Monthly Archives: August 2026
Read more about the article Data center resistance group unveils names of the companies meeting with Champaign County officials
Kimberlie Kranich, one of the steering members of the community group opposing AI data centers, gives a speech where she shared the names of the companies proposing data centers to Champaign County officials: ABEI Energy and Clean Cloud Energy. Photo taken Aug. 25 by Kaniz Fatema.

Data center resistance group unveils names of the companies meeting with Champaign County officials

Members of a community organization named “Resist AI Data Centers Champaign County” disclosed the names of the “mysterious” data centers that approached the county…

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Read more about the article AI project LocalMatters helps Champaign-Urbana residents navigate public meetings
The main page of LocalMatters.fyi provides an overview of recent local government meetings for your selected area, like Champaign or Urbana. Screenshot captured Aug. 18, 2026.

AI project LocalMatters helps Champaign-Urbana residents navigate public meetings

As local news organizations across the country lose reporters and reduce local government coverage, some organizations are exploring technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to…

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Read more about the article Champaign County restaurant inspections database lessens transparency of health safety information
The public restaurant inspection database system used by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District beginning April 2026 launched with less search capabilities and features than the previous system. Screenshot captured Aug. 7, 2026.

Champaign County restaurant inspections database lessens transparency of health safety information

Since 2014, anyone could look up Champaign County restaurant inspections online to check whether a food establishment failed to meet health safety standards. The…

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Read more about the article Illinois pesticide fees meant for oversight are funding broader state operations Illinois Department of Agriculture
The Illinois Department of Agriculture office at 801 E. Sangamon Ave. in Springfield, Ill.

Illinois pesticide fees meant for oversight are funding broader state operations 

Illinois collected $9.06 million from pesticide registration fees in fiscal year 2025 to support enforcement and education programs related to oversight of pesticide applicators.…

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