IPM Student Newsroom

Advocates for Aging Care pushes for solutions as Champaign County faces skilled nursing bed shortage

Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee sparks anxiety among international students and economists
A new federal policy requiring companies to pay $100,000 for each H-1B visa application has sparked concern among international students. Critics say the change could make it harder for skilled foreign workers to stay in the U.S., threatening innovation and widening talent gaps in key industries.

Health insurance costs are rising as financial assistance declines. Here’s how C-U could be affected
With open enrollment on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace starting on Nov. 1, local health advocates are warning that premiums for 2026 plans could more than double unless Congress extends subsidies that reduce those costs.

Interstellar insight: What astronomers hope to learn from 3I/ATLAS
An interstellar comet is currently traveling through our solar system at 200 times the speed of sound. Astronomers around the world, including in Champaign-Urbana, are eager to see what the fast-moving space rock can teach us about the universe — and ourselves.

ICE activity not confirmed by C-U officials, but immigrant rights groups report verified sightings
Local officials say there’s been no confirmed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Champaign-Urbana this week — but immigrant advocacy groups say their rapid response teams have verified sightings.

The Virginia Theatre celebrates 50 years of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ with new shadow cast
CHAMPAIGN — The Virginia Theatre in Champaign will host its annual showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 25. This year’s showing will

Second ‘No Kings’ protest draws thousands to the streets in Urbana
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Urbana for the second “No Kings” protest of the year. The causes represented varied, but those in attendance had one thing in common: They aren’t happy with President Donald Trump.

New Illinois law looks to put guardrails on AI in mental health as researchers push for innovation
As the use of artificial intelligence continues to grow, the technology is increasingly being considered for use in mental health settings. Lawmakers, however, are concerned this could cause patients to receive underqualified mental health care in the place of support from licensed therapists.

Chef Lab, a shared kitchen space, aims to build a culinary community in Champaign-Urbana
A new shared kitchen space, known as ChefLab, aims to promote community among culinary artists in the Champaign-Urbana area.

The National Arab Orchestra debuts in Central Illinois, increasing Arab visibility
The Champaign-Urbana community got a taste of Arab culture this weekend — with a visit from the world-famous National Arab Orchestra.

Downstate transit groups say they need Illinois lawmakers to address funding shortfalls soon
Illinois transit agencies are facing funding shortfalls that could lead to service cuts and layoffs — an issue lawmakers are expected to address during the fall veto session beginning this week.

Urbana launches a free financial literacy program to help residents with money management
City officials in Urbana hope a new financial literacy program will help residents better manage their finances and build strong credit profiles.

U of I’s Soybean Innovation Lab expects $1.5M grant will help address food insecurity across Africa
The Soybean Innovation Lab is awaiting final approval for a $1.5 million grant from a research foundation. The money will help expand their efforts to combat global food insecurity and poverty by increasing the number of soybean varieties available to 28 African nations.
