As of January 1, 2024, Illinoisans are no longer able to vape or use e-cigarettes in public places, workplaces, and near any entrances, windows, or ventilation areas. This is part of the updated Smoke-Free Illinois Act (SFIA), aimed at protecting the public from the effects of secondhand smoke and vapor. Under this act, an electronic…
This story includes details of violence some may find disturbing. Shamar Betts can still recall in vivid detail the moment he discovered the dead body of his friend Corsean. It was 2014. Betts was 13 years old at the time. They were hanging out near their middle school on the South Side of Chicago when…
On February 1, 2024, Illinois Soul will launch on FM 101.1 here in Champaign-Urbana. And outside of the twin cities, you can tune it in on a high definition radio at FM 90.9. HD 2.
Eleven municipalities in Illinois and Iowa are the only cities in the U.S. so far to have signed agreements with the U.S. Census Bureau to recount their residents in 2024 and 2025 in a repeat of what happened during the 2020 census.
More than 200 people came to The Virginia Theatre to learn the history and current role of the Black Church in Central Illinois. The event showcased a panel of Black church and community leaders discussing the evolving role of pastors, the diminishing influence of predominantly Black churches, and the overall journey and significance of the Black Church through the years.
Palestinian Americans are grieving the loss of tens of thousands of people in Gaza, including their own family members and loved ones. One young woman in Champaign, who attends the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, shared her story with the student newsroom at Illinois Public Media. She asked that we not use her name out…
Screening of “Die Hard” at The Virginia Theatre Date & Time: Thursday, December 21st, 7:00 p.m. Location: The Virginia Theatre, Champaign Details: Enjoy the Rewind 92.5 Film Series with a screening of “Die Hard.” Winter Solstice Celebration at the Gallery Art Bar Date…
For nearly 26 years, Kimberlie Kranich has worked to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment during her career with Illinois Public Media.
URBANA — A group of artists who identify as people of color is having its first meeting on Wednesday, December 13th. The newly formed CU BIPOC Artist Collective aims to help non-white artists connect with each other, network, and find emotional support. The collective is a partnership between the City of Urbana’s Arts and Culture…
Sara Evans at State Farm Center Date & Time: Thursday, December 14th, Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m. Location: State Farm Center, Champaign Details: Multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans presents her Go Tell It On the Mountain Christmas Tour. House of Desires at…
Several non-profit organizations in the Champaign-Urbana area will receive a $250,000 grant to expand their services to asylum seekers. The federal funding, distributed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, will be given to the New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA, the Refugee Center and Cunningham Township. According to a press release from…
House of Desires Opening at Station Theatre in Urbana Date & Time: Thursday, December 7th at 7:30 p.m. Location: Station Theatre, Urbana Details: Experience a 17th-century romantic farce written by a nun! Runs Thursdays through Sundays until December 17th. Lindsey Stirling Snow Waltz Tour at Grossinger…
URBANA — Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone asked the Urbana City Council Monday night to amend the budget to hire four additional police officers. The Council deferred the decision until a national consulting firm hired by the department releases a report with staffing recommendations. Boone requested $569,198 to fund four new positions, including a Deputy…
ATTACH Art Show – Opening Reception Date & Time: Thursday, November 30th, 6 p.m. Location: Krannert Art Museum, Champaign Details: Join the opening reception of ATTACH, showcasing high school art inspired by the museum’s collection. Meet the artists from Centennial, Central, and Urbana High Schools. Live…
After seven years of construction, less than half of the 24-mile Kickapoo Rail Trail in east-central Illinois has been completed. But now, the project could be finished in the next two years, thanks to a state grant. An $11.2 million grant, awarded through the state’s Rebuild Illinois Capital plan will pay for the completion of the walking and bike path.