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Read more about the article Champaign shootings spread to westward neighborhoods over years, fueled by recent surge in gun violence

Champaign shootings spread to westward neighborhoods over years, fueled by recent surge in gun violence

Gun violence in Champaign has steadily marched westward over the past three years as shootings have increased in neighborhoods north and south of Springfield Avenue, especially in or near several apartment complexes, according to a review of police data over the past seven years by CU-CitizenAccess.org. With about two weeks left in this year, 16 people have lost their lives. In 2020, there were nine homicides, but only two in 2019. Shooting incidents more than doubled in Champaign since 2019, going from 100 shootings, to 189 in 2020, then to 251 by December 13.

Continue ReadingChampaign shootings spread to westward neighborhoods over years, fueled by recent surge in gun violence
Read more about the article Another record year for Champaign shootings warrants debate over causes, solutionsDarrell Hoemann
Looking south to the Champaign Police Department Building on First Street. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

Another record year for Champaign shootings warrants debate over causes, solutions

Shootings continue at over 250 in a year that has already seen its highest number of shooting deaths ever recorded in the city, at 16 so far. The previous high of 9 occurred just last year, and even all the numbers that measure gun violence in Urbana have tripled in the past five years. Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said the rise in shooting incidents and homicides this year can be attributed to retaliation in a lot of cases. While retaliation may be to blame for a lot of the shootings, law enforcement officials and community leaders said it is not the only cause.

Continue ReadingAnother record year for Champaign shootings warrants debate over causes, solutions
Read more about the article Gun violence escalates in Urbana over past two years into “emergency” situationGoogle Maps Street View
Urbana City Building from Google Maps.

Gun violence escalates in Urbana over past two years into “emergency” situation

Only four years ago, Urbana police reported just 17 shooting incidents and no fatalities. The numbers doubled by the end of 2019, and have nearly doubled in each of the two years since, according to an analysis of police data by CU-CitizenAccess.  Out of the 99 shootings through November, at least 21 individuals were injured, meaning that when combined with homicides, one-in-three people were killed or wounded when shots were fired.

Continue ReadingGun violence escalates in Urbana over past two years into “emergency” situation
Read more about the article Clark Park residents express concern over accessory dwelling unit regulationaccessorydwellings.org
A backyard Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) from accessorydwellings.org, which is cited by Champaign to learn more information about ADUs.

Clark Park residents express concern over accessory dwelling unit regulation

Some property owners are expressing concern about accessory dwelling units — small buildings on single housing property — while Champaign city officials move towards approving them. To gauge Champaign’s interest in ADUs, City Planning sent out a survey in mid-August with questions about ADUs and what they might look like in Champaign. About 65% to 70% of about 1,500 participants seemed to indicate interest and support for ADUs.

Continue ReadingClark Park residents express concern over accessory dwelling unit regulation
Read more about the article Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi outraises and outspends opponents consecutively
Raja Krishnamoorthi

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi outraises and outspends opponents consecutively

Krishnamoorthi’s total receipts for this upcoming cycle weigh in at over $6 million. This is a subsequent increase from 2016’s $3.56 million and 2018’s $5.24 million. Brian Gaines, professor of political science at the University of Illinois commented, said over email that nearly all incumbents outspend their challengers every cycle.

Continue ReadingRep. Raja Krishnamoorthi outraises and outspends opponents consecutively
Read more about the article Rep. Bill Foster continues contributions to other democratic campaignsBill Foster's official website
The most recent official photograph of Rep. Bill Foster.

Rep. Bill Foster continues contributions to other democratic campaigns

Democratic U.S. Representative Bill Foster’s top expenditure this election cycle has been distributing his campaign money to help other democratic candidates win their elections. 

Continue ReadingRep. Bill Foster continues contributions to other democratic campaigns
Read more about the article Rep. Marie Newman spends campaign funds on progressive companiesU.S. House Office of Photography
U.S. Representative Marie Newman's most recent official photograph.

Rep. Marie Newman spends campaign funds on progressive companies

In the 2019-2020 election cycle, U.S Representative of Illinois’s 3rd Congressional District, Marie Newman spent $1,040,720 in media advertisement and distributions alone to Buying Time LLC — over one-third of her total expenditures.  This advertising agency in Washington D.C is one of the most well-known political advertisement hubs in the nation. She devoted this large amount of money to Buying Time LLC when she was running against Republican opponent Mike Fricilone.

Continue ReadingRep. Marie Newman spends campaign funds on progressive companies
Read more about the article Rep. Jan Schakowsky continues targeting fundraising, salariesDean La Prairie
Jan Schakowsky

Rep. Jan Schakowsky continues targeting fundraising, salaries

Although the 2021-2022 cycle is still in its early stages, Illinois’s 9th Congressional District Rep. Jan Schakowsky continues to spend most of her disbursements to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). 

Continue ReadingRep. Jan Schakowsky continues targeting fundraising, salaries