Monthly Archives: December 2025
Read more about the article Plan called for major improvements to Copper Slough waterway two decades ago, but Champaign has had to focus on upstream flooding
A map of the Copper Slough waterway from the 2007 master plan.

Plan called for major improvements to Copper Slough waterway two decades ago, but Champaign has had to focus on upstream flooding

In 2004, an engineering study for the City of Champaign called for a $25.9 million overhaul of a central waterway and watershed called the…

Continue ReadingPlan called for major improvements to Copper Slough waterway two decades ago, but Champaign has had to focus on upstream flooding
Read more about the article Long waits for appointments at social security district office persist, but recipients report faster service once appointment madeDarrell Hoemann
Champaign Social Security office exterior at 101 S. Country Fair Drive in Champaign on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

Long waits for appointments at social security district office persist, but recipients report faster service once appointment made

Getting an appointment at Champaign’s social security district office continues to take 30 days or more, but some recipients report that once they are…

Continue ReadingLong waits for appointments at social security district office persist, but recipients report faster service once appointment made
Read more about the article Illinois relies on complaint-driven enforcement as pesticide drift concerns grow
Organic farmer Patsy Hopper examines an apple tree on her property in November, pointing to late-season leaves she says show signs of pesticide drift damage.

Illinois relies on complaint-driven enforcement as pesticide drift concerns grow

Organic farmer Patsy Hopper, who lives five miles south of Urbana, has filed at least 11 complaints about pesticide drift with the Illinois Department…

Continue ReadingIllinois relies on complaint-driven enforcement as pesticide drift concerns grow
Read more about the article Hundreds of Illinois railroad crossings have minimal protections — and upgrades may take yearsGoogle Street View
The railroad crossing in Danforth, Iroquois County, Illinois where Aaron Pittman-Teague died after being struck by a train while plowing snow in January 2025. Screenshot from Google Street View.

Hundreds of Illinois railroad crossings have minimal protections — and upgrades may take years

Aaron Pittman-Teague died after being struck by a Canadian National train while plowing snow just north of Danforth, Illinois on Jan. 6, 2025.  There…

Continue ReadingHundreds of Illinois railroad crossings have minimal protections — and upgrades may take years
Read more about the article Garden Hills navigates roadblocks to reach long-awaited neighborhood improvements Mazie Gierat
The pavement on Paula Drive and Mattis Avenue was removed for installation of storm sewers, in Garden Hills Nov. 6, 2025. Photo by Mazie Gierat. 

Garden Hills navigates roadblocks to reach long-awaited neighborhood improvements 

For years, members of the United Garden Hills Neighborhood Association have met monthly at the fire station on Paula Drive to discuss community improvements,…

Continue ReadingGarden Hills navigates roadblocks to reach long-awaited neighborhood improvements 
Read more about the article Despite neighborhood opposition, Champaign moves forward with Hill Street multifamily permitCity of Champaign
Aerial view of 919 W Hill St and notified properties within 250+ ft, provided by the City of Champaign, Jan. 28, 2025.

Despite neighborhood opposition, Champaign moves forward with Hill Street multifamily permit

The City of Champaign approved a special use permit to allow a four-unit apartment building at 919 W. Hill St. despite ongoing concerns from…

Continue ReadingDespite neighborhood opposition, Champaign moves forward with Hill Street multifamily permit
Read more about the article SNAP benefits resume, but new work requirements threaten thousands of recipients in Champaign CountyChampaign-Urbana Public Health District
A portion of the map of food pantries and other resources from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District's website.

SNAP benefits resume, but new work requirements threaten thousands of recipients in Champaign County

As SNAP benefits are back following a 43-day government shutdown, millions of recipients may have to meet new work requirements to continue receiving them. …

Continue ReadingSNAP benefits resume, but new work requirements threaten thousands of recipients in Champaign County
Read more about the article Ameren states contaminated gas plant cleanup in Fifth and Hill neighborhood nearly complete, but advocates question resultsA. Oishii Basu
The “No Trespassing” sign on the fence of the former manufactured gas plant site at the corner of Fifth and Hill streets in Champaign, Illinois on Sept. 15, 2025. Photo by A. Oishii Basu.

Ameren states contaminated gas plant cleanup in Fifth and Hill neighborhood nearly complete, but advocates question results

Read an extended Q&A with Claudia Lennhoff, executive director of Champaign County Health Care Consumers, about the history of the site and the research…

Continue ReadingAmeren states contaminated gas plant cleanup in Fifth and Hill neighborhood nearly complete, but advocates question results
Read more about the article Q&A: Claudia Lennhoff on the history of the contaminated Fifth and Hill site of former Ameren manufactured gas plantA. Oishii Basu
The warning sign on the fence of the former manufactured gas plant site at the corner of Fifth and Hill streets in Champaign, Illinois on Sept. 15, 2025. Photo by A. Oishii Basu.

Q&A: Claudia Lennhoff on the history of the contaminated Fifth and Hill site of former Ameren manufactured gas plant

A spokesperson for the utility and energy company Ameren said in October it is a few months away from finishing the lengthy environmental cleanup…

Continue ReadingQ&A: Claudia Lennhoff on the history of the contaminated Fifth and Hill site of former Ameren manufactured gas plant
Read more about the article Garbage trucks continue to speed through Danville’s Grape Creek neighborhood, but residents say efforts to slow traffic prove unsuccessfulMike Rock
A B&W Disposal garbage truck drives through the Grape Creek neighborhood in Danville, Illinois to get to the landfill on Nov. 7, 2025. Photo by Mike Rock.

Garbage trucks continue to speed through Danville’s Grape Creek neighborhood, but residents say efforts to slow traffic prove unsuccessful

Residents who live on Brickyard Road in Danville, Illinois said they are tired of the traffic, trash and noise from garbage trucks.  The Republic…

Continue ReadingGarbage trucks continue to speed through Danville’s Grape Creek neighborhood, but residents say efforts to slow traffic prove unsuccessful