thursday, February 16, 2023 Today’s headlines: Education took center stage in the governor’s budget proposal. Illinois higher education leaders are reacting favorably to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday. The University of Illinois Police Department is reviewing Monday’s shooting at Michigan State University to see if changes need to be made to their response plans….
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 Today’s headlines: Governor J.B. Pritzker will give his State of the State address to the General Assembly on Wednesday. Republican lawmakers in Illinois are calling for immediate relief for Ameren customers facing soaring energy costs. The mass shooting Monday at Michigan State University has drawn an outpouring of support from the…
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Today’s headlines: A plan to move hundreds of migrants into a former K-Mart on Chicago’s Southwest Side is getting pushback from local officials. In February 2020, Visit Champaign County revealed Destination 2023 – a three-year plan to improve people’s experiences in Champaign County. Black male leaders visited Urbana classrooms on Monday…
Monday, February 13, 2023 Today’s headlines: One week ago, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, destroying buildings and leaving more than 33,000 people dead. We learn about the local response. Illinois State Senator Doris Turner is pushing for body cameras for emergency medical service workers two months after the death of a Springfield…
Friday, February 10, 2023 Today’s headlines: An investigation by ProPublica found universities nationwide are decades behind on returning Native American ancestral remains as required by law. Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks on an H-Mart Korean grocery store in Urbana. University of Illinois researchers have developed a new method of gathering biological…
Thursday, February 9, 2023 Today’s headlines: A measure at the Illinois Statehouse would require kids under DCFS’s care to have a lawyer representing what the children want during abuse and neglect proceedings. The Champaign County Association of Realtors hosted a forum this week to inform landlords about the state’s new Source of Income Law which works…
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Today’s headlines: Four defendants in an upcoming federal corruption trial want to limit evidence against them. Tuesday was National Black HIV-AIDS Awareness Day, and a coalition of Black health equity advocates is calling on the Illinois Department of Public Health to do more. Republican Illinois congresswoman Mary Miller wants to stop…