A person holds a stress ball while another person touches their wrist.
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Caregivers play a crucial role in the health care system. But their needs are often unmet

Family caregivers play an important role in the well-being of older adults and can help in their recovery after an illness or hospitalization. But communication between the health care system and caregivers it often lacking.

Urbana City Council tables measure that would require approval for police surveillance technology
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Urbana City Council tables measure that would require approval for police surveillance technology

Officials in Urbana have tabled an ordinance that would require the city’s police department to seek approval before purchasing and using surveillance technology, including license plate readers, facial recognition software, drones, social media analytics software, mobile X-Rays and tools used to gain access to a mobile device. 

A man in a yellow jacket stands in front of a wetland landscape
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Amidst a biodiversity crisis, these Champaign County groups are working to restore native ecosystems

The Midwest has seen an incredible loss of native prairies and wetlands over the past few centuries. The changes have been driven primarily by farming and urban sprawl. But in east-central Illinois, several initiatives aim to bring back native ecosystems. 

A man dressed as Santa talks to a young boy holding a baby doll.
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The Champaign Urbana Autism Network hosts annual sensory-friendly breakfast

With Christmas just around the corner, the Champaign Urbana Autism Network hosted its sensory-friendly breakfast Sunday, at the City Center in Champaign. Children with autism can struggle waiting for hours in crowded places, which can make it hard to attend other holiday events for kids, said Julie Duvall, executive director of CU Autism Network. “It’s…

three men in wheelchairs pose for a photo with arms around each other
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Daniel Romanchuk shares his journey to becoming an elite wheelchair marathoner

Earlier this month, Daniel Romanchuk, from the University of Illinois’ wheelchair racing team, won the 2024 New York City men’s wheelchair marathon. This year’s marathon drew roughly 50,000 racers from 148 countries, according to organizers.

A pair of hands holding a fork and a knife carve a turkey. The turkey is surrounded by other food items like roasted mushrooms, pumpkins and a charcuterie board.
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Worried about political tensions with family this Thanksgiving? Here’s some expert advice

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many are making plans to spend time with family. What is supposed to be a peaceful family gathering can sometimes turn into a nightmare due to political disagreements.

a person in a wheelchair in a bathroom. the person is wearing a green hat, a jacket and has a backpack attached to the back of the wheelchair.
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Accessibility blocked: U of I senior dropped disability studies minor over inaccessible bathrooms

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was a pioneer in campus accessibility, and remains one of the most accessible schools in the world. But issues still persist, creating barriers for some disabled students, like Alyx Bibbs, a U of I senior and a wheelchair user. 

The left side of the image shows a black flyer with white text with information about the event. The right side shows the attendees siting in wooden pews, holding lit candles.
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‘You are not forgotten’ — the C-U community gathers to honor lives lost due to anti-trans violence

A candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost due to anti-trans violence was held Wednesday evening at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign. The Transgender Day of Remembrance event, hosted in conjunction with Uniting Pride of Champaign County, was an opportunity for transgender, non-conforming and the entire queer community and allies to gather, said Beth…

New virtual reality training aims to help doctors be more aware of their biases
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New virtual reality training aims to help doctors be more aware of their biases

Implicit bias in health care settings can contribute to inequitable treatment — and worsen health disparities. A newly developed virtual reality training series aims to help obstetricians better recognize, understand and address implicit bias toward Black mothers.