The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is set to host its monthly OUTside in Champaign Forests event on Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Sangamon River Forest Preserve. This inclusive hiking series, held every second Saturday of the month, brings together nature enthusiasts and community members to […]
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Giertz Gallery to Showcase 57th Annual Juried Student Art and Design Exhibition
The Giertz Gallery at Parkland College will host the 57th Annual Juried Student Art and Design Exhibition starting Monday, April 14. The exhibition will feature approximately 180 works selected from over 350 submissions by students enrolled in art classes during the current academic year, beginning in summer 2024. Visitors can […]
Amazon Echo Privacy Changes Spark Debate Over User Data
Amazon has implemented significant changes to the privacy settings of its Echo devices, raising concerns among users about the trade-off between convenience and data security. Starting March 28, all Alexa voice recordings will automatically be sent to Amazon’s cloud for processing, eliminating the option for local processing that previously allowed […]
Garden Party Open House: A Celebration of Nature and Community
The Forest Preserve Friends Foundation is inviting the community to the Garden Party Open House on Saturday, April 5. at the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden in the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. Event Highlights From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the beauty of the […]
Champaign County Housing Market Sees Rising Sales and Prices Amid Inventory Challenges
The Champaign County housing market shows notable resilience as home sales and prices continue to rise, despite ongoing challenges with limited inventory. According to the Champaign County Association of REALTORS® (CCAR), February saw an 8% increase in home sales compared to January, with 142 homes sold. This figure also represents […]
Local Artists Invited to Showcase Work at Giertz Gallery’s Summer Exhibition
The Giertz Gallery at Parkland College, in collaboration with 40 North, Champaign County Arts Council, is calling on local artists to submit their work for the upcoming summer exhibition, “Around the Block V: Artists from Our Neighborhood.” This juried community exhibition is open to all artists aged 18 and older […]
Summer Camp Registration Opens for Champaign County Forest Preserves
The Champaign County Forest Preserve District has officially launched registration for its 2025 summer camp programs. As of March 3, parents and guardians can now secure spots for their children in a variety of outdoor activities and educational experiences. The district’s summer camps are designed to provide local youth with […]
Westbound I-74 Ramp to Southbound I-57 in Champaign Closing for Months Due to Construction
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a significant road closure that will impact drivers in Champaign. The westbound Interstate 74 ramp connecting to southbound I-57 will be closed starting overnight on Sunday. This closure is part of ongoing construction work on the I-74 bridge over I-57 and is […]
Champaign County Housing Market Shows Mixed Signals in January 2025
The Champaign County housing market kicked off 2025 with a complex landscape, characterized by rising prices and tight inventory despite a slight dip in sales. According to a recent report from the Champaign County Association of REALTORS® (CCAR), the area experienced both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Key […]
Carle Health Announces Discontinuation of Regional Insurance Plans
Carle Health has announced that its subsidiaries Health Alliance and FirstCarolinaCare will cease operations for all lines of business except Medicare Advantage, effective January 1, 2026. The decision comes as a result of significant changes in the health insurance industry, particularly affecting provider-owned insurers. Key Points Reasons for Discontinuation: Timeline […]