Immunizations are designed to keep people healthy. Many diseases have been pushed into relative obscurity thanks to the widespread use of vaccines. Smallpox and rinderpest were eradicated worldwide due to vaccination. Polio, tetanus, Hib, and rubella are some additional diseases that most people have forgotten thanks to the vaccinations they received in childhood. But one disease that had been largely controlled has experienced a resurgence, leaving many wondering if their immunizations are still potent enough to provide protection.
The City of Champaign has received court approval to vacate and secure the Champaign Park Apartments, a complex long plagued by structural and safety issues. The decision comes after the buildings were officially condemned in June due to severe deterioration and hazardous living conditions.
Lots of natural light, improved functionality, and closer proximity to essential services welcomed Champaign County officials last week as the Treasurer’s Office, County Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, and Chief County Assessment Office officially moved into their new home: the Scott M. Bennett Administrative Building in downtown Urbana.
In an emotional and heartfelt ceremony, the Scott M. Bennett County Administrative Building was officially dedicated on what would have been the late State Senator’s 48th birthday. The event drew a large crowd and included remarks from family, colleagues, and local leaders whose lives were touched by Bennett’s service and character.
The 36th annual Kendall Gill Golf Outing was held this past weekend, and brought in $52,251 in total proceeds towards the Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana to benefit 977 youth and families served each year.
Homelessness in Champaign County is on the rise, according to the latest Point-in-Time (PIT) Count conducted in January 2025. The count identified 355 individuals experiencing homelessness, an increase of 76 people from the same count in 2024. The number of homeless households also increased by 63.
With a prolonged stretch of dangerous heat forecasted for the region, local leaders are sounding the alarm and calling on the community to help establish an emergency shelter to protect the area’s most vulnerable residents.
The community is invited to a special Celebration of Life in memory of Nora Garcia Harroun, a beloved wife, friend, and community member who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 35 following complications from open-heart surgery. The tribute will take place on Sunday, July 27 at the local drive-in theater — one of Nora’s favorite places.
A specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from Illinois is heading to Texas to assist with emergency response efforts following catastrophic flooding. The team, composed of 39 first responders from local fire departments, is being deployed as part of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) under the designation USAR Task Force 1.
A new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) are helping Illinois taxpayers and workers alike.