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 Waitlist for affordable housing projects in Champaign County far exceeds the number of vouchers availableGoogle Street View
The Housing Authority of Champaign County, located at 2008 N. Market St. in Champaign. Photo from Google Street View, captured August 2023.

Waitlist for affordable housing projects in Champaign County far exceeds the number of vouchers available

Low- to moderate-income residents are currently living in about 1,000 housing units supported by vouchers through the Housing Authority of Champaign County — but…

Continue ReadingWaitlist for affordable housing projects in Champaign County far exceeds the number of vouchers available
Read more about the article Champaign County energy assistance program faces uncertain future amid federal cutsMariana Quezada
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program office at the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission at 1776 E. Washington St. in Urbana on May 7, 2025.

Champaign County energy assistance program faces uncertain future amid federal cuts

An energy assistance program for low-income residents in Champaign County is bracing for future funding shortfalls after federal budget cuts halted new applications and…

Continue ReadingChampaign County energy assistance program faces uncertain future amid federal cuts
Read more about the article Midwest universities seldom name fraternities involved in sexual assault reportsgreekview.com
A map detailing the locations of fraternities affiliated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign across Champaign provided by the Interfraternity Council.

Midwest universities seldom name fraternities involved in sexual assault reports

Police at Midwest public universities seldom disclose the name of a fraternity where an alleged sexual assault is reported. Abbigail Kepp, communications director for…

Continue ReadingMidwest universities seldom name fraternities involved in sexual assault reports
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 Insect flight research at the University of Illinois among 32 targeted grants labeled DEI by Sen. Ted CruzJessie Wang
Protestors gathered for a March For Science on April 22 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Photo by Jessie Wang.

Insect flight research at the University of Illinois among 32 targeted grants labeled DEI by Sen. Ted Cruz

$66 million in 32 grants.  This is the amount of federal grant funding the University of Illinois receives that was targeted as diversity, equity…

Continue ReadingInsect flight research at the University of Illinois among 32 targeted grants labeled DEI by Sen. Ted Cruz
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

Several diseases on the rise in Champaign County as federal changes threaten prevention-based programs

Whooping cough, rabies, syphilis and strep. These are some of the infectious diseases on the rise in Champaign County over the past six years,…

Continue ReadingSeveral diseases on the rise in Champaign County as federal changes threaten prevention-based programs
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