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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
Read more about the article Garden Hills navigates roadblocks to reach long-awaited neighborhood improvements Mazie Gierat
The pavement on Paula Drive and Mattis Avenue was removed for installation of storm sewers, in Garden Hills Nov. 6, 2025. Photo by Mazie Gierat. 

Garden Hills navigates roadblocks to reach long-awaited neighborhood improvements 

For years, members of the United Garden Hills Neighborhood Association have met monthly at the fire station on Paula Drive to discuss community improvements,…

Continue ReadingGarden Hills navigates roadblocks to reach long-awaited neighborhood improvements 
Read more about the article Despite neighborhood opposition, Champaign moves forward with Hill Street multifamily permitCity of Champaign
Aerial view of 919 W Hill St and notified properties within 250+ ft, provided by the City of Champaign, Jan. 28, 2025.

Despite neighborhood opposition, Champaign moves forward with Hill Street multifamily permit

The City of Champaign approved a special use permit to allow a four-unit apartment building at 919 W. Hill St. despite ongoing concerns from…

Continue ReadingDespite neighborhood opposition, Champaign moves forward with Hill Street multifamily permit
Read more about the article SNAP benefits resume, but new work requirements threaten thousands of recipients in Champaign CountyChampaign-Urbana Public Health District
A portion of the map of food pantries and other resources from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District's website.

SNAP benefits resume, but new work requirements threaten thousands of recipients in Champaign County

As SNAP benefits are back following a 43-day government shutdown, millions of recipients may have to meet new work requirements to continue receiving them. …

Continue ReadingSNAP benefits resume, but new work requirements threaten thousands of recipients in Champaign County
Read more about the article Ameren states contaminated gas plant cleanup in Fifth and Hill neighborhood nearly complete, but advocates question resultsA. Oishii Basu
The “No Trespassing” 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.

Ameren states contaminated gas plant cleanup in Fifth and Hill neighborhood nearly complete, but advocates question results

Read an extended Q&A with Claudia Lennhoff, executive director of Champaign County Health Care Consumers, about the history of the site and the research…

Continue ReadingAmeren states contaminated gas plant cleanup in Fifth and Hill neighborhood nearly complete, but advocates question results
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 Garbage trucks continue to speed through Danville’s Grape Creek neighborhood, but residents say efforts to slow traffic prove unsuccessfulMike Rock
A B&W Disposal garbage truck drives through the Grape Creek neighborhood in Danville, Illinois to get to the landfill on Nov. 7, 2025. Photo by Mike Rock.

Garbage trucks continue to speed through Danville’s Grape Creek neighborhood, but residents say efforts to slow traffic prove unsuccessful

Residents who live on Brickyard Road in Danville, Illinois said they are tired of the traffic, trash and noise from garbage trucks.  The Republic…

Continue ReadingGarbage trucks continue to speed through Danville’s Grape Creek neighborhood, but residents say efforts to slow traffic prove unsuccessful
Read more about the article Proposed Ameren gas hike cut nearly in half by Illinois Commerce CommissionOates Associates
The Ameren Illinois headquarters in Collinsville. Photo from Oates Associates' website.

Proposed Ameren gas hike cut nearly in half by Illinois Commerce Commission

Ameren Illinois customers will see about a $3.65 increase a month to their gas bill instead of between $8 to $10 effective this December…

Continue ReadingProposed Ameren gas hike cut nearly in half by Illinois Commerce Commission
Read more about the article Lierman neighbors still fighting food insecurity since loss of community garden as developers scout former landJahzara Norris
The former land where the Lierman Community Garden once was located, which allowed local residents to grow their own vegetables, in September 2025. Photo by Jahzara Norris.

Lierman neighbors still fighting food insecurity since loss of community garden as developers scout former land

The Lierman Community Garden launched in 2015 as a way for residents to access fresh vegetables and rent a spot to plant their own…

Continue ReadingLierman neighbors still fighting food insecurity since loss of community garden as developers scout former land
Read more about the article MLK Subdivision residents seek more signage to address speeding, traffic safety concernsDarrell Hoemann
MLK Subdivision in Champaign, IL on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access

MLK Subdivision residents seek more signage to address speeding, traffic safety concerns

Residents of the Martin Luther King Subdivision have voiced increasing concerns about speeding and traffic safety in their Champaign neighborhood. “Our neighborhood is very…

Continue ReadingMLK Subdivision residents seek more signage to address speeding, traffic safety concerns