
Champaign’s 9/11 memorial ceremony remembers first responders, encourages unity
At West Side Park, an American flag was raised to half-staff and “Amazing Grace” was played by two Champaign Fire Honor Guard members at a ceremony to commemorate the lives of first responders who were lost during the 9/11 attacks 24 years ago today.

BERTHA rocks ELLNORA guitar festival with ‘Grateful Drag’
In 2020, Melody Walker and her friend Caitlin Doyle decided they wanted to form an all-female Grateful Dead cover band. After a few male friends expressed interest in taking part in the group, they allowed it — as long as they dressed like women.

Kids program at Krannert Art Museum sparks creativity through interactive activities
Families made their way to the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign Saturday for “Artventures for Kids.” The free program combines storytelling with gallery exploration and hands-on activities for children.

U of I will offer students on-campus abortion access starting this fall, following new Illinois law
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will begin offering students access to abortion care on campus this fall, following new state legislation that requires public universities to provide contraceptives and medication abortion.

Labor Day parade brings community members, floats and festivities to downtown Champaign
The annual event hosted many floats featuring local unions and marching bands. The parade was followed by a picnic in Neil Street Plaza with a live band and other family activities.

The Fischer Theatre honors Gene Hackman’s life with the first ‘FischerFest’
The festival featured five of Hackman’s most well-known films and an open discussion about his work with Illinois film critics Chuck Koplinksi and Pam Powell.

Measles cases are on the rise — and a new semester beginning could impact C-U’s risk
URBANA — McKinley Health Center sent an email to all University of Illinois faculty, staff and students Tuesday warning them to protect themselves from measles.

82-year-old Rantoul vet owns thriving mobile market, selling melons and collards greens from his pickup
At 82 years old, Eugene Usher doesn’t need a slot at the farmers market. His red pickup truck, just off the highway in Rantoul, has become a local favorite for fresh collard greens and watermelons.

More than a crown: Here’s what becoming Champaign County Fair Queen means to Sophia Hartke
Sophia Hartke didn’t expect to win the Champaign County Fair Queen Pageant on her first attempt. Now, she’s excited for the opportunity to represent her family and her community.

Scott M. Bennett is honored at a dedication for the Champaign County administration’s new home in Urbana
The Scott M. Bennett Administrative Center was officially dedicated to the late senator Wednesday afternoon.

Urbana Free Library hours change during welcome desk, play area renovation
The library will renovate the welcome desk on its first floor as well as the Megan’s Room play area on the ground floor.

Carbon sequestration and the Mahomet Aquifer: scientists break down what you need to know
Carbon sequestration’s use is expanding on a large, commercial scale. Here’s what experts say people need to know about the controversial technology.

