SPlog

Parkland College Library shared this photo, from their archives, on Instagram yesterday. This photo struck me because it’s looking at the campus from the northwest, meaning we’re looking at Bradley Avenue (see the barn in …

It included a grilled cheese (cheddar on multi-grain) and fries ($5.50), and a lemon drop martini ($6.75). Both were damn delicious. “What a combo!” I hear you exclaim. You’re right. I made choices because I’m …

Just a friendly reminder for local theatre fans: Order your Parkland Theatre season tickets before June 1st in order to take advantage of their special pricing offer. Order online now. Photo from Parkland Theatre Facebook page

CJ Run found a home here in C-U while attending U of I, and performing here many times. Though they are now based in Chicago, we’ve featured Run heavily over the last few years, including …

Japan House will close for summer break during July and August, and they are ending the season with a fun food and drink pairing event. They’re bringing Japanese festival vibes to their little campus oasis …

The CCPFD has released their Summer Concert Series lineup, which you can check out below. The series includes several local C-U favorites, and runs twice monthly from June through August this summer. Pat Cain, the Public …

Summer can be a time of food insecurity for students who count on breakfast and lunch at school through the academic year. Fortunately, there are several locations throughout Champaign and Urbana that provide free meals …

The Sixth Judicial Circuit has a Pro Bono Committee that initiated the Ask-a-Lawyer project. Twice a month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Self Help Center on the first floor of the courthouse, …

Last week I introduced you to some of the Glass Room Poets in preview of their Thursday, May 30th reading at Analog. Now, here’s a teaser from member Gale Walden letting you know what to …

Everyone has an opinion about this…so what’s yours? Which C-U (or surrounding area) restaurant serves your favorite French fries? And, since we’re on the topic, is a potato wedge a French fry? Discuss.  Photo by …

The Urbana Park District is bringing back it’s summer concert series beginning tonight at Carle Park with Backyard BBQ band. Neighborhood Nights are free, and will happen at a different Urbana park every Wednesday at …

The World Punkin Chunkin Championship has announced they will be moving their competition to Rantoul, Illinois this year, as per the announcement they’ve made on their website and social media channels. The annual competition takes …

This weekend will be the culmination of a process that began in 2015, to make Middle Fork River Forest Preserve a Dark Sky Park. They now have the official designation from the International Dark Sky …

Champaign Center Partnership’s 13 Thursdays promotion began a couple of weeks ago, but this will be an official launch of sorts for the summer promotion.  13 Thursdays encourages the community to frequent Campustown businesses during …

El Oasis is a gem in Urbana. I love the wide variety of ice cream flavors, and that there are non-dairy options, too. It’s the perfect place to grab a popsicle, or a chocolate-dipped frozen …

Portions of Champaign and Urbana are dealing with some serious clean up after the Saturday night storms, which produced three confirmed tornadoes. For those that are cleaning up storm debris, here’s what you need to …

Melinda spent a gorgeous evening on Saturday at Urbana’s Downtown Get Down. The event featured live music, an artist market, and games among a slew of other activies. Didn’t make it this Saturday? Worry not …

The next installment in our Instagram Story Takeover series is happening today. Champaign Centennial student Diamond Walker will be taking the controls to lead us through her high school graduation. Read Julie’s interview with Walker, as …

Literally, there are signs. If you drive down Walnut Street, you will notice that Farren’s has officially put their name on the awnings, and have added brand new signage to the former Radio Maria space. …

Here’s something to do on a rainy weekend: Gather some friends or family — this is perfect for the kiddos. Assign the adults a local C-U doughnut-monger.   Acquire two doughnuts each.  Taste test the doughnuts.  If …

10 years ago today, the tragic news came out that Jay Bennett had passed away in his sleep at the age of 45. At the time of his death, the renowed musician — known largely …

Astronomy Illinois will be hosting a free 2-day summer camp for girls entering grades 10-12. It will focus on hands-on projects including building a Lego Mars Rover and working with Hubble data in the computer …

The City of Urbana shared the photo (taken the day after it opened) of the former Lincoln/Landmark Hotel opened on their Facebook page today, as well as this photo from the 40s. ICYMI, here’s the …

Summer activities are not just for kids. Though both of our local park districts offer a ton for the younger set, don’t overlook the adult opportunities. There’s no better time than summer to try something …

The Rantoul Farmers Market is now in its 4th year, and happens in Downtown Rantoul (corner of Garrard and Congress) every other Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. This year, the market runs from May …

Beginning this week, Sakanaya won’t be open quite as late in the evenings. So don’t expect to get your ramen or sushi fix at 11:30 p.m. Here are their summer hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. – …

On Friday, June 10th, the folks at the Virginia Theatre will be announcing their 2019-2020 programming and I can’t wait to find out what we have to look forward to.  So mark your calendars, set …

Last summer, Café Kopi started featuring local makers in front of the shop during Friday Night Live. A great opportunity, with one of the music corners right there at Walnut and Chester.  They are offering this …

In C-U we have plenty of options for consuming booze. Beer is all good and fine — and we have great local options — but what about a nice cocktail? What’s your favorite? Which bar or restaurant or …

June is Pride month throughout the nation, as a recognition of the Stonewall riots at the end of June, 1969. In C-U, we typically postpone our big Pride celebrations until September, so that more students …

On Monday, University of Illinois students in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism started a two week trek across the Midwest and Northeast to “parks, historic sites, athletic venues, halls of fame, & more” as their department …

The McKinley Field Project, part of the Unit 4 referendum voted on in 2016, officially begins Thursday with a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 pm. at 909 S. New Street.  What has long been the home …

The annual DJ festival Spindependence, curated by DJs Kosmo, Delayney, and Ingram, has announced their expansion to three nights in 2019. It’ll take place July 3-5 in Downtown Urbana at Blackbird — a move that …

We’re giving away a Super Family membership to Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, and here’s how you can win. Head over to Twitter and retweet for a chance to win, and within the next few days, …

I love this time of year…summer is in sight (though it feels more like November today) and lots of establishments in our twin cities are starting to spring back into action with favorite recurring events.  …

The spring/summer 2019 issue of the Ninth Letter is out and here’s how you can get a copy. This issue features new work by Alex McElroy, Sheldon Costa, nicole v basta, Steve Tomasula, Beth Kephart, …

Local outfit The Falbonauts are heading out on a short Midwest tour, which kicks off tonight in Urbana at the Iron Post. Their latest release was last year’s LSD & Heartache, which you can stream below — …

Friday Night Live 2019 kicks off next Friday, May 31st, and Mayor Deb Feinen has designated a Downtown Festival District to coincide with the occasion. As you may remember, there was going to be a …

Naya has some incredibly truffle specials this spring on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: scrambled eggs on brioche with truffles (pictured above), burrata and black truffle pizza, and another weekly rotating special. This week’s truffle special is Maine lobster …

If you’ve ever wanted to have this experience, one that’s not available often, here’s your opportunity. And what a great time of year for camping, before the humidity and the bugs really kick in. It’s …

This inaugural event, happening Thursday, May 23rd at the CityView Center, is designed to recognize individuals who work and volunteer in the early childhood field. From the press release: “Brain research has shown the foundation …

In late 2017, we wrote about how Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan had filed the first lawsuit against Peoples Gas over the Mahomet gas leak. That saga has continued as Spiros Law has filed the …

Bentley’s knows how to make a cocktail. No matter the season, there’s always something on the menu I’m excited to drink.  Bentley’s has a new spring/summer cocktail menu and it includes a boozy shrub. (I …

Honestly, I do not know who decides these national days of recognition. Some are ridiculous — May 22nd is National Vanilla Pudding Day, for example — but today’s National Rescue Dog Day is something I can get …

Rep. Rodney Davis is very thankful for the Capitol Police. Earlier today he tweeted out some pictures he took while attending a ceremony to honor the officers who saved him and several other Republican members …

If you’ve ever wanted to cross the equator, now’s your chance.  Let Amasong guide you along on this musical journey at their spring concert this June.  Amasong Crossing the Equator June 1 & 2, 4 …

Silvercreek is continuing its summertime Global Wednesdays dinner series this year. A different cuisine and special menu are featured each Wednesday from May 15th to September 4th. The special menus are available from 6 to 8 p.m. …

C-U didn’t experience much in the way of weather yesterday, but the skies just to the east of us were pretty active. Andrew Pritchard, our monthly weather columnist, founder of Chambana Weather, and atmospheric photographer …