Smile Politely. Speak Directly. A Champaign-Urbana Culture Blog

After spending 33 years in Illinois Disciples Foundation’s basement, Common Ground Food Co-op is bursting from the seams. So, they’re packing their bags.

Come July 1, the local grocery store will open doors in its new digs, and although Common Ground is mum about the new address, Jacqueline Hannah, general manager, says the food co-op will set up shop in one of the two downtown regions. Common Ground will announce their new location officially in mid-January.

“Brilliant,” “illuminating,” “a one-man show,” is how he was described in The News-Gazette. Following Champaign Centennial’s 12-0 rout of Urbana High School on April 5, 1988, Matt Herges was lauded for a spectacular start to his senior season for the Chargers. In a game that was called after six innings due to the 10-run rule, Herges needed just 81 pitches to go the distance in tossing a dominating, 12-strikeout one-hitter. Only one Urbana batter managed to hit a ball out of the infield.

Half-empty parking lots and darkened storefronts were the result of a massive power outage Sunday in Champaign–Urbana’s commerce district.

As of 1 p.m. Sunday, nearly all businesses and restaurants north of Marketview Drive were without power. The Market Place Mall was also affected.

On the same weekend that OPENSOURCE celebrated its three-year anniversary with an exhibition, dubbed "Birthday Suit," the art space also had to close the doors on their East Washington Street location in Champaign.

OPENSOURCE is an alternative art space focusing on non-traditional projects and events of interest to the Champaign-Urbana community. The group’s projects run the gamut from art workshops to lectures to concerts from local and national creators. Until recently, the group used their location in Downtown Champaign as a home.