Flyover Film Studios in Rantoul brings new growth to central Illinois’ film industry
Flyover Film Studios, a company that launched in late 2022, has already been recognized by state leaders for bringing notable economic growth to Illinois.
Tag: Rantoul
Mother of teenager killed by police files lawsuit against Village of Rantoul
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Amy Richardson claims that her son, 18-year-old Jordan Richardson, died due to excessive force in 2023 after he had already complied with an officer’s orders to drop his gun.
More than a holiday tradition: Reindeer are a way of life at the Hardy ranch in Rantoul
Around the holidays, reindeer become a familiar sight: on cards, in movies and pulling Santa’s sleigh. But here in central Illinois, reindeer aren’t a myth or a cartoon. They’re livestock, cared for year-round.
Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall talks first 100 days, engaging with youth, supporting economic development
Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall took office more than 100 days ago. He defeated the former incumbent, Chuck Smith, by a margin of 34 votes during the April 1 election.
Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall talks first 100 days, engaging with youth, supporting economic development
Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall took office more than 100 days ago. He defeated the former incumbent, Chuck Smith, by a margin of 34 votes during the April 1 election. Hall has been reflecting on that narrow victory, emphasizing that he’s been focused on listening to the community in the time since then. “That just shows
A Dialogue on local voices shaping Central Illinois
In Central Illinois, community care takes many forms — from an 82-year-old veteran selling collard greens in Rantoul to young leaders organizing against gun violence in Danville. How are these local voices defining what it means to support and strengthen their communities today?
82-year-old Rantoul vet owns thriving mobile market, selling melons and collards greens from his pickup
At 82 years old, Eugene Usher doesn’t need a slot at the farmers market. His red pickup truck, just off the highway in Rantoul, has become a local favorite for fresh collard greens and watermelons.
Samuel Hall III sworn in as Rantoul’s first Black Village President
The new mayor said he wants to improve Rantoul’s infrastructure and create a more inclusive village.
How a hidden box of love letters became a historical memoir of WWII
In his new memoir, local author Larry Schnell writes about the discovery of these letters, which documents his parents’ love story — and also explores the little-known role of music in war.
Rantoul mayoral candidates talk local economy, policy goals ahead of upcoming election
Rantoul Mayor Charles Smith is facing a challenge from District 5 Village Trustee Samuel Hall III. Both candidates say they want to support the local economy and rebuild village infrastructure.
‘Mission Accomplished’ for Rantoul air force base, yet $76 million of environmental clean-up remains
Most of the Chanute Air Force base transferred to the village of Rantoul in 2023. At the time, the Air Force declared “Mission Accomplished” in a press release — but it acknowledged there’s still at least $76 million more toxic clean-up to do. Today, it is unclear what the plan is for the many abandoned and deteriorating buildings.
Rantoul board moves forward with downtown street construction, new public plaza
Several streets will be removed and repaved with new infrastructure, and a new plaza will also be installed on a vacant lot downtown.
Rantoul community honors Azaan Lee one year after he was killed by police
RANTOUL — Community members met Wednesday night in Rantoul to commemorate the life of 21-year-old Azaan Lee after he was shot and killed by police one year ago. Rantoul Police Officer Jose Aceves shot and killed Azaan Lee while investigating a stolen car. Aceves resigned just over a month after the shooting, according to documents
After fatal shootings, Rantoul police recommended more training. They just sent one officer to a gun range
This story is part of a partnership focusing on police misconduct in Champaign County between the Champaign-Urbana Civic Police Data Project of the Invisible Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit public accountability journalism organization, and IPM Newsroom, which provides news about Illinois & in-depth reporting on Agriculture, Education, the Environment, Health, and Politics, powered by Illinois Public
New documents show Rantoul Police Department cleared main officers of wrongdoing in 2023 fatal shootings
This story is part of a partnership focusing on police misconduct in Champaign County between the Champaign-Urbana Civic Police Data Project of the Invisible Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit public accountability journalism organization, and IPM Newsroom, which provides news about Illinois & in-depth reporting on Agriculture, Education, the Environment, Health, and Politics, powered by Illinois Public