Read more about the article Despite local concerns, Illinois health officials say Piatt County glioblastoma rates remain within expected rangeMadyson Magnus
A street sign marks the intersection of East Grant Street and Monticello Street in Monticello on June 3, 2026. Photo by Madyson Magnus.

Despite local concerns, Illinois health officials say Piatt County glioblastoma rates remain within expected range

The Illinois Department of Public Health said a recent review of cancer registry data found no evidence of an increase in glioblastoma cases in…

Continue ReadingDespite local concerns, Illinois health officials say Piatt County glioblastoma rates remain within expected range
Read more about the article Bloomington postpones algal bloom treatments as issue blooms across IllinoisIsabella Lazansky
Lake Bloomington in May 2026. Photo by Isabella Lazansky.

Bloomington postpones algal bloom treatments as issue blooms across Illinois

For years, Bloomington, Ill. has fought algal blooms in its two main lakes, which provide the city with its water. Algal blooms result from…

Continue ReadingBloomington postpones algal bloom treatments as issue blooms across Illinois
Read more about the article Champaign County nursing home fines, violations soar as planning of new facility continuesBen Somerville
Clark Lindsey at 101 W. Windsor Rd. in Urbana on April 29, 2026. Photo by Ben Somerville.

Champaign County nursing home fines, violations soar as planning of new facility continues

In just one year, state and federal fines against the four nursing homes in Champaign County nearly tripled from $117,401 to $334,015, according to…

Continue ReadingChampaign County nursing home fines, violations soar as planning of new facility continues
Read more about the article Champaign emerges as abortion destination for patients from IndianaKaniz Fatema
The Equity Clinic in Champaign, Ill. on May 13, 2026. Photo by Kaniz Fatema.

Champaign emerges as abortion destination for patients from Indiana

In a landmark decision in 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Constitution does not confer a right to an abortion. Since then,…

Continue ReadingChampaign emerges as abortion destination for patients from Indiana
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 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…

Continue ReadingIllinois relies on complaint-driven enforcement as pesticide drift concerns grow
Read more about the article Q&A: Claudia Lennhoff on the history of the contaminated Fifth and Hill site of former Ameren manufactured gas plantA. Oishii Basu
The warning sign on the fence of the former manufactured gas plant site at the corner of Fifth and Hill streets in Champaign, Illinois on Sept. 15, 2025. Photo by A. Oishii Basu.

Q&A: Claudia Lennhoff on the history of the contaminated Fifth and Hill site of former Ameren manufactured gas plant

A spokesperson for the utility and energy company Ameren said in October it is a few months away from finishing the lengthy environmental cleanup…

Continue ReadingQ&A: Claudia Lennhoff on the history of the contaminated Fifth and Hill site of former Ameren manufactured gas plant
Read more about the article Despite pledge to move, asphalt plant still operating in the East Urbana neighborhood; Company cites financial issuesMichael Sweeney
Emulsicoat’s long-standing location at 705 E. University Ave. in Urbana on Sep. 18, 2025. Photo by Michael Sweeney.

Despite pledge to move, asphalt plant still operating in the East Urbana neighborhood; Company cites financial issues

Emulsicoat Inc., an asphalt production plant in Urbana, promised residents to relocate most of its operations out of their neighborhood to reduce the irritating…

Continue ReadingDespite pledge to move, asphalt plant still operating in the East Urbana neighborhood; Company cites financial issues
Read more about the article Champaign County task force approves $161,000 in new opioid settlement spending
A pie chart from the Illinois Opioid Settlements website shows how more than $531 million in settlement payments have been allocated statewide to date. The remediation fund receives the largest share at 55%, followed by 33% to local governments and 12% to the state. Screenshot on Nov. 3, 2025.

Champaign County task force approves $161,000 in new opioid settlement spending

Champaign County’s Opioid Settlement Task Force approved about $161,000 in new spending this week toward emergency medical equipment for fire protection districts across the…

Continue ReadingChampaign County task force approves $161,000 in new opioid settlement spending
Read more about the article Champaign County spends over $700,000 from opioid settlement funds on local health, housing programs 
A pie chart from the Illinois Opioid Settlements website shows how more than $531 million in settlement payments have been allocated statewide to date. The remediation fund receives the largest share at 55%, followed by 33% to local governments and 12% to the state. Screenshot on Nov. 3, 2025.

Champaign County spends over $700,000 from opioid settlement funds on local health, housing programs 

Champaign County has directed over $700,000 in funds over the past two years from national opioid settlements to housing, health and safety supplies, medical…

Continue ReadingChampaign County spends over $700,000 from opioid settlement funds on local health, housing programs