
Chef Lab, a shared kitchen space, aims to build a culinary community in Champaign-Urbana
A new shared kitchen space, known as ChefLab, aims to promote community among culinary artists in the Champaign-Urbana area.

The National Arab Orchestra debuts in Central Illinois, increasing Arab visibility
The Champaign-Urbana community got a taste of Arab culture this weekend — with a visit from the world-famous National Arab Orchestra.

Downstate transit groups say they need Illinois lawmakers to address funding shortfalls soon
Illinois transit agencies are facing funding shortfalls that could lead to service cuts and layoffs — an issue lawmakers are expected to address during the fall veto session beginning this week.

Urbana launches a free financial literacy program to help residents with money management
City officials in Urbana hope a new financial literacy program will help residents better manage their finances and build strong credit profiles.

U of I’s Soybean Innovation Lab expects $1.5M grant will help address food insecurity across Africa
The Soybean Innovation Lab is awaiting final approval for a $1.5 million grant from a research foundation. The money will help expand their efforts to combat global food insecurity and poverty by increasing the number of soybean varieties available to 28 African nations.

What happens if new data centers come to C-U? A look at the environmental costs
The steady hum inside the National Petascale Computing Facility (NPCF) is so loud that it’s hard to hear anything else inside. But beneath this noise is a hidden current of water.

The historical mistreatment of Black Americans prompts calls for reparations in Urbana
Community members gathered Saturday morning for a public hearing that explored the historical and ongoing hurt of Black Americans in Illinois, with a call to action for reparations. The event took place at the Krannert Center in Urbana.

Urbana will explore alternatives to mental health crisis intervention without police involvement
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to connect with a counselor. URBANA —

Former NASA astronaut José Hernández visits the U of I, shares his story of perseverance
In celebration of Latine Heritage Month, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s La Casa Cultural Latina welcomed former NASA astronaut José Hernández to speak with students, staff and community members at the Illini Union Oct. 2.

The threat of Chagas in Illinois is low. But health officials want greater awareness of the disease
An estimated 300,000 people in the U.S. have been infected with Chagas disease, a parasitic illness transmitted by triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs.”

Central Illinois farmers face severe drought with low yields for harvest season
Rainfall has been below average in recent months, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford.

Tribute wall celebrating Black musicians unveiled at Champaign’s Skelton Park
Jazz, gospel and hip hop filled the air as a tribute wall dedicated to the Black musicians of Champaign was revealed Sunday at Skelton Park in Champaign. The wall features 94 artists dating back to the 1890s.

