Neighborhoods
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 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 Protesters say ‘Hands Off’ federal support, services in response to looming funding cutsJordan Butler
Protestors gathered at West Side Park in Champaign on April 5, 2025. Photo by Jordan Butler.

Protesters say ‘Hands Off’ federal support, services in response to looming funding cuts

“Hands off” was the message shared by hundreds in Champaign calling on the federal government to halt funding cuts to essential services across the…

Continue ReadingProtesters say ‘Hands Off’ federal support, services in response to looming funding cuts
Read more about the article Thousands wait for housing assistance in Champaign County while federal cuts loomGoogle Street View
The Housing Authority of Champaign County, located at 2008 N. Market St. in Champaign. Photo from Google Street View, captured August 2023.

Thousands wait for housing assistance in Champaign County while federal cuts loom

Nearly 4,000 applications for tenant-based housing vouchers have been filed in Champaign County over the last seven months, but none have been processed and…

Continue ReadingThousands wait for housing assistance in Champaign County while federal cuts loom
Read more about the article Four sexual assaults reported over past eight weeks at fraternities at University of Illinois; Police seldom name frats or locationsUniversity of Illinois Blog
The University of Illinois Police Department operates from the Public Safety Building, 1110 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana.

Four sexual assaults reported over past eight weeks at fraternities at University of Illinois; Police seldom name frats or locations

On Feb. 20, an anonymous student at the University of Illinois arrived at Carle Hospital at 1 a.m. and requested a sexual assault kit. …

Continue ReadingFour sexual assaults reported over past eight weeks at fraternities at University of Illinois; Police seldom name frats or locations
Read more about the article Concerns about brain cancer cases in Piatt County grow, but Illinois public health agency yet to investigateDarrell Hoemann
A view looking north on Independence Street, just south of Marion St. in Monticello, IL on Friday, June 14, 2024. photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access

Concerns about brain cancer cases in Piatt County grow, but Illinois public health agency yet to investigate

Lessie Ann Patterson lived in Monticello, Illinois, for 25 years before dying in 2015 from glioblastoma, a rapidly advancing brain cancer with an average…

Continue ReadingConcerns about brain cancer cases in Piatt County grow, but Illinois public health agency yet to investigate
Read more about the article Black and Asian drivers make up nearly half of traffic stops by university police even when number of stops dropUniversity of Illinois Blog
The University of Illinois Police Department operates from the Public Safety Building, 1110 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana.

Black and Asian drivers make up nearly half of traffic stops by university police even when number of stops drop

In 2023, the University of Illinois Police Department conducted 2,526 traffic stops — 19% lower than traffic stops made five years ago and nearly…

Continue ReadingBlack and Asian drivers make up nearly half of traffic stops by university police even when number of stops drop
Read more about the article Demolition for new apartment complex, church not result of fire, but simulated trainingHumza Qazi
Photo depicting the current construction site located at 608 E. Chalmers St. Photo by Humza Qazi.

Demolition for new apartment complex, church not result of fire, but simulated training

Toward the end of January last year, gas could be smelled and smoke seen billowing from the windows of an apartment building located at…

Continue ReadingDemolition for new apartment complex, church not result of fire, but simulated training
Read more about the article Test scores slightly improve for Unit 4 school district, but lag behind rest of IllinoisGoogle Street View
Garden Hills Academy in Champaign. Screenshot from Google Street View, captured 2023.

Test scores slightly improve for Unit 4 school district, but lag behind rest of Illinois

Across grades three through eight in the Champaign Unit 4 School District, 70.7% of students did not meet state standards under a standardized assessment…

Continue ReadingTest scores slightly improve for Unit 4 school district, but lag behind rest of Illinois