Read more about the article Gun violence in downstate Illinois in four mapsGoogle Maps
A map of gun-related incidents in Springfield, Illinois.

Gun violence in downstate Illinois in four maps

At least 100 people died from gunfire over the past three years and at least 500 were wounded, according to data obtained from a sample of police departments of eight small cities in downstate Illinois. Here's a look at where gun violence occurs.

Continue ReadingGun violence in downstate Illinois in four maps
Read more about the article Police data show gun violence a chronic, growing problem across IllinoisPam Dempsey/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Hundreds of people in Danville gather for a candlelight vigil on June 13, 2016, in honor of Devon McClyde, who was shot while playing basketball in Garfield Park on June 8, 2016. In 2017, eight people were killed from gun violence in Danville.

Police data show gun violence a chronic, growing problem across Illinois

His name was Devon McClyde and he was 16 years old when he was caught in the crossfire of an argument while playing basketball…

Continue ReadingPolice data show gun violence a chronic, growing problem across Illinois
Read more about the article As health inspections change, departments debate enforcementDarrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess.org
Jim Roberts of the Champaign-Urbana Health District holds up a sample placard as county board members discussed whether restaurants in the county should be required to display inspection placards on August 21, 2014.

As health inspections change, departments debate enforcement

Starting July 1, inspections will change.

Continue ReadingAs health inspections change, departments debate enforcement

On China tariffs, farm groups say no

Earlier this month, the U.S. and China both announced billions of dollars in taxes on billions of dollars worth of imported goods - China is seeking tariffs on $50 billion worth of U.S. products that include soybeans and pork while the U.S. announced taxes on $150 billion worth of 1,300 Chinese products, including electronics. Here’s a look at what farm organizations in the Midwest have to say.

Continue ReadingOn China tariffs, farm groups say no
Read more about the article Pesticide applicators report drift issues with dicamba, even when using brand names in good weatherDarrell Hoemann/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Dicamba resistant soybeans in rural McLean County on August 7.

Pesticide applicators report drift issues with dicamba, even when using brand names in good weather

More than 100 Illinois pesticide retailers reported the weed killer dicamba drifted and damaged soybeans even when it was sprayed in good conditions, according to a recent industry survey.

Continue ReadingPesticide applicators report drift issues with dicamba, even when using brand names in good weather
Read more about the article Inspectors fail 16 food establishments from June to SeptemberDarrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess.org
Bacaro at 113 N. Walnut St. in Champaign failed its routine health inspection on September 15.

Inspectors fail 16 food establishments from June to September

Altogether, from June 1 to September 30, 16 food establishments were closed or failed inspections for health code violations, according to a review of inspection records by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.

Continue ReadingInspectors fail 16 food establishments from June to September
Read more about the article Damage from dicamba spurs confusion, questionsDarrell Hoemann/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Soybeans in a field in rural McLean County on August 7.

Damage from dicamba spurs confusion, questions

In 2016, Monsanto released its dicamba-resistant soybeans in the company’s largest ever rollout of a new biotechnology. But its accompanying herbicide – XtendiMaxTM herbicide with VaporGripTM Technology – was not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency until several months later, leading some farmers to use other versions of the herbicide on their soybeans.

Continue ReadingDamage from dicamba spurs confusion, questions