Opinion

Last week's storm dumped a foot of snow on C-U. Pedestrians are left facing treacherous walking conditions.

Champaign Unit 4 teachers have been working without a contract since June 2021. It’s time the Board of Education incorporates feedback from teachers to move forward with ensuring a safe and productive learning environment for both teachers and students.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID patients. In Champaign-Urbana, Carle’s response to the pandemic leaves local healthcare consumers left wondering whether profits and opportunism are driving their response to the pandemic.

The Editorial Board reflects on cancel culture, forgiveness, and searching for nuance in the wake of Meyers Leonard’s reappearance in headlines for his donation to the Ubben Basketball project.

The City of Champaign plans to spend $6.2 million on gun violence prevention over the next two years. Here is what we think about their proposed plan. 

Nationwide, COVID cases are spreading rapidly; hospitalizations are up. What does that mean for us in Champaign County?

Prairielands Council is planning to remove commercially viable trees from Camp Robert Drake, which will ecologically disrupt the natural area. 

After another year with a lot of bad, we call out the WORST.

Clair Irwin, founder of the Illinois chapter of #Insulin4All, wants to see more focus on making insulin accessible for all, rather than finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

Gender diverse individuals in Champaign-Urbana have a difficult time finding adequate and affirming healthcare services. 

The Editorial Board shares their hopes for C-U in the New Year.

As 2021 comes to a close, our Editorial Board takes a look at where we are now compared to where we were a year ago.

A little bit of help goes a long way.

Mahomet-Seymour CUSD #3's response — or lack thereof — to the targeted bullying and harassment of LGBTQ+ students isn't enough.

Champaign County Animal Control is still a mess even after the former director stepped down.

Samuel Dotson, a graduate student, studying nuclear engineering, believes a micro nuclear reactor would be “an excellent for the school and the community.”

The new congressional and county district maps heavily favor Democrats. This should not be a surprise. 

Dr. Bruce Hannon offers reasons why the U of I's proposed Micro-Modular Reactor needs to be in a different, more secure location.

Last week, the Champaign City Council held a study session on the “Use Of Technology To Address Violent Crime,” during which surveillance cameras, automated license plate readers, and gunshot detection technology were discussed.

Good policing is a two-way street. The Fraternal Order of Police are needed to help solve racial inequity in local traffic stop enforcement.

With more than 44,000 new residents in C-U, we reflect on some minor inconveniences now that the students are back.

When the institution where a teen spends most of their waking hours doesn’t stand in full, unconditional support of their existence, it is emotionally, mentally, and physically damaging.

What is abortion access like in Champaign County?

If the U of I requires vaccinations, masks, and negative COVID tests at all campus facilities, why is Memorial Stadium an exception?

Champaign-Urbana was the home of a massive Ku Klux Klan presence when the second Klan movement exploded across America in the 1920s. It defied partisan myths and stereotypes then and now.

Gun violence continues to impact our community. What solutions do our city leaders have?

The City of Champaign anticipates receiving approximately $25 million from the American Rescue Plan. Our Editorial Board suggests three ways the City should spend it.

The best way to ensure the safest and least disruptive school year is to require COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible students and staff.

Champaign County could be at the forefront of Ranked Choice Voting in Illinois.

WCIA’s recent apology points to its influence beyond Champaign County.

Rain causes the Garden Hills neighborhood to flood. Infrastructure changes are needed now.

This is a public health crisis that affects the entire community, and has lasting trauma. We must invest in proven strategies of violence interruption.

Upzoning is a developer's bonanza. Sadly, the losers will be those most in need of affordable housing.

We're looking ahead to summer and fall, and as our cultural events return, they will need our support.

The Illinois Department of Public Health should require all Illinois college students to be immunized against COVID-19.

Vaccinations are increasing and restrictions are loosening, but the pandemic isn't over.

Wassim spoke with Joshua Kaufmann, senior executive director at Teach Plus Illinois, about pathways to more diverse teachers in public schools.

As demand for the vaccine decreases locally, we need to focus on ways we as individuals can encourage those unvaccinated to get their shots.

What is redistricting, and what might it mean for C-U?

The field of K-12 education primarily consists of white women. In order to achieve diversity in public schools, we need more diverse education students.

The current model of gifted education in Champaign Unit 4 is going to phased out beginning with the 2021-2022 school year. It's the right thing to do. 

In the absence of teachers of color, what are small and rural districts doing to address social justice issues and teach diverse perspectives?

Leo Morris' recent op-ed in the Ford County Record was“sensational journalism” in its most outdated, tacky, and racist form.

While there's a wide range of things to discuss, we narrow it to three main takeaways from the recently-concluded consolidated election.

Last week, University of Illinois students voted overwhelmingly in favor of reallocating funding from the University of Illinois Police Department budget toward other resources for students, workers, and community members.

Anti-Asian violence and rhetoric has increased exponentially during the pandemic, but it is not new in this country, or in our community.

Most of C-U's public school teachers are white, but many students are not. What are the implications for the few teachers of color?

If Evanston can have this discussion, Champaign-Urbana can, too. It is clear the citizens of C-U welcome change.