a sign outside says "Public Health Alert, DO not attempt to capture or handle waterfowl or other wild birds displaying signs of illness"
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Champaign County has been affected by bird flu, even without any farm outbreaks

The disease has infected several wild animals in the county, some of which have been brought to the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic. Public health officials advise against handling wild birds showing signs of illness.

the side of a building with broken windows, overgrown foliage, and a mattress and chair beside it
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‘Mission Accomplished’ for Rantoul air force base, yet $76 million of environmental clean-up remains

Most of the Chanute Air Force base transferred to the village of Rantoul in 2023. At the time, the Air Force declared “Mission Accomplished” in a press release — but it acknowledged there’s still at least $76 million more toxic clean-up to do. Today, it is unclear what the plan is for the many abandoned and deteriorating buildings. 

A group of musicians on a stage.

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Mar. 20 – Mar. 23

Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m., and Thursdays at 5:44 p.m. Thursday, March 20 Luck Be a Lyrics: Dream Roles at Mad Goat CoffeeTime: 6:00 p.m.Location: DanvilleDetails: Night of performers singing their favorite musical theatre…

Jazz Composer, Terence Blanchard, talks elevating Black Culture via opera, Super Bowl 2025, and African Americans’ impact on society
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Jazz Composer, Terence Blanchard, talks elevating Black Culture via opera, Super Bowl 2025, and African Americans’ impact on society

 In films, such as Spike Lee’s Malcolm X or Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, music is used as an underlying tool to draw emotions from viewers. Tones of sound allow audiences to feel what Lee’s characters are experiencing on the big screen, whether it’s joy, tension or sorrow. The man working behind the scenes on those…