Education
11 months ago
HOMESCHOOL BILL UPDATE: Illinois bill restricting homeschooling passes amid intense debate

After hours of heated debate and testimony, a contentious bill limiting homeschooling in Illinois passed with a vote of 8-4-1, sparking fierce opposition from Republicans who condemned it as an infringement on parental rights. The bill, which supporters argue is aimed at ensuring quality education standards for all students, has quickly become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over parental control in education.

Community
11 months ago
$35 million upgrade kicks off at Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment facilities

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) has officially […]

Agriculture
11 months ago
Governor JB Pritzker declares March 19 as Illinois Agriculture Trade Day

In honor of Illinois Agriculture Trade Day, the community is encouraged to visit agr.illinois.gov to learn about food and agriculture in Illinois and FeedingtheEconomy.com to learn more about role that food and agriculture plays in our state and national economy. 

IL State News
11 months ago
Cell phone ban legislation clears Senate on Tuesday

Senate Bill 2427 would require all school boards to adopt policies, banning cell phones and other devices during instructional time. This includes cell phones, laptops, tablets and gaming devices which can provide communication between two or more parties. It would not, however, include school-issued devices.

News
11 months ago
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul warns Illinois residents of the risks surrounding sports betting

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month — and also happens to be the month when the NCAA Tournament for men and women’s college basketball is held. Raoul is encouraging fans who are filling out brackets and thinking about placing money on their favorite teams to be aware of the risks of unlicensed operators.

Suspect arrested from early morning Urbana shooting.
Crime
11 months ago
SHOOTING UPDATE: Champaign man faces first-degree murder charge for second time in two years

A 22-year-old Champaign man is once again facing first-degree murder charges, just two years after being acquitted of a similar charge. Zaire Herman, who was previously cleared in the 2023 fatal shooting of a man, now stands accused of killing another individual in a shooting on Sunday afternoon.

Community
11 months ago
Urbana man arrested following armed threat investigation

Urbana Police officers responded to a report of an armed subject on the 1000 block of South Smith Road on Saturday, March 15. Upon further investigation, officers discovered that a man had threatened another individual with a firearm. During the investigation, a loaded pistol was recovered. The 30-year-old Urbana man, a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing a firearm, was arrested.

Community
11 months ago
Red Cross of Illinois rallying supporters for disaster aid

“This year’s disasters have set a whirlwind pace, displacing thousands of people from their homes across the country and disrupting the nation’s blood supply for patients,” said Kellie O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer, Illinois Red Cross. “As we enter spring disaster season, families are relying on us to come together as a community and support them when help can’t wait during future crises. Join us today by making a financial donation or giving blood or platelets.”

art
Community
11 months ago
Giertz Gallery invites local artists to submit to upcoming exhibition

The exhibition is scheduled from Monday, June 9 to Wednesday, July 24, 2025. Costello and Kelly White, Executive Director of 40 North, Champaign County Arts Council, will give opening remarks at 6:15 p.m. during the reception on Thursday, June 12, 2025. There will also be a closing reception from 5:30–7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24.

News
11 months ago
Indiana man dies in I-74 crash in Vermilion County

Champaign County Coroner, Laurie Brauer, has identified the victim of a fatal motor vehicle crash on Interstate 74 in Vermilion County. Isaiah Edmond, 35, of Indiana, was pronounced dead at 5:27 AM on March 18, at the Carle Foundation Hospital Emergency Department in Urbana.