After hearing a number of comments from the 'Build Programs Not Jails' movement, on a vote of 15-2, the Champaign County Board Thursday approved placing a quarter-cent sales tax on the November ballot.

A fourth excessive force lawsuit has been filed against Champaign police officer Matt Rush.  The city council has already approved $320,000 in settlements in three other lawsuits filed against the officer, who's reportedly been on unpaid leave since early this month.

Champaign City Council members Tuesday approved a second excessive force lawsuit settlement involving Police Officer Matt Rush, this one for $225,000, but only after an hour of emotional public comments and a march by activists through the downtown streets, calling for Rush to step down and face criminal charges.