Politics
America @ 250: John Martin asks how the country can return to better times and heal from its wounds
John Martin is a lifelong Urbana resident and a retired software engineer. A self-described patriot and supporter of the Make America Great Again movement, Martin asks how the U.S. can heal from the previous presidential administration’s handling of immigration.
Illinois Prisoner Review Board denies early release for Sean Grayson
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board voted unanimously Friday to deny former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson’s application for compassionate release. He is serving a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder for the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey.
Danville Mayor announces 2027 reelection bid with several challengers
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. is seeking a third full term in office. At least four others are challenging him for the position.
Champaign County Board tables resolution on Clerk Aaron Ammons, appoints new member for District 6
Board members voted along party lines to table the resolution for one year.
Jessica Dixon Heitman appointed to ex-Rep. Harry Benton’s seat
The granddaughter of late U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon is choice of local Democratic Party insiders.
Pritzker for president? Handicapping the Illinois governor’s political future
It’s the most common question Pritzker is getting from local and national reporters.
America @ 250: Chad Rand asks if anyone would be happy living in a truly homogenous country
Chad Rand is outreach coordinator for the University of Illinois Education Justice Project, where he supports people across the country who are coming home from prison or facing detention and deportation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.