Culture

Professor Cara Finnegan's new book Photographic Presidents, defines “the Chief Executive via flash powder and selfie sticks.”

Champaign's newest park sits on 2.3 acres in the center of a brand new neighborhood in the southwest park of town. 

This tiny pocket park on the corner of Market and Bradley was named in honor of Erma Bridgewater, one of Champaign's most important figures of the 20th century. 

Rejoice! Tom's fully vaccinated and reviewing bathrooms once again.

This relatively new park on the north end of the city was named in honor of Robert Toalson, who spent 31 years at the helm of the Champaign Park District. 

After 30 years of facilitating home ownership in Champaign-Urbana, even through a pandemic, Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County is still going strong. 

Champaign County's weather radio station is returning to the airwaves after a 15-month absence. What took so long? A lot of things, turns out.

Southridge Park is was donated in 1987 as a centerpiece of the Myra Ridge neighborhood development. It's a terrific place to take a walk, and let the kids run around. 

This park was developed by the Robeson family, and quite frankly, it's just about perfect. 

Rithika spoke Valerie Koress, the Community Nutrition Program Coordinator at CUPHD, about some of the overlooked but invaluable resources provided by her division. 

Porter Park is way far out in west Champaign and is a very new park, but immediately a favorite for most anyone who makes the drive. 

Personal names offer a glimpse into each person's history, cultures, and communities.

Organic Oneness, a Chicago- based organization based in Baha'i principles, now has a presence at U of I. 

Tucked into the houses just west of the Champaign Country Club, Mayfair Park is an adorable little spot to let the kids play and spend some time with friends. 

Leal Park is home to both the oldest cemetery and the oldest residential home in Champaign County. That makes this park more than worth a look.

Judge Charles Webber and his estate donated this forested land in 1985 to Urbana Park District as a massive forest space. Today it houses an archery club, and that is pretty swell. 

Maliya Smith founded Melanin Lighthouse to share holistic healing practices with the community.

Alyssa reviews Revenge of the Cabin, a haunted escape room at CU Adventures in Time & Space — no spoilers.

This cutie pie of a park sits on the boulevard that encompasses Elm St. between John and Charles. It is delightful, and well worth your time as a place to take a stroll with a friend who you used to not like, but started liking again in the pandemic. 

If there were ever a park that basically encapsulates the reasons why taxpayer funded organizations like Park Districts suffer, it would be Dohme Park on Curtis Road.  

We saw summer and winter and everything in between last month. 

A perfect rectangle in the heart of Urbana provides a wonderful spot to have a gathering, play sports, or just sit under a tree and read a book, or even scroll your phone, if that suits you. 

This unassuming park in Urbana is hidden next to two cemeteries and has an interesting and compelling history. 

“It's a place for everyone to go where they feel safe, where they feel welcome.”

Homer Lake sits just a dozen miles the east of the cities of Champaign-Urbana, and has become one of the most cherished spots to enjoy nature for miles around. 

Grand Prairie Friends are gearing up for their annual native plant sale, but their work happens all year long. 

“Equitable education needs to always be on our minds when making decisions.”

Collaborating with U of I to host a safe, socially-distanced event, URBANITE re-enters the landscape of live events. The environment has changed yet their mission is still to build community and share dance, music, and culture. 

“When people call or come through our doors, they are not only physically hurt but are also emotionally stressed…Their worlds are turned upside down, and it is rewarding to see and hear the relief they feel knowing that someone is finally on their side.”

Tom wants you to liven up your neighborhood walks by adding BINGO to the mix.

Kingfisher Kayaking is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing affordable kayak rentals and conservation education to East Central Illinois. 

“Over the course of the last year, with the pandemic, one of the things that has become really clear is the extent to which racism impacts people's health and the public’s health.”

As spring blooms in Champaign-Urbana, many of us are grieving the many losses of this past year. 

After forging a relatively clear path to a second term as Mayor of Urbana, Diane Marlin looks back at the accomplishments of the last four years and ahead to the future of Urbana.

Karma Trade is a zero-waste swap service that prevents you from experiencing closet boredom while still being kind to the planet.

The sitting councilwoman of District 1 faces her first electoral challenge yet at the polls tomorrow, and if she wins, she's ready to affect change, and stop (most of) her colleagues from just paying lip service to the issues facing Champaign. 

“My time in our schools cemented my motivation to engage in meaningful change in our school system and to advocate for families that felt unwelcomed, excluded, or underserved.”

Jaclyn asks three people from the C-U community about what has surprised them over the past year and where we go from here. 

We spent some time at this past weekend's Beckman Institute Open House and review a few things.

Sandra Ahten is a progressive candidate challenging long time incumbent school board member John Dimit.

Tom is preparing himself physically and mentally for life after the pandemic, and he wants to help you do it too.

A year after the pandemic first changed our lives, Orphans Treasure Box bookstore is finding ways to pivot and move on with renewed purpose. 

“I’ve been on both sides of the policy process: in the street with a megaphone and at the table poring over reports. I want to use my experience to improve my community.”

I will live and die with this team over the next month, just like the rest of you. But mostly I’m just grateful.

“It's easy to complain. What's not so easy is to roll up the sleeves, work, and help. It just seemed about time I help out for a change.”

The Rantoul Family Sports Complex opens this spring as a venue for youth sports and community gatherings.

After choosing Champaign-Urbana as their home, two local women have dramatically shaped the policies, people, and history of our community.

Concerned neighbors in Urbana's Silverwood neighborhood are building community and providing basic needs, and they are hoping that others will join the effort.