
The new Maize mural in Champaign tells a story of food, family and culture
The mural by local artist José Vazquez reflects owner Armando Sandoval’s childhood memories of cooking with his grandmother in rural Mexico.

Champaign County voters could see polling locations close — unless more people become election judges
Champaign County currently has a shortage of 120 election judges. If the gap isn’t filled, the county may see certain polling locations close on Election Day, affecting voters’ experiences.

America @ 250: Bill Bozdech asks that Americans sustain faith and family for the next 250 years
Bill Bozdech, his wife and two sons farm 2,500 acres in Champaign, Douglas and Vermillion counties. His family immigrated to east-central Illinois from central Europe in 1890.

Youth Literature Festival brings authors, storytelling to Champaign-Urbana
The free, family-friendly event — held every two years since 2008 — is designed to place literature and the arts at the center of young people’s lives.

‘The people united will never be defeated’: Protesters voice concerns about data center impacts on environment
Protesters condemned the construction of future data centers, arguing they produce more harm than good.

C-U Marching Showcase unites local high schools through music
Marching bands from Urbana High School, Central and Centennial gathered for a night of food, fun and performance. The annual event serves as a fundraiser for the bands.

Unit 4 opens its middle school doors as Champaign voters weigh $192 million renovation plan
Middle schools are overcrowded and in need of updates and expansions, district officials say, noting that annual tax rates won’t increase as a result of the “Building Better Schools” referendum.

America @ 250: Barbara Suggs Mason asks what kind of country Americans are leaving for future generations
Barbara Suggs Mason’s family has been part of Champaign County since at least 1865. Until recently, she was co-chair of the Champaign County African American Heritage trail.

Champaign County’s 125-year-old courthouse faces an uncertain financial future
Since 1901, the courthouse has gone through immense changes, from the building itself to the way it functions in the community. But changes to state law have led to a sharp decline in revenue for courthouse services.

Bike to Work Day promotes safety and accessibility across Champaign County
Cyclists participated in Bike to Work Day, part of a larger Bike Month across Champaign County.

Most car seats aren’t installed properly. C-U Public Health aims to help
When a car seat is not properly installed, children and babies can be harmed, even in low-speed collisions. It’s why the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District offers free car seat safety checks.

With homelessness on the rise in Champaign County, a group of service providers seeks solutions
CHAMPAIGN – Homelessness in Champaign County has risen in recent years. The latest count, conducted in early 2026, found 364 people in the area

