Author Archives: Brian Dolinar

About Brian Dolinar

Brian Dolinar has been a community journalist since 2004.

Black Youth Beaten by Champaign Police

It has been two years since Kiwane Carrington was killed by a Champaign police officer, but 18-year-old black youth, Calvin Miller, is still afraid of the police. So when a Champaign cop attempted to pull him over for no apparent … Continue reading

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Acceptance Speech by Danielle Chynoweth for Woman of the Year Award 2011

On October 13, 2011, UC-IMC co-founder Danielle Chynoweth was presented with the Woman of the Year Award at an event organized by the News-Gazette. To a packed room of more than 300 people, she gave the speech that appears below. … Continue reading

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Occupy CU Rallies Held Locally

In solidarity with the Occupy Wall St. movement in New York, local events have been held in Champaign-Urbana. On October 8, the annual Unity March was organized by Jobs With Justice, CU Citizens for Peace and Justice, and a newly-formed … Continue reading

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“Secure Communities” Program Adopted by Sheriff Wreaking Havoc in Local Immigrant Community

The “Secure Communities” program being adopted in local counties across the United States has already caused much controversy in its short history. The implementation of Secure Communities by Champaign County Sheriff Dan Walsh has brought great distraught to several families … Continue reading

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Emails Leaked at IMC Web Site Detailing the Internal Struggles of the Champaign Police Department

Operating for more than a decade, the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center website has become known as a local source for exposing police misconduct. For perhaps the first time at any IMC site, somebody from behind the “blue line” leaked information … Continue reading

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Ironworkers at Labor Day Parade Pose for a Photo with the Latest Public i

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Urbana Labor Day Marchers Stand with Wisconsin Workers

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Mother Jones Spotted at Labor Day Parade

Many were at the Labor Day Parade in Urbana, Illinois, including Germaine Light who dressed up as Mother Jones and marched with the local chapter of Jobs With Justice.

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Soon To Be Displaced Residents Protest Outside of Housing Authority

As Ed Bland arrived at work on Wednesday morning, July 27, 2011, he was greeted by a group of protesters. Residents at two public housing units, Dunbar Court and Joann Dorsey Homes, stood outside of the offices of the Champaign … Continue reading

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Know A Teen Who Would Love A Hands-On Creativity Camp?

The Independent Media Center is hosting its third annual IndyMedia & Arts Lab! The Lab will take place August 1 – August 5th and August 8 – August 12, 2011 from 9-3 pm. Teens ages 10-16 are invited to engage … Continue reading

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UCIMC/AmeriCorps Year-End Graduation Celebration

Six AmeriCorps members will celebrate their achievements at the second annual UCIMC/AmeriCorps Year-End Graduation Celebration August 5, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, 202 S. Broadway, Urbana. The celebration will include a photo presentation … Continue reading

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IMC Hiring AmeriCorps Members To Serve Our Local Community

Applications now being accepted until Thursday, July 14, 2011 for three full time, and two part-time; one year AmeriCorps positions at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center and partner organizations. The UCIMC AmeriCorps program works to support social and economic justice … Continue reading

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Chicago Commemorates 125th Anniversary of Haymarket Affair

In early May 1886, Chicago workers demonstrated for an eight-hour workday. One demonstration on May 3, 1886, in solidarity with workers who had been locked outside of the McCormick Reaper Plant while strikebreakers worked inside, led to police opening fire … Continue reading

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Portrait of Ethel Rosenberg by Jason Patterson

This is a portrait of Ethel Rosenberg by local artist Jason Paterson taken from the original mug shot after her arrest on August 11, 1950. Ethel and her husband Julius Rosenberg, both members of the Communist Party, were sentenced for … Continue reading

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Solidarity Rally Turns into Spontaneous Temporary Occupation

On Friday, March 11, 2011, approximately 300 people joined a nationwide student walkout and rally on the quad at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. What was unique about this rally was the number of many new faces of people … Continue reading

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Ex-Cop Lisa Staples Back in Court on Second DUI

On Monday, March 14, 2011, former Champaign police detective Lisa Staples returned to court for a second DUI. She nearly killed two 17-year-old girls on December 19, 2010 when she struck their car at high speeds. According to four additional … Continue reading

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Chicago Renaissance Woman Margaret Burroughs Dies at 93

Magnificent black women the poets and singers have been remiss have sung too few poems and songs of you And the image makers have not recorded your beauty. On November 21, 2010, long-time Chicago artist and activist Margaret Burroughs died … Continue reading

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Disciplinary Actions Against Champaign Officers

Despite being public bodies serving a public good, most police departments operate as secret societies. The push for police accountability includes making their practices more transparent. I recently obtained all disciplinary actions taken against Champaign police officers. Contrary to what … Continue reading

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Sheriffs Deputy Fired For DUI

It has been confirmed that Travis Burr was dismissed from his position as investigator with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office. Burr was charged with a DUI after being involved in a three-car accident, details about which have yet to become … Continue reading

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Students for a United Illinois Hold Counter- Demonstration at Assembly Hall

ABOUT 100 PEOPLE PROTESTED outside Assembly Hall on October 23, 2010 where for the third year there was a pro-Chief rally organized by those wishing to revive the University of Illinois’ racist mascot. This year, protesters were made to stand … Continue reading

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