Government
Read more about the article Motion carries for Champaign County jail to face renovations, committee aims for improved health conditionsChampaign County Board
The Jail Facilities Committee questions Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman on November 18, 2021.

Motion carries for Champaign County jail to face renovations, committee aims for improved health conditions

With the upcoming closure of the County jail in downtown Urbana, the Champaign County Jail Facilities Committee passed a motion last month to fund to health and educational programs in the Champaign County Satellite Jail. Committee members addressed the urgency of moving forward with renovations as quickly as possible throughout these meetings. Issues such as replacing the heating, air, ventilation and cooling systems of the satellite jail were discussed, and designating currently unallocated American Rescue Plan funds specifically to renovate the jail. 

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Read more about the article Complaints rise about reduced bus services, but MTD can’t “speed up” training driversWikipedia
The Illinois Terminal in Champaign, Illinois. The terminal provides Amtrak service, as well as public bus service (MTD) for Champaign-Urbana.

Complaints rise about reduced bus services, but MTD can’t “speed up” training drivers

In August this year, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) announced that many bus routes’ services would be reduced due to a shortage of bus drivers.  Officials said somewhere in the range of 80 to 90 drivers quit and about the same number were hired. Amy Snyder, chief of staff at MTD, said that it’s impossible to speed up the training. 

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Read more about the article Champaign shootings spread to westward neighborhoods over years, fueled by recent surge in gun violence

Champaign shootings spread to westward neighborhoods over years, fueled by recent surge in gun violence

Gun violence in Champaign has steadily marched westward over the past three years as shootings have increased in neighborhoods north and south of 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. With about two weeks left in this year, 16 people have lost their lives. In 2020, there were nine homicides, but only two in 2019. Shooting incidents more than doubled in Champaign since 2019, going from 100 shootings, to 189 in 2020, then to 251 by December 13.

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Read more about the article Another record year for Champaign shootings warrants debate over causes, solutionsDarrell Hoemann
Looking south to the Champaign Police Department Building on First Street. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess

Another record year for Champaign shootings warrants debate over causes, solutions

Shootings continue at over 250 in a year that has already seen its highest number of shooting deaths ever recorded in the city, at 16 so far. The previous high of 9 occurred just last year, and even all the numbers that measure gun violence in Urbana have tripled in the past five years. Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said the rise in shooting incidents and homicides this year can be attributed to retaliation in a lot of cases. While retaliation may be to blame for a lot of the shootings, law enforcement officials and community leaders said it is not the only cause.

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Read more about the article Gun violence escalates in Urbana over past two years into “emergency” situationGoogle Maps Street View
Urbana City Building from Google Maps.

Gun violence escalates in Urbana over past two years into “emergency” situation

Only four years ago, Urbana police reported just 17 shooting incidents and no fatalities. The numbers doubled by the end of 2019, and have nearly doubled in each of the two years since, according to an analysis of police data by CU-CitizenAccess.  Out of the 99 shootings through November, at least 21 individuals were injured, meaning that when combined with homicides, one-in-three people were killed or wounded when shots were fired.

Continue ReadingGun violence escalates in Urbana over past two years into “emergency” situation
Read more about the article Clark Park residents express concern over accessory dwelling unit regulationaccessorydwellings.org
A backyard Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) from accessorydwellings.org, which is cited by Champaign to learn more information about ADUs.

Clark Park residents express concern over accessory dwelling unit regulation

Some property owners are expressing concern about accessory dwelling units — small buildings on single housing property — while Champaign city officials move towards approving them. To gauge Champaign’s interest in ADUs, City Planning sent out a survey in mid-August with questions about ADUs and what they might look like in Champaign. About 65% to 70% of about 1,500 participants seemed to indicate interest and support for ADUs.

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Read more about the article Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi outraises and outspends opponents consecutivelyUS House Office of Photography
Raja Krishnamoorthi's most recent official photo.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi outraises and outspends opponents consecutively

Krishnamoorthi’s total receipts for this upcoming cycle weigh in at over $6 million. This is a subsequent increase from 2016’s $3.56 million and 2018’s $5.24 million. Brian Gaines, professor of political science at the University of Illinois commented, said over email that nearly all incumbents outspend their challengers every cycle.

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Read more about the article Rep. Bill Foster continues contributions to other democratic campaignsBill Foster's official website
The most recent official photograph of Rep. Bill Foster.

Rep. Bill Foster continues contributions to other democratic campaigns

Democratic U.S. Representative Bill Foster’s top expenditure this election cycle has been distributing his campaign money to help other democratic candidates win their elections. 

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Read more about the article Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia expenditures target payroll, consulting as incumbentUS House Office of Photography
Jesus "Chuy" Garcia's most recent official photograph.

Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia expenditures target payroll, consulting as incumbent

Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Democratic congressman of Illinois’s 4th Congressional District, is spending modestly in the first year of the election cycle.  As the cycle…

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Read more about the article Rep. Marie Newman spends campaign funds on progressive companiesU.S. House Office of Photography
U.S. Representative Marie Newman's most recent official photograph.

Rep. Marie Newman spends campaign funds on progressive companies

In the 2019-2020 election cycle, U.S Representative of Illinois’s 3rd Congressional District, Marie Newman spent $1,040,720 in media advertisement and distributions alone to Buying Time LLC — over one-third of her total expenditures.  This advertising agency in Washington D.C is one of the most well-known political advertisement hubs in the nation. She devoted this large amount of money to Buying Time LLC when she was running against Republican opponent Mike Fricilone.

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