State Rep. Carol Ammons, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons plead not guilty to federal charges
State Rep. Carol Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, are facing counts of wire fraud and obstruction of justice.
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America @ 250: Father Johndamaseni Zilimu asks how we become peacemakers
Father Johndamaseni Zilimu is pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Champaign. Father John was born in Tanzania and moved to the U.S. in 2000. He received his doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2014.
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UPDATE: Ammonses deny wrongdoing following indictment by federal grand jury for alleged wire fraud, obstruction of justice
A federal grand jury alleges the Urbana state representative created a scheme to “defraud the State of Illinois” and enrich herself and her family members. The Ammonses reject the allegations and say the legal process will show they are innocent.
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Republicans call for more transparency, accountability after ‘disgraceful week’ for House Democrats
After one House Democrat was indicted this week and another resigned amid an ethics investigation last week, House Republicans are calling for transparency and accountability.
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As America turned 250 years old, more than 50 people in Urbana became U.S. citizens
Senator Dick Durbin attended the naturalization ceremony in Urbana on Thursday.
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America @ 250: Kay Weidner asks Americans to ask themselves, ‘Who am I?’
Kay Weidner grew up near Crystal Lake Park in north Urbana and still lives in the area. Members of her family have served in the military since at least World War II, and she loves a good Fourth of July Parade.
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Champaign-Urbana immigrant advocates relieved but on guard following U.S. Supreme Court birthright citizenship ruling
Leaders of the Refugee Center and the New American Welcome Center were relieved but still worried.
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America @ 250: Alex Wysocki asks, ‘Are short-term political gains worth giving up the big picture?’
Alex Wysocki is a television producer, filmmaker, husband and father of three. He and his wife Abigail moved to Champaign during the COVID-19 pandemic and are raising their family here.
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Economy | Government | Health | Politics
Addicted to gambling in Illinois: ‘Someone has decided they can make money off you’
People in Illinois lost more than $7.7 billion gambling last year. As lawmakers increasingly bet on gambling to pay the state’s bills, they have only spare change to treat compulsive gamblers.
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Bears stadium fail wasn’t Pritzker’s only fumble — his affordable housing plan also went nowhere
Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan would have allowed multi-unit housing, such as duplexes and triplexes, and “granny flats” on nearly all properties zoned for residential use. But he was unable to overcome local government leaders’ opposition to the proposal.
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Rantoul Township High School superintendent ‘pleased’ with state budget, hoping for more transportation funding
Rantoul Township High School Superintendent Scott Amerio said he is pleased with the increase to the evidence-based funding formula. But he would like to see additional funding for transportation services.
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Glock ban, prescription drug board among measures that stall in final days
Multiple bills that did not advance in the General Assembly are likely to be discussed throughout the summer for possible revival in veto session.
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Top Illinois Democratic and GOP leaders discuss state budget on 21st Show
Illinois leaders from both sides of the aisle joined the 21st Show this week. They shared their views on taxes, federal policies, education funding, and tech.
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Urbana becomes first city in Illinois to adopt ethical investments policy
The new rules prohibit the city from investing in certain companies that profit from war or conflict.
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University of Illinois student struggles as family’s sole provider following his uncle’s deportation
Reynaldo Camas-Aranda grew up in a house with his uncle, aunt and mother in Cicero. His uncle’s arrest during Operation Midway Blitz has strained the family’s finances.
