‘The people united will never be defeated’: Protesters voice concerns about data center impacts on environment
Protesters condemned the construction of future data centers, arguing they produce more harm than good.
Tag: champaign county
Champaign County’s 125-year-old courthouse faces an uncertain financial future
Since 1901, the courthouse has gone through immense changes, from the building itself to the way it functions in the community. But changes to state law have led to a sharp decline in revenue for courthouse services.
Bike to Work Day promotes safety and accessibility across Champaign County
Cyclists participated in Bike to Work Day, part of a larger Bike Month across Champaign County.
With homelessness on the rise in Champaign County, a group of service providers seeks solutions
CHAMPAIGN – Homelessness in Champaign County has risen in recent years. The latest count, conducted in early 2026, found 364 people in the area are homeless – up from 355 the prior year. The data was released in August by the Champaign County Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless (CSPH) — a group
Champaign County residents share concerns about data centers and a shortage of skilled nursing beds
At Tuesday’s Champaign County board meeting, the chair of the board said the county has no data centers planned. And during public comment, residents asked for help to fund a skilled nursing facility.
‘Welcoming Voices’ panel highlights immigrant support in Champaign County
Several immigrant support agencies teamed up with local officials in Champaign County to host a panel discussion focused on immigrant support and to spread awareness of area resources. The event is part of the “Welcoming Week” – nearly 30 events taking place from Sept. 9 through Sept. 19.
Rantoul teen found dead after flooding accident in rural Champaign County
The county coroner’s office said the body of Elias A. Smith, 17 was found Monday in a flooded drainage ditch in Condit Township, west of Rantoul.
Bipartisan group of Champaign County Board members thwart vote on home rule, blocking a plan to ban data centers
Several Champaign County Board members left the special meeting early, causing it to end after only three minutes and before any member of the public could speak on the home rule issue.
Champaign County group rallying against data centers hosts second information session
Resist AI Data Centers in Champaign County launched last month to push against data center development in the county.
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.
USDA cuts remove local conservation experts from nearly half of Illinois counties
The Trump administration cut 22% of the Natural Resources Conservation Service staff in 2025, impacting nearly half of Illinois counties.
‘Surreal’: Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Place attracts tourists worldwide
The Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Champaign County is Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Place as judged by Dark Sky International. The legislature in recent years has taken steps to limit light pollution.
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.
Champaign County officials break ground on $48M rural internet project
The CONNECT Champaign County Fiber Internet project will connect nearly 3,000 rural residents to broadband.
As people protest data centers across the Heartland, lawmakers rush to regulate development
Development of large-scale data centers is booming across the Midwest and South. As some communities push back, local and state governments are trying to catch up on how to regulate the new development.