Read more about the article In Champaign, getting a driver’s permit requires a 6:30 a.m. alarmKaniz Fatema
The Champaign DMV, located at 2012 Round Barn Rd., on March 25, 2026. Photo by Kaniz Fatema.

In Champaign, getting a driver’s permit requires a 6:30 a.m. alarm

In 2023, the Illinois Secretary of State launched the “Skip the Line” program to lower wait times at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facilities…

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Read more about the article Despite medical amnesty law, some university students hesitant to call for help due to lack of awareness, high costsKatie Dalton
KAMS, a Campustown bar located at 102 E. Green St. in Champaign, in fall 2025. Photo by Katie Dalton.

Despite medical amnesty law, some university students hesitant to call for help due to lack of awareness, high costs

At least 128 underage University of Illinois students were so inebriated that their friends had to call 911 for emergency medical attention last fall.…

Continue ReadingDespite medical amnesty law, some university students hesitant to call for help due to lack of awareness, high costs
Read more about the article Retaliation, conflict factors in several Champaign shooting deathsDarrell Hoemann
Looking south to the Champaign Police Department Building on First Street. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

Retaliation, conflict factors in several Champaign shooting deaths

Three summers ago, what began as a parking lot fight turned into a shooting where one man was killed and one woman was injured. …

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Read more about the article Champaign teams with violence prevention organization to head off shootings 
A map of shooting incidents in Champaign where someone was shot and killed from Jan. 1, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2025. Data was obtained from Champaign Police Department.

Champaign teams with violence prevention organization to head off shootings 

The City of Champaign is starting a new street outreach program with the help of a nonprofit private firm specializing in violence prevention. The…

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Read more about the article Champaign police met with Shadow Wood residents to calm growing fear over immigration enforcement, ICEKennedy Williams
The exterior of a home in Shadow Wood. Photo by Kennedy Williams.

Champaign police met with Shadow Wood residents to calm growing fear over immigration enforcement, ICE

Residents at Shadow Wood Mobile Home Park, a community with many Spanish-speaking residents, have been meeting with Champaign police over concerns about immigration enforcement.…

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Read more about the article Hundreds of Champaign County elevator certificates listed as expired in state databaseAdelyn Mui
The elevator in Gregory Hall on Dec. 10, 2025. Photo by Adelyn Mui.

Hundreds of Champaign County elevator certificates listed as expired in state database

Nearly one-third of the active elevators and conveyances like escalators and lifts in Champaign County appeared to have expired safety certificates in the Office…

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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…

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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…

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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