Increasing gun violence raises issue of community-wide trauma among residents
Yvonne Miller likes driving her white Volvo because it reminds her of driving with her son. On her license plate is the word “STUFF.” The bold, black letters stand out against the light blue color of her “Prevent Violence” license plate. “Stuff” is a tribute to Miller’s 23-year-old son, Christopher Kelly. It was a nickname […]
In-person Ebertfest returns to Champaign’s Virginia Theatre
CHAMPAIGN – Wednesday kicks off the first day of the return of Ebertfest, Champaign’s annual film festival named in honor of late University of Illinois alumnus and film critic Roger Ebert. The festival will feature films from Wednesday to Saturday including “The Phantom of the Open,” “Ghost World,” and “Nightmare Alley.” Movies shown at Ebertfest […]
Champaign Refugee Center welcomes Afghan families and individuals
CHAMPAIGN – The Refugee Center helped more than 50 people from Kabul settle in the Champaign-Urbana area after the Taliban took over that area in August of 2021. They continue to help their clients settle in their new homes in different ways. One of which includes obtaining a job at Guardian West manufacturing. Lisa Wilson […]
Champaign residents call for city council member resignation amid controversy
Some Champaign residents called this week for two city council members to resign following comments they made at a meeting earlier this month. The demands for council members Alicia Beck and Michael Foellmer to step down stemmed from an exchange Beck had with two local residents at the council’s Feb. 15 meeting. The Champaign residents, […]
Educators talk candidly about students and violence at next News, Brews & Beatz forum
CHAMPAIGN – Illinois Public Media is committed to discussions about decreasing gun violence in Champaign-Urbana. Last year, we launched our News, Brews, and Beatz series of conversations. Our next event is Monday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. Illinois Public Media News Director Reginald Hardwick, who co-moderates these discussions, previewed Monday’s conversation with Morning Edition host […]
Authorities say woman arrested in shooting at Champaign mall
CHAMPAIGN — Authorities say a woman has been arrested after a shooting at a mall in Champaign that left a man injured. Authorities say police were called just after 2 p.m. Saturday to Market Place Mall after learning a man and woman had been in a dispute inside the building near the food court and […]
Champaign shootings spread to westward neighborhoods over years, fueled by recent surge in gun violence
CHAMPAIGN — Gun violence in Champaign has steadily marched westward over the past three years as shootings have increased in neighborhoods north and south of West Springfield Avenue, especially in or near several apartment complexes, according to a review of police data over the past seven years by CU-CitizenAccess.org. Three of the four top blocks […]
Photo Gallery: Champaign 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
CHAMPAIGN – Hundreds of people joined Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig and many other leaders from Champaign-Urbana in honoring the September 11, 2001 attack victims. The ceremony took part 20 years to the day after the attacks. Hijackers crashed jetliners into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. As […]
Update: 20-Year-Old Man Wounded In Green St. Shooting
Post updated August 22 at 4:45 p.m. CHAMPAIGN – Police in Champaign are looking for the person who shot a 20-year-old man along busy Green Street late Saturday night. In a press release, Champaign police say they responded to shots fired in the 100 block of East Green Street just before 11:30 p.m. Officers arrived […]
Champaign Man Arraigned On 1st-Degree Murder In Boy’s Death
URBANA — A Champaign man has been arraigned on a first-degree murder charge in the slaying of a 14-year-old boy whose body was found last week in a roadside ditch. Fifty-five-year-old Daryl Vandyke told a Champaign County judge on Tuesday that he understood his rights and the charges he faces in Steven Butler III’s killing. […]
Vehicle Catalytic Converter Thefts Increase In CU
URBANA – Auto shop owners and law enforcement in Champaign-Urbana are seeing an increase in vehicle catalytic converter thefts. Catalytic converters make toxic exhaust fumes less harmful for the environment and are located on the underside of vehicles. They also contain precious metals like rhodium, platinum and palladium that can sell for upwards of $19,000 […]
Only One Elder Care Facility In Champaign-Urbana Is Requiring Staff Vaccinations
URBANA – More than 10,000 residents of long-term care facilities in Illinois have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to state data. But in Champaign County, only one long-term care facility is currently mandating that its staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Clark-Lindsey, a long-term care facility and nursing home in Urbana, […]
One Dead, 4 Injured, In Afternoon Shooting At Champaign American Legion Post
This is a developing story. It will be updated as we learn new details. CHAMPAIGN – Champaign Police say a 17-year-old male was killed and four other people were wounded Friday afternoon, in a shooting at a large post-funeral gathering for a previous shooting victim at the American Legion Post 559 on Hickory Street on […]
Where Can You Get Tested for COVID-19 In Central Illinois?
For health questions about COVID-19, call the Illinois Department of Public Health hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov. IDPH has also compiled a list of testing sites across the state, including information on testing eligibility and contact information. Public testing sites offer free testing regardless of insurance, with no need for a doctor’s referral. Illinois […]
Drag Picnic Offers Safe Space For LGBTQ+ Folks In Champaign
CHAMPAIGN — June is Pride Month, and LGBTQ+ folks and allies in Champaign are ready to kick off the month with a Drag Picnic taking place at West Side Park this Saturday. CJ Brown is the host and organizer of the picnic, as well as one of the drag performers taking the stage this weekend. […]