Earlier this year, a federal court in Illinois ruled a state panhandling law unconstitutional, saying that it violates the First Amendment: freedom of free speech. That means panhandlers in Illinois can no longer be ticketed. 

The American Civil Liberties Union sent letters to eight Illinois municipalities last week — including Danville — urging them to repeal their panhandling bans. The nonprofit organization warned of legal action if community officials don't heed their warning.

The Urbana City Council endorsed the repeal of its ordinance against aggressive panhandling Monday night, after the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups that advocate for the homeless urged city leaders to do so to avoid potential litigation.

What can businesses do to help those who are homeless in the community? That was one of the questions covered at a panel discussion hosted on Wednesday by the Champaign Center Partnership, a local business group.