
Floating wetlands in Lake Decatur aim to improve water quality while providing wildlife habitats
As winter approaches, the durability of two new floating wetlands in Lake Decatur will be tested. These man-made structures were installed on the lake this summer with the goal of improving water quality and creating a habitat for wildlife.

Ebertfest and beyond: How the C-U film sphere moves forward after the loss of a giant
CHAMPAIGN — Ebertfest began in 1999 as a star-studded, red-carpet affair showcasing the overlooked indie film darlings in Hollywood at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign.

A new temporary emergency homeless shelter opens in Champaign
As of Nov. 1, there are 82 unsheltered adults and children in the area, and homelessness is on the rise in Champaign-Urbana, said Cunningham Township supervisor Danielle Chynoweth.

U of I students say some leasing companies scam them out of their security deposits
Thousands of students at the University of Illinois of Urbana-Champaign live in apartments. Some say they’re being taken advantage of by the leasing company University Group.

Curious about astrophotography in C-U? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the craft
Somewhere thousands of light years away, colorful clouds paint space with blotches and swirls of light and color – but the images are too faint to see by the naked eye. Amateur astrophotographers in Champaign-Urbana discuss the unique challenges of astrophotography and what makes central Illinois a great place for capturing images of cosmic wonders.

‘If All The Sky Were Paper,’ a play about veterans, is brought to life on stage in Urbana
Andrew Carroll traveled across the globe collecting wartime letters. He visited almost 40 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and from the artifacts he found, crafted a story about the war letters.
Now, his nonfiction book, “If All the Sky Were Paper,” will be brought to life on stage.

‘Our strength lies in letting many identities thrive’: U of I celebrates South Asian cultures
The hypnotic tunes of South Asian music merged with the sound of ghungroo bells, as dozens of audience members clapped and moved along with dancers Thursday night, many joining in to sing familiar South Asian tunes.

Remembering Latrelle Bright: a pillar in the Champaign-Urbana theater community
Latrelle Bright was one of Champaign-Urbana’s influential artistic leaders: a director, mentor, teaching professor and friend. The local community remembers her widespread impact.

SNAP funds are delayed and reduced for 2M Illinoisans due to the shutdown. Here’s how C-U is affected
Nearly 2 million Illinois residents lost access to SNAP benefits on Saturday, leaving many struggling to afford groceries. While Gov. JB Pritzker has directed $20 million in state funds to food banks, it’s still uncertain when federal aid will resume for the millions of Americans affected.

‘Word is Seed’ brings poetry and songs in a variety of languages to Spurlock Museum in Urbana
The eighth annual “Word is Seed” event at the Spurlock Museum in Urbana highlighted the beauty of language, featuring speakers presenting their poems or songs in their own language.

Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee sparks anxiety among international students and economists
A new federal policy requiring companies to pay $100,000 for each H-1B visa application has sparked concern among international students. Critics say the change could make it harder for skilled foreign workers to stay in the U.S., threatening innovation and widening talent gaps in key industries.

Health insurance costs are rising as financial assistance declines. Here’s how C-U could be affected
With open enrollment on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace starting on Nov. 1, local health advocates are warning that premiums for 2026 plans could more than double unless Congress extends subsidies that reduce those costs.

