The Champaign County 4-H Livestock Judging Team has achieved a historic victory, clinching first place at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest in Kansas City, Missouri, and earning the honor of representing the United States at the International Livestock Judging Contest in Scotland in the summer of 2026. Team members […]
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Lawsuit alleges ICE detainees denied access to counsel while held in ‘inhumane’ conditions
by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois November 1, 2025 Article Summary A lawsuit alleges the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview is a “black box” where detainees are denied access to counsel while held in squalid, overcrowded cells. Though the processing facility is […]
Central Illinois Faces Rising Food Insecurity as SNAP Benefits Set to Expire
Nearly four in ten households across Illinois are struggling to afford the basics, and their hardship is about to deepen as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are scheduled to expire on November 1, 2025. According to United Way’s latest data, 12% of Illinois households live below the federal poverty […]
Community Rallies to Support Families During SNAP Funding Delay in Champaign-Urbana
As the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) experiences a temporary funding shutdown, community members across Champaign County are stepping up to help families facing potential food insecurity. Food pantries and small businesses are mobilizing immediate support to make sure no one goes hungry while benefits are on hold. Mom’s […]
Danville to Celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s 100th Birthday with National Film Premiere and Festival
The Fischer Theatre is rolling out the red carpet this December to honor one of America’s most beloved entertainers — and one of Danville’s own. FischerFest: The Life and Legacy of Dick Van Dyke, presented by the Halloran Family Foundation, will take place December 6–7 at the historic Fischer Theatre in […]
Parkland College to Welcome Future Students, Families for Fall 2025 Open House
Parkland College will host the Fall 2025 Open House for area high school students, parents, and community members on Friday, October 31. Guests can discover what Parkland has to offer through its academic programs, campus life, support services, and more from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Union, Health […]
Middle Fork’s Hoot ‘N Howl Promises Family Halloween Fun on October 25
Families are invited to celebrate the spooky season at Hoot ‘N Howl 2025, a free, family-friendly Halloween event taking place Oct. 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Harry L. Swartz Campground in the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve. Guests of all ages can enjoy classic fall fun, including hayrack rides around the campground and hands-on activities running from 3 […]
Forest Glen Preserve to Host Historic Thanksgiving Celebration at Pioneer Homestead Cabin
The Vermilion County Conservation District will host Thanksgiving at the Cabin at Forest Glen Preserve on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Step back in time at the 1840s Pioneer Homestead Cabin and experience Thanksgiving history through all five senses at this hearth cooking demonstration. Samples of […]
Staerkel Planetarium Hosting Scout Badge Workshops This Fall
Scouts in the Champaign area will have an opportunity to explore the stars this fall as the Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College hosts a series of interactive badge workshops designed for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The hands-on sessions will guide participants through the official requirements for earning space […]
Staerkel Planetarium to Light Up October with New Music Laser Shows
The Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College is bringing sound and color to the dome this fall with a new lineup of music-themed laser shows. From October 23 to 26, audiences can experience a fusion of light, sound, and artistry set to fan-favorite hits spanning generations. The planetarium’s October schedule features […]











