SPlog

Per the City of Champaign’s announcement, bars in Campustown have voluntarily agreed to close this weekend due to concerns of Greek Reunion. We wrote about this earlier this week, urging action surrounding this situation. Kam’s, …

UPDATE, 5:11 p.m.: Per an announcement on their Facebook page, the organizers have cancelled the event. Original Post: After last month’s “unofficial prom” debacle, it seems like any sort of prom type event should be …

This morning, The News-Gazette stated they will cease the publication of mugshots on their website. We’ve written about this many times over the years; though we are seeking a bit more clarity about their intentions moving forward, …

Our pals at Chambanamoms.com have reported that Curtis Orchard will be opening for the season on July 20th. As per their website, here are their hours of operation: July 20th to October 31st Monday-Saturday 9 …

As of yesterday, the Espresso Royale on Goodwin and Oregon is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. They will not be doing an indoor seating, but you can order inside (wearing a mask …

The festival will be on PBS and WILL digital platforms July 13-24, and 25 independent feature films will be screened. Here are the two films that will be presented by Illinois Public Media: Paddle Together: …

In a year when everything looks different, the 50th anniversary of the Taste of C-U will follow suit. Rather than gathering in the park, the Champaign Park District will highlight participating establishments and encourage the …

Avionics is serving food again, and has an updated summer drink menu. I’m personally very excited about shurbs and the apple biscuit pie, but there are plenty of options if you have different preferences.   …

The Spotted in Chambana Facebook group is not always a happy place to spend your time, but here’s an example of it functioning for good. Water the dolphin was left at the Champaign Target yesterday, …

I ordered some rolls from Sakanaya the other day, and I think I need to order some more soon. You can order online and pick up in the Green Street restaurant.  Sakanaya 403 Green St …

Curb Service is set to release its first new record in a good portion of a decade this Friday, Ready Set Ghost. This is the follow up to 2013’s Romeo Jive, and you can tune in for Larry …

I am in a bit of a trap, thanks to the Champaign County Forest Preserve District‘s video of this adorable trotting fox they captured on camera. I’ve been caught in the spiral of cute animal …

University of Illinois has opened two free testing sites for students, faculty, and staff. The sites are walk up, and will be utilizing the saliva test created by U of I researchers. Those wanting to …

There are a lot of terrible things happening right now, but thankfully we still have cute animals. This cute animal (and many others) are available for adoption at Champaign County Humane Society. Adoptions are done …

The van, aptly named “Urvana,” will be used to bring park district programming to the community. The park district will be bringing “community, outreach, wellness, education, and environmental programs” to neighborhoods through scheduled programming, as …

The Virginia Theatre has recently announced that the Spring 2021 lineup will be announced on Monday, August 17th, with tickets on-sale to the general public on Friday, September 18,th at 10 a.m. As the Virginia has …

Big Thorn Farm & Brewery in Georgetown produces some much-loved beer. The location is a little remote, and there is no food on site…that is, until now. Starting later this month, you’ll be able to …

Spurlock Museum and the International and Area Studies Library are hosting a Bollywood watch party on July 14th beginning at 7 p.m. They will be screening the movie Stree, a “Hindi-language horror-comedy takes a new look …

Paign to Peace is hosting a “My Culture Is Not A Trend” protest in Mahomet tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8th at 1 p.m. Blackface and cultural appropriation are the inspiration for this specific march; yes, people …

Mayor Deb Feinen issued an emergency order this week that waives the fee for a sidewalk sales area permit.  The move is meant to make it easier for retail stores to sell their products outdoors. …

The C-U Black and African Arts Festival has announced a call for artists and creatives for its 2020 virtual event, to be held September 12th through 13th. All inquires should be sent to cu.blackafricafest@gmail.com.   …

Today is the Japanese festival of Tanabata, or “star festival”. It takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month. It originates from a Chinese legend that says “the two stars Altair and Vega, …

Latea Bubble Tea Lounge is serving up some delicious drinks. They opened in 2016 in Campustown, and made our bubble tea roundup. If you haven’t had bubble tea, it’s worth a try. Tapioca bubbles are …

A new furniture store is opening in Downtown Champaign at some point in the near future. Behemoth Durable Goods, the joint venture between Jim Standerfer (Lumbering Behemoth) and Kelly Hieronymus Whiting (Sunshine Design), will be opening …

These chocolate chip cookies have become my reward for continuing to survive COVID-19. Each time I visit Harvest Market for groceries, I check to see if there are any of these cookie two-packs available. For …

Krannert Center just announced that they will not be hosting this annual concert event, as they had previously determined to cancel events through July. Here is their statement: The staff of Krannert Center continues to …

This is going to be a different sort of election year; voting is likely not going to be as easy as just showing up at your polling place on November 3rd. Make sure you’re prepared, …

Now that the City of Urbana has allowed the use of some parking areas for bars and restaurants to provide outdoor seating, Rose Bowl Tavern has taken over a portion of the lot just north …

Does the idea of getting tested for COVID-19 freak you out a little? That’s okay if it does — it freaked me out a little, too. In Champaign-Urbana getting tested is very easy, and the …

Public art has been a saving grace for those craving art experiences during the COVID-19 shutdown. And now, thanks to a new a collaboration between the Spurlock Museum, the Urbana Park District, the Champaign Park District, …

If you are looking for a little cooking help this 4th of July weekend, Hamilton Walker’s is offering three different Butcher Shop Kits for you to take home and grill. Each kit includes meats for …

Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County is kicking off their 2020 Faith Build on Wednesday, July 8th, and they are looking for individuals and faith communities that would like to contribute their time and/or talents …

Mayor Diane Marlin issued an emergency order that would allow retail sales and services to happen outside on city sidewalks, and in private parking lots. Here are the details: Businesses will need to apply for …

Join the virtual unveiling of the 2020 Murals on Glass selection In the Sunshine by BLACKMAU (Kamau Grantham and Stacey Robinson). In the Sunshine is a mixed media piece that invites you to “imagine Black kids …

I need it. I want it. My life is incomplete without it. It’s available in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, or Oreo. Look at this beauty: Top image from El Oasis’ Facebook page.

University of Illinois linebacker Milo Eifler has stepped out to say something about returning to the playing field (and campus) this fall amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Eifler took to Twitter to state his belief that “schools …

This past Saturday, June 27, Allerton Park and Retreat Center hosted their first virtual poetree hike featuring tours of the Park’s flora and fauna, along with readings by local poets. Well, in case you missed …

Escape rooms are allowed to open under Phase 4 guidelines, so CU Adventures is ready to open. They are opening on a very limited basis; only Calling all Villians will be available for in-person game …

University of Illinois professor Sheldon Jacobson was featured in an article on CBS Sports about resuming the college football season. In the article, Jacobson said that “he expects a 30%-50% infection rate of the approximately …

Uniting Pride is looking for some creative minds to join this year’s Pridefest committee. Obviously the celebration is going to need to look different this year, so they are looking for ways to commemorate the …

It’s fireworks season, if you haven’t literally heard. The City of Champaign Fire and Police have offered a few tips, tricks, and reminders about using fireworks (noted below). Please allow me to add that the …

The Education Justice Project will be hosting a virtual gala on July 11th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. There will be awards and music, and alumni of the program will speak. In addition, Cyntoia Brown, …

Get excited: Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is serving up boozy slushies. You can enjoy your ribs with one of their adult beverages. Right now, you can have one of these icy drinks for …

Have you heard of a cheesecake cup? I was today years old when I heard of a cheesecake cup. Now, I want one from Sugga Shaii Sweets. Take a look at her site and look …

On July 7th the flight schedule will be partially restored, with two flights per day to Chicago, two to Dallas, and one to Charlotte. Beginning August 1st, the full schedule will be implemented with five …

The News-Gazette recently downsized from their building in Downtown Champaign to 201 Devonshire in Champaign. Because of constraints to their new space, a huge collection of N-G material has been acquired by Urbana Free Library for …

Back in January, news surfaced that Stone Creek golf course and Attie’s would be permanently closing at the end of the month. After several months of navigating what it meant to transition the course into …

Maize’s First and Green location has reopened, according to the post below via their Facebook page. The original location has been closed for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their need to consolidate …