Culture

Today we look at this lil' cute snack of a park in west central Champaign, tucked into a cul de sac, like a baby bunny, nestled in its bed. 

Year of the Park moves forward today with an overview of Canaday Park, in east Urbana, which features a softball field and a couple of small hills to the south. 

As the Year of the Park continues, we'll be highlighting a few of our very favorites with short videos that provides a little history set to stunning images of the featured space. This week, Scott Park in Campustown, Champaign.

Lessons in local history abound if you know where to look.

The weather this weekend will be outstanding. Here are suggestions for some safe ways to enjoy it. 

As Year of the Park continues, we explore an unassuming mini park on Neil St. in Champaign.  

The co-founders of youth advocacy group Paign to Peace speaks with Melinda as they reflect on the formation of their group and the impact their peaceful protests have had on the C-U community.

In the very first of over one hundred entries to come, Seth runs down the info about Ambucs Park in Urbana. 

Julie talks with full-spectrum doula Isis Rose. 

We have a few suggestions for your weekend fun. 

Erin talks with Circuit Judge candidate Ramona Sullivan about the primary season during COVID, her election night, and how campaigning in 2020 has been different from her other races.

Recreation sports are in high demand and Neutral Cycle wants to get you back on your bike.

A month’s worth of pride-themed events with Uniting Pride of Champaign County culminated on Saturday, June 27th with Global Pride, a mix of live-streamed and pre-recorded performances from local LGBTQ+ artists.

We have a few suggestions for you to enjoy your weekend, whether you're headed out or staying in. 

Julie hears from William Brown, co-founder of HVNT Neighborhood Transformation about the work they are doing in the community. 

Cope revisits the letter “r” in this installment of Abecedarian Amble.

Melinda chats with Danelle Jameson, owner of Circles Boutique, a women's clothing staple in Champaign since 1998.

Lessons in local history abound if you know where to look.

The Weekender is back with some suggestions for experiencing C-U. 

Julie checks in with Jessy Ruddell, Executive Director of The Idea Store. 

Andrew reviews our June weather here in C-U and makes predictions for July. 

Jaclyn speaks with Matthis Helmick about the origins of Plant Mode, running a small business during a pandemic, and what plants people are buying.

Jess speaks with Brody Dunn, President of the Champaign County Audubon Society.

Lessons in local history abound if you know where to look.

The #EndWhiteSilence demonstration focused on concrete, anti-racist follow-up.

Today we are observing Juneteenth as a showcase of solidarity.

University of Illinois graduate Arielle Rausin and PhD candidate Joey Peters are creating 3D printed masks for people with spinal cord injuries. 

David Northern of The Housing Authority of Champaign County shares about YouthBuild, an alternative education program for teens and young adults. 

The Mindful Teacher Foundation offers online sessions to encourage the practice of mindfulness. 

The annual ALS fundraiser honoring Ray Spooner is officially cancelled this year, but you can still join other bicyclists virtually and donate to the cause

Melinda speaks with Edith Peacock of H2O Salon in Urbana and Patrick Smith of The Vintage Edge Barber Shop in Champaign on reopening following the stay-at-home order.

Lessons in local history abound if you know where to look.

Elizabeth Hess shares her typical weekday.

Julie shares her experiences at the Harvest Moon Drive-In during this unusual summer. 

As isolation requirements ease, spend some time out in the open air enjoying the beautiful weather and learning more about C-U's early history.

Jaclyn speaks with members of three organizations who had to quickly refocus their efforts to address community members’ basic needs

We check in with regular Smile Politely contributor Gillian Dabrowski.

Jess speaks with Jonathan Hafer, Design Manager at Taylor Studios.

Lindsay Aikman shares her sunny Saturday activities.

Lessons in local history abound if you know where to look.

Jennifer Gunji-Ballsrud, Director of Japan House at the University of Illinois, takes us through a busy Tuesday.

We hear from Elena Reifsteck, a 15 year-old freshman at Centennial High School.

Tom has been exploring the far corners of Chambana the past few weeks. Here's some cool stuff he found.

Carrie Busey Elementary School's first grade teachers are known for teaching together as a team. Erin talked with them about teaching during this time, and what they are learning from it. 

INNER VOICES, the University of Illinois' social issues theatre ensemble, is celebrating 25 years of live performances probing difficult social issues that can imperil a student’s success in college and beyond.

Zev Alexander and Darya Shahgheibi from Uniting Pride take us through last week.

Lessons in local history abound when you know where to look.

In installment four of this series, Nicole speaks with Reverend Doctor James Fielder and Jonathan King about the impacts of the coronavirus on seminary education locally and how to minister to your congregation when COVID-19 strikes too close to home.