Jim Meadows
Congressional Candidate Miller Sidesteps Debates
This article is about candidate debates — or, to be precise, candidate debates that don’t happen. Not every candidate wants the risk of confronting their
Rep. Darren Bailey Discusses Suit Against Gov. Pritzker
State Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) says he will continue his court battle against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s use of emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last
Remains Found In 1995 Now Have A Name: Keri Lyn Wyant
URBANA — Champaign County investigators say they have identified the woman whose remains were found near Thomasboro in 1995, and known only as “Jane Doe”
Voices From Illinois’ 15th Congressional District
Illinois’ 15th congressional district is one of two in the state where no incumbent is running. But this article is about the district itself, not
Champaign County Opens More Early Voting Sites
Additional sites for early voting are opening in Champaign County on Monday, October 19. The Champaign County Clerk’s office will operate the eleven early voting
A Tax Hike For Forest Preserves On The Champaign County Ballot
MAHOMET — The Champaign County ballot includes another tax referendum this November. If voters approve, it will mean more money for the county’s system of
Great Shakeout Invites Illinoisans To Prepare For Earthquakes
CARBONDALE — Drop, Cover and Hold On. Those are the directions for everyone taking part in the annual Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill next Thursday. Harvey
Davis – Dirksen Londrigan Debate Covers Health Care, COVID-19, Police Reform, And More
CHAMPAIGN — Republican Congressman Rodney Davis and his Democratic challenger, Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, talked about healthcare, the COVID-19 pandemic, racial justice and a lot more,
Healthcare Expected To Be A Big Issue At Davis/Dirksen Londrigan Debate
13th District Congressman Rodney Davis and Democratic challenger Betsy Dirksen Londigan will be asked about issues ranging from the economy to police reform, when they
Flash Index Shows Slow Improvement In Illinois Economy
The economist who prepares the University of Illinois’ Flash Index to the Illinois economy says if things continue on their present course, Illinois could return
Rantoul Press Ending Publication
RANTOUL – The Wednesday, Sept. 30 edition of the Rantoul Press is the last one. The weekly paper and its website are shutting down, ending a
Champaign County Treasurer Candidates Both Vow To End Backlog
The Champaign County Treasurer was a low-profile office, until last year. That’s when a backlog of unfinished work led to complaints from both taxpayers and
Early Voting Begins In Illinois
URBANA — Early voting starts Thursday, September 24, in Illinois. Voters who wish to cast their ballots early for the November 3 election may do
Could These Be The Last Candidates For Champaign County Recorder?
The Champaign County Recorder of Deeds — in fact, the recorder of deeds in any county — is an office that usually doesn’t get much
Republican Ruggieri Launches State Senate Campaign Against Bennett
A Republican challenger to State Senator Scott Bennett kicked off his campaign Thursday. Savoy Village Trustee Alexander “A.J.” Ruggieri accuses his opponent of following Democratic
Champaign City Council Backs Voluntary Staff Cuts To Address Revenue Losses
CHAMPAIGN — With city revenues down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Champaign City Council Tuesday night endorsed the idea of cutting spending by cutting
Democrat Erika Weaver Wants To Be Advocate For 15th Congressional District
Erika Weaver is a Democrat running for Congress in Illinois’ Republican-leaning 15th Congressional District. Weaver is an attorney with the Coles County Public Defender’s office
Outside Review: Aleyah Lewis Arrest Followed Urbana Police Policy
URBANA – The Urbana City Council will hear a presentation Tuesday night on a report from an outside firm which concludes the police officers who
To Curb COVID-19 Spread, Vote-By-Mail To Play A Bigger Role In Illinois Voting
As of last August 28, election officials in Illinois had received more than a million applications for vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3rd election. The
These Brewers Are Making Beer That ‘Tastes Like Southern Illinois’ — With Herbs, Roots And Mushrooms
Aaron Kleidon kneels to stoke a campfire under a massive copper kettle, as hundreds of gallons of molasses-colored brew churn and bubble inside. He shakes
GOP Proposal Would Make Several Champaign County Offices Appointed
Three elected offices in Champaign County government would be changed to appointed ones — and a fourth office would be scaled back — under a
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis Cites Bipartisanship, Healthcare In Reelection Bid
CHAMPAIGN – Republican Rodney Davis is running for a fifth term as the congressman from Illinois’ 13th District. In an interview with Illinois Newsroom’s Jim
Gibson City Drive-In Is A Stop On Indie Movie Tour
GIBSON CITY – The COVID-19 pandemic has closed movie theaters, but many drive-ins remain open. So an independent filmmaker is making sure his movie can
Champaign, Urbana Order New Restrictions On Restaurants, Bars & Parties
Michigan State, Notre Dame and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill have recently suspended in-person classes due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. New emergency
Dirksen Londrigan Keeps Focus On Health Care In 2nd Run For Congress
CHAMPAIGN – In the 2018 race for U.S. Representative of Illinois’ 13th congressional district, Betsy Dirksen Londrigan narrowly lost to Republican incumbent Rodney Davis. Now,
Pritzker Visits Urbana To Promote Grants For COVID-Stricken Businesses
URBANA – Gov. J.B. Pritzker visited a barbecue restaurant in Urbana Thursday to showcase the first round of grants from a new state program to
Davis Quarantines At Home After Testing Positive For COVID-19
Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis is quarantining at his home in Taylorville, after testing positive on Wednesday for COVID-19. The 13th District lawmaker says he feels
Unit 4 Superintendent Says Fall Classes Will Stay Online For 1st Quarter
CHAMPAIGN – In a change of direction, the Champaign Unit 4 school district has announced that fall classes will be held on a remote basis
Flash Index Show Improvement In State Economy But Not Growth
The Illinois economy has been contracting since the onset of COVID-19. But the latest University of Illinois Flash Index shows economic activity is beginning to
Laut Appointed To Urbana City Council Seat
Julie Laut is to be sworn in Tuesday to fill the Ward Two seat on the Urbana City Council. The Urbana City Council voted Monday
Illinois Utilities Extend Shutoff Moratorium Through August
URBANA – A moratorium on utility shutoffs in Illinois expired last Sunday. But with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, several utilities have volunteered to extend the
African-American Arts Faculty Showcased In ‘We Got Next’
This summer, there’s been a lot of discussion about racism, anti-black violence and injustice. Now African-Americans on the faculty of the University of Illinois’ College
Danville Casino Operator To Withdraw Application, Submit New One
DANVILLE – The operator for a proposed Danville casino says it is withdrawing the application, it submitted last October, and plans to submit a new
Advisory Panel On Police Reform Proposed For Urbana City Council
URBANA – Mayor Diane Marlin says she’ll bring more details to the Urbana City Council next week on setting up an advisory committee to study
Recount Completed In Contested Macon County Sheriff’s Election
A manual recount of ballots has been completed in the 2018 Macon County Sheriff’s election, where the initial tally showed a one-vote margin between the
Mattoon Accountant Files For Independent Statehouse Bid
MATTOON – An accountant living in Mattoon is running in the 110th Illinois House District against Republican incumbent Chris Miller. Kody Czerwonka filed ballot petitions
Council Endorses Champaign Police Use-Of-Force Changes & Outreach Plan
CHAMPAIGN – Champaign Police say they are making changes in response to concerns raised nationwide about police practices and policies. City Council members endorsed those
COVID-19 Cases Close Champaign County Clerk, Danville Library
URBANA – The Champaign County Clerk’s office and the Danville Public Library are both closed temporarily, after an employee at each location tested positive for
Local Officials Say Please Don’t Come To Greek Reunion This Year
CHAMPAIGN – The largest bars in Champaign’s Campustown area will be closed on Friday and Saturday, July 10-11, in an attempt to avoid spreading the
Consulting Firm Launches Review Of Aleyah Lewis Arrest
A consulting firm whose founders include former Chicago police chief Terry Hillard is beginning an investigation into the the Urbana police arrest of Aleyah Lewis.
Urbana City Council Devotes Special Meeting To Police Concerns
The Urbana City Council spent more than three hours Thursday night looking over police issues with members of the community. But council members have put
Urbana Civilian Police Review Board Chair Pledges Reform
The new chairman of the Urbana Civilian Police Review Board says he’s committed to fundamental reforms in the panel’s performance. Criticism of police conduct at
Police Reform Issues Loom Large Before Urbana City Council
URBANA — A set of shared goals and standards for police and communities of color was approved by the Urbana City Council Monday night. Council
Danville Juneteenth Celebration Promises History Lesson And A Party
There will be food, music, dancing and a serving of history, Danville’s Juneteenth Celebration, which runs from 5 to 8 PM on Friday, June 19,
Democrat Esslinger Challenges Halbrook For 102nd Illinois House Seat
Democrat Mitchell Esslinger announced his bid for the Illinois House Wednesday, with a campaign announcement that targeted his opponent, Republican incumbent Brad Halbrook. At a
Danville Council OKs Proposals For Cannabis Cultivation & 4th Of July Fireworks
DANVILLE – The Danville City Council approved a zoning permit for a cannabis cultivation center, and funding for Fourth of July fireworks at its meeting
Champaign To Resume Hosting State HS Boys Basketball Tournament
CHAMPAIGN – March Madness is returning to Champaign-Urbana. The Illinois High School Association board voted Monday to move its Boys Basketball State Finals tournament from Peoria
Champaign’s Orpheum Children’s Science Museum To Close
CHAMPAIGN – After 26 years, the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum in Champaign is closing, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its building is being
Seraphin Reappointed As Urbana Police Chief
URBANA – Bryant Seraphin’s appointment as Urbana police chief has been renewed for another year by the Urbana City Council. Approval came Wednesday night, on
Champaign County, Georgetown Fairs Cancel Due To Coronavirus Worries
URBANA — The Champaign County Fair in Urbana and the Georgetown Fair in Vermilion County are the latest summer events to fall victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urbana City Council Hears Criticism Of Police Arrest
At their Monday night Committee of the Whole meeting, Urbana City Council members condemned the police custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Earlier Monday,
Pandemic Puts Damper On Memorial Day Ceremonies
URBANA — The observance of Memorial Day is happening in Illinois this year with far fewer ceremonies than usual. The coronavirus outbreak has put a
C-U Public Libraries Plan For Day They Can Welcome Back Public
The public hasn’t been allowed in Illinois’ public libraries for about two months, due to fears of spreading the coronavirus. Contact with public libraries has
Foxconn’s Belkin Licenses U Of I Emergency Ventilator
URBANA — Work began two months ago at the University of Illinois on an emergency ventilator to treat COVID-19 patients. Now, the new design has
New York Times & Other National Newspapers Return To Champaign-Urbana
URBANA — A new distributor is bringing the New York Times and other national newspapers to Champaign-Urbana starting on Monday, after a six-month absence. Sunny
Theater Groups & Classes Look For Ways To Survive Coronavirus Shutdown
URBANA – Live theater in America has been largely shut down for the past two months, due to the coronavirus outbreak. In central Illinois, theater
Flash Index Shows Contraction Of Illinois Economy
The latest readings of the Flash Index show the Illinois economy quickly shifting from growth to contraction during the coronavirus pandemic. The Flash Index has
Rising Home Sales, Just Before Coronavirus’ Impact
Sales of existing homes were on the rise in Illinois and in Champaign County — up until the stay-at-home restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus
In Champaign, Keeping Construction Sites Safe From Coronavirus Requires A Plan
Construction work is considered a critical trade under Governor Pritzker’s Stay-At-Home order, so it’s been continuing while other activities have been curtailed. But preventing the
Sixth COVID-19 Death Reported At Decatur Long Term Care Facility
DECATUR – The number of deaths from COVID-19 has risen to six at the Fair Havens Senior Living long-term care facility in Decatur. The Macon
How Two Central Illinois Lawmakers Are Getting Work Done During The Coronavirus Outbreak
Concerns about the coronavirus have kept the Illinois General Assembly from meeting in Springfield for a month. And it’s not clear when they’ll be back
15 COVID-19 Cases Reported At Decatur Long-Term Care Facility
Fifteen people at a long-term care facility in Decatur have been confirmed to have COVID-19, Macon County officials announced Saturday. The cases occurred at Fair
Champaign County July 4th Fireworks Celebration Canceled
URBANA – Champaign-Urbana’s annual Fourth of July festival will not be held this year. The organizers of the Champaign County Freedom Celebration posted the announcement
Local Restaurants Keep Serving During Coronavirus Shutdown
CHAMPAIGN – Shutdown orders related to the coronavirus pandemic have been hard on restaurants, but especially on local restaurants without drive-through windows or backing from
Illinois Flash Index Put On Hold By Coronavirus Outbreak
Every month, the University of Illinois Flash Index analyzes Illinois tax receipts to provide a quick measurement of the Illinois economy. But the disruption caused
U Of I Team Designs Emergency Ventilator In Days
Hospitals treating patients with COVID-19 face a growing need for ventilators to help them breathe. Engineers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have come
Danville Schools Partner With McDonald’s For Meals During Closure
A pilot program launched by Danville school district 118 is sending students to the drive-through window to get meals, while classes are suspended due to
C-U Businesses Adjust To Stay Open During ‘Stay-At-Home’
One of the first things Rogards did in response to the coronavirus outbreak was to suspend its trial chair program. Rogards president and CEO Tonya
Champaign County Board To Offer Remote Meeting Option
UPDATE: Champaign County Executive Darlene Kloeppel said on Thursday that in-person public attendance at Thursday evening’s county board meeting will not be allowed, and all
Congressional Races Set: Miller & Weaver in 15th, Londrigan & Davis In 13th
The next person to represent Illinois’ 15th Congressional District will be a woman from Coles County. Voters in Tuesday primary election selected Republican Mary Miller
Newcomers Defeat Incumbents In Democratic County Board Primary
Four newcomers running for the Champaign County Board defeated incumbents and recent appointees in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. The winners include Emily Rodriguez of Champaign, who
Shortage Of Election Judges Causes Shifting In Champaign & Macon Counties
URBANA – Actions taken to guard against the coronavirus are hampering primary election day in at least two Illinois counties, creating a shortage of election
School Sales Tax Referendum Is On The Ballot Again In Vermilion County
After being rejected by voters in 2018, a referendum asking voters to approve a one-percent sales tax for public school facilities and other expenses is
Champaign County Confirms First COVID-19 Case
Champaign County is among the 13 Illinois counties now reporting cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The patient is a Champaign County
Champaign County To Move Three Polling Places Out Of Long-Term Care Facilities
Champaign County is moving three of its primary election polling places out of long-term care facilities to other locations, out of concern about the coronavirus.
Champaign County Expands Early Voting
CHAMPAIGN – As early voting continues for the March 17 Illinois Primary, Champaign County is opening seven additional early voting locations on Monday, March 8,
Jail’s Future Is An Issue In Champaign County Board Election
URBANA – As the Champaign County Board considers closing the older of its two county jails, progressive Democrats running for board seats argue for making
Facilities Panel Looks At Revised Champaign County Jail Plan
The Champaign County Board Facilities Committee reviewed the latest version of a jail consolidation plan Wednesday night. The revised proposal from the Champaign architectural
Londrigan Makes 2nd Try For Congress In 13th District
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan lost to U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis by 0.8% of the vote in the 2018 election. Now, the Springfield Democrat is making a
Flash Index: Illinois’ Growing Economy Continues, But Potential Impact Of Coronavirus Unknown
Concern about the coronavirus has affected the stock market. But so far, it hasn’t impacted Illinois’ economy, as measured by the University of Illinois Flash
Stefanie Smith Runs In 13th District ‘For The People’
Stefanie Smith says she’s running for Congress because issues she feels are important are not being considered in a meaningful way.
Vermilion Co. Treasurer Darren Duncan Seeks 15th Congressional District GOP Nomination
Darren Duncan is a seventh-generation farmer in Vermilion County, who said he wants to be a voice for the 15th District’s agricultural and rural communities
Camargo Physician Chuck Ellington Seeks 15th District GOP Nomination
A family physician from Douglas County said he’s running for Congress because of a “failure of leadership” he sees in Washington. Dr. Charles “Chuck” Ellington
Mary Miller Co-Manages Farm With Husband, Now Sets Sights On Congress
Mary Miller says her bid for Congress is a case of “an ordinary person that’s stepping into an extraordinary opportunity.” Miller is the wife of
Altamont School Board Member Kerry Wolff Makes A Bid For Congress In The 15th District
There are four Republican candidates on the March 17 primary ballot for Illinois’ 15th District congressional seat. But Kerry Wolff said when incumbent John Shimkus
Democrat Kevin Gaither Making Second Bid For 15th District Seat
Kevin Gaither received 29.1% of the vote, when he challenged incumbent U.S. Rep. John Shimkus in 2018. This year, with Shimkus out of the picture,
Craig Morton Says He’s Democrats’ Moderate Choice In 15th District
Craig Morton owns a Medicine Shoppe pharmacy franchise in the south-central Illinois town of Salem, where he says he sees the impact of high prescription
Democrat Erika Weaver Says She’s Walked In The Shoes Of 15th District Voters
Erika Weaver is one of four candidates running for the Democratic nomination for Congress in Illinois’ 15th District (four Republicans are also running).
Democrat John W. Hursey Jr. Says He’s The Values-Based Candidate For The 15th District
John W. Hursey Jr. is a high school English teacher from Collinsville, who says he’s a Democrat the traditionally Republican 15th District will support, because
Democrats Challenging Rodney Davis Face Off At Forum
CHAMPAIGN – A candidate’s forum in Champaign Monday night featured the two Democrats competing for the chance to challenge 13th District U.S. Representative Rodney Davis
Early Voting In Illinois Primary Begins
The Illinois Primary election takes place on March 17. But the casting of ballots begins Thursday, February 6. Under Illinois’ early voting law, voters can
County Board Chair Faces Primary Challenge From ‘Progressive Choice’
Democrat Giraldo Rosales became chairman of the Champaign County Board a year ago, with the support of Republicans and a few moderate Democrats, defeating his
No Coronavirus In Champaign County, But Health Officials Say They’re Ready
CHAMPAIGN – Health officials in Champaign County say they are ready, if any cases of the novel coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China should
15th District Democratic Candidates Sound Off On Impeachment
Most House Democrats voted last month in favor of impeaching President Trump. At a candidate’s forum in Charleston Sunday, three Democrats seeking to run in
University Of Illinois Administrators Raise Tuition
[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Base Tuition For In-State Undergrads: $12,254 at U-I Urbana-Champaign; $10,776 at U-I Chicago; $9,503 at U-I Springfield [/perfectpullquote]
Jason Erkes Of Cresco Labs Discusses Plans For Danville Cannabis Dispensary
Operators of a new recreational cannabis dispensary in Danville say they hope to open in the spring. Chicago-based Cresco Labs operates cannabis businesses in seven
The State Of Cannabis: Two Towns, Two Decisions On Cannabis Sales
Rantoul is looking forward to opening a new outdoor family sports complex, in 2021. Hopes for the $20 million project made it easier for village
Unit 4 Superintendent Drops Campus Swap Proposal
CHAMPAIGN – Unit 4’s district superintendent says she’s dropping a controversial proposal for a campus swap between the Garden Hills elementary school and the International
Bennett, Other Lawmakers, Voice Concern About “Rape In Champaign” Email
State lawmakers are reacting with alarm to a recently released email that refers to the cover-up of a quote “rape in Champaign”. State Senator Scott