Interviews

“I hate to say people are eating their emotions, but I think they’re eating and drinking their emotions,” said Courtney McKay, co-owner of Art Mart.

“A lively Italian cafe is exactly what we are going for,” says Baldarotta's owners Jordan and Paris Baldarotta in this interview about their food philosophies and the new Gelateria.

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

At Sweat Practice virtual gym, they believe everyone should have access to yoga and fitness classes, and they have the policies to prove it. 

With a flair for indigenous Midwest flora, Heidi Leuszler said, “Everything we make [at Berries and Flour] contains plants that grew right here in our area.”

Whether on stage or on Zoom, Illini Hillel's annual Purim Drag Show is all about being proud of who you are. 

Matt talks with Hilary Porter, the owner of Walnut Street Tea Company, who said, “People are drinking more tea and coffee at home instead of the office.”

From learning about heroes to putting their own mark on Black history, three Champaign-Urbana residents share how they're connecting with Black History Month, despite the challenges of COVID and the bitter cold. 

Gayle Sparks said, “The unknown has made it really tough to operate on a day-to-day basis…We are survivors, though. One thing that my grandmother taught us was that hard times are just a part of life, so adjust.”