Business
Read more about the article While $55 million cleanup continues, Rantoul reaps revenues from leases at former Chanute Air Force BaseGoogle Earth
A view of the former Chanute Air Force Base campus in Rantoul, Ill. Image from Google Earth as of May 6, 2026.

While $55 million cleanup continues, Rantoul reaps revenues from leases at former Chanute Air Force Base

While dozens of businesses are leasing property from the Village of Rantoul on the former Chanute Air Force Base, the Air Force is still…

Continue ReadingWhile $55 million cleanup continues, Rantoul reaps revenues from leases at former Chanute Air Force Base
Read more about the article More restaurants closed after failing routine inspections last year in Champaign-UrbanaAndrew Burkey
Newman Hall’s dining hall was shut down on Oct. 24 after receiving a red placard. Photo by Andrew Burkey 

More restaurants closed after failing routine inspections last year in Champaign-Urbana

More restaurants in Champaign and Urbana received a red placard and were closed during a routine inspection last year compared with 2024. At least…

Continue ReadingMore restaurants closed after failing routine inspections last year in Champaign-Urbana
Read more about the article Following Philo Road’s major business closures, Urbana launches revitalization planMadyson Magnus
A “For Sale” sign with a reduced asking price stands amid a vacant property along Philo Road in Urbana, highlighting the corridor’s ongoing struggles with business closures and redevelopment challenges. Photo by Madyson Magnus.

Following Philo Road’s major business closures, Urbana launches revitalization plan

First it was County Market in 2016.  Next it was Family Video in 2021 and Burger King in 2024. Soon after, Walgreens, CVS and…

Continue ReadingFollowing Philo Road’s major business closures, Urbana launches revitalization plan
Read more about the article Roofing contractors appear to often work without licenses; State regulators count on public to alert them to illegal operations and safety issuesCU-CitizenAccess.org
Roofers working in Champaign on March 1, 2025.

Roofing contractors appear to often work without licenses; State regulators count on public to alert them to illegal operations and safety issues

Over the past five years, federal workplace safety officials inspected about 1,800 roofing contractors in Illinois. But a CU-CitizenAccess review found no state records…

Continue ReadingRoofing contractors appear to often work without licenses; State regulators count on public to alert them to illegal operations and safety issues
Read more about the article Champaign trampoline park found with broken equipment, missing padding in first few safety inspections Faith Lee
Elevate Trampoline Park exterior at 707 N. Country Fair Dr. in Champaign in late March 2025. Photo by Faith Lee.

Champaign trampoline park found with broken equipment, missing padding in first few safety inspections 

Seven attractions at Elevate Trampoline Park in Champaign were cited for safety improvements during one inspection from the Illinois Department of Labor in December…

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Read more about the article Summer electricity bills to rise 20% in C-U area; Champaign plans to reinstate utility assistance program after one year suspension
The Ameren Illinois service zone and the grid operator's zone covers much of the same territory. Source: Ambit Energy Pros (Left), MISO Planning Resource Auction for Planning Year 2025/26 Results (Right) 

Summer electricity bills to rise 20% in C-U area; Champaign plans to reinstate utility assistance program after one year suspension

Residential energy bills this summer are expected to increase about 20% beginning in June.  On April 28, the grid operator in central and southern…

Continue ReadingSummer electricity bills to rise 20% in C-U area; Champaign plans to reinstate utility assistance program after one year suspension
Read more about the article Built on Soul: How Neil St. Blues Became a Cornerstone of Downtown ChampaignRachel Johnson
Gayle Starks and her family run Neil St. Blues at 301 N. Neil St. in downtown Champaign. Photo by Rachel Johnson.

Built on Soul: How Neil St. Blues Became a Cornerstone of Downtown Champaign

A family-run restaurant’s journey through community, culture, and economic resilience. Inside Neil St. Blues, warm golden light reflects off a polished concrete floor and…

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Read more about the article Arcola roofing, construction contractor fined over $1.8 million for exposing workers to unsafe working conditions in past decadeCU-CitizenAccess.org
Roofers working in Champaign on March 1, 2025.

Arcola roofing, construction contractor fined over $1.8 million for exposing workers to unsafe working conditions in past decade

In the past decade, federal safety inspectors have fined Elmer Miller and his construction company based in Arcola, Illinois more than $1.8 million. Last…

Continue ReadingArcola roofing, construction contractor fined over $1.8 million for exposing workers to unsafe working conditions in past decade
Read more about the article Archer Daniels Midland fined almost $52 million in past decade for 90 violations of federal, state lawsADM
Archer Daniels Midland regional headquarters in Decatur, Illinois. Photo from ADM's website.

Archer Daniels Midland fined almost $52 million in past decade for 90 violations of federal, state laws

In the last 11 years, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has racked up at least $51.9 million in fines for 90 federal- and state-level offenses…

Continue ReadingArcher Daniels Midland fined almost $52 million in past decade for 90 violations of federal, state laws