Local News
Video shows several structures on fire at Motel 9 University/Downtown in Austin
Emergency crews are on the scene of a large, multi-structure fire near East 30th Street and Cole Street, where heavy smoke and flames have been reported in the area.
The fire department initially responded to reports of visible smoke, later confirming an active blaze involving multiple buildings, including a restaurant and the Motel 9 University/Downtown.
Multiple fire units have been dispatched to the scene, and crews are actively working to contain the flames and prevent further spread to nearby structures.
Early reports suggest that one of the affected locations may be an abandoned apartment complex, where the fire is believed to have originated.
Footage circulating on social media shows intense flames and thick smoke billowing across the area.
According to information from Samdesk, witnesses have also reported localized power outages and traffic disruptions near the scene due to emergency operations.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding potential injuries or the cause of the fire.
The fire department continues to investigate and monitor conditions as suppression efforts remain underway.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.