Gun violence and how to stop it was the focus of a town hall meeting held Wednesday in response to the shooting outside Champaign Central High School in early December.

Republican County Auditor John Farney retains his office by a slim 129-vote margin over Democrat George Danos.  Democrat Julia Rietz was re-elected comfortably in the race for Champaign County State's Attorney.

Prosecutors have dropped a misdemeanor domestic battery charge against Illinois basketball player Jaylon Tate after concluding there was not enough evidence to convict him.  Tate, a 21-year-old junior, was was suspended from the team after his arrest.  UPDATE: He was reinstated to the team by Athletic Director Josh Whitman Friday

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.

The three excessive force lawsuit settlements involving police officer Matt Rush total $320,000.  Concerned citizens have been calling for for Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz to file charges against Rush. Council members also may lobby with Urbana leaders for changes in the police union arbitration process.