Community
6 months ago
Project Labor Agreements increase competition, control costs, and expand workforce opportunity in Illinois

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.

Business
6 months ago
Illinois sees solid job gains and strong wage growth, despite high unemployment

SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois continues to show mixed economic signals, according to […]

Community
6 months ago
Illinois must build 227,000 homes to ease housing crisis, new report warns

Illinois is facing a major housing shortage and will need to build at least 227,000 new homes over the next five years to keep up with growing demand, according to a new report titled You Can’t Buy What You Can’t Afford: Illinois’ Housing Shortage and Ways to Fix It.

Community
6 months ago
Carle Foundation Hospital launches new wheelchair transport service, replaces valet parking

Carle Foundation Hospital is introducing a new Guest Assistance service aimed at improving access and comfort for patients and visitors. Beginning July 21, the hospital will offer free, ADA-accessible wheelchair transport from two main parking garages to the hospital entrance and back.

Education
6 months ago
Urbana Corn Genetics Center cultivates innovation, faces uncertain future under USDA budget plan

When most growers plant corn, they expect neat rows and full, golden ears. But at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a team of USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists does the opposite — they plant the misfits. Twisted, speckled, and tassel-covered corn varieties thrive at the Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center, where more than 100,000 genetically unique corn lines are grown and preserved. Each carries mutations that offer clues to some of the most valuable traits in modern corn — from disease resistance to enhanced sweetness.

News
6 months ago
Illinois Lottery celebrates Lottery Week with prizes, partnerships, and community impact

The Illinois Lottery is joining lotteries across North America in celebrating Lottery Week, running from July 14–18, 2025. This annual celebration highlights the far-reaching benefits of lottery proceeds in local communities—from funding public education to supporting charitable causes and stimulating economic growth.

News
6 months ago
Spike in Champaign County traffic fatalities prompts RPC to seek public input on safety improvements

Champaign County is grappling with a historic spike in traffic fatalities, and local planners are turning to the public for help. With 13 lives lost in traffic crashes during the first half of 2025 — the worst six-month period in over 20 years — the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) is asking residents to share their concerns and ideas for making area roads safer.

News
6 months ago
Champaign County employees ratified new union contract by overwhelming margin

Champaign County workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 900 voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new union contract agreement that was reached late Tuesday, just ahead of their Wednesday morning strike deadline.

Community
6 months ago
Household Hazardous Waste Event returns August 9: Community Focus with Callie Luttman

Old drain cleaners under the sink? Mysterious chemicals in your garage? You’re not alone—and now there’s a safe way to get rid of them.

Community
6 months ago
U of I Extension to host free webinar on preventing fresh produce contamination

Contaminated washing and packing areas are among the leading causes of foodborne illness in fresh produce, according to the University of Illinois Extension. In an effort to reduce this risk and help community members protect themselves and others from getting sick, U of I Extension will host a free educational webinar.