Community
8 months ago
Fireworks are everywhere: Champaign-Urbana and beyond set for a weeklong Independence Day spectacle

Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding community is going big this July, with fireworks lighting up the skies nearly every night leading up to — and even after — Independence Day 2025. With the Fourth falling on a Friday this year, families across Central Illinois have the unique chance to celebrate all week long with fireworks. 

News
8 months ago
Illinois women’s basketball season tickets on sale for 2025–26 as program momentum builds under Shauna Green

The excitement continues to build around Illinois women’s basketball, as season tickets for the 2025–26 campaign are now on sale. Under fourth-year head coach Shauna Green, the Fighting Illini are riding a wave of a historic postseason run, record-setting wins, and national recognition.

Elections
8 months ago
Pritzker picks administration insider as third term running mate

Five days after announcing his re-election bid, Governor JB Pritzker has chosen Christian Mitchell to be his running mate.

Community
8 months ago
Champaign County Freedom Celebration adjusts parade time, cancels Youth Run and 5k Run/Walk

The Champaign County Freedom Celebration returns this July 4th with the theme “America Celebrates Pride of the Heartland,” honoring the resilience, heritage, and unity of Midwestern communities. Despite some unexpected schedule changes, organizers are determined to deliver a heartfelt celebration of American independence.

Community
8 months ago
Illinois Arts Council launches FY26 Creative Projects Grant to support artists

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) has officially released guidelines and opened applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Creative Projects Grant (CPG), an initiative aimed at supporting the state’s thriving creative sector. The grant offers up to $12,000 in funding for art projects led by Illinois artists, not-for-profit organizations, municipal entities, and institutions of higher education.

Ask The Pros
8 months ago
Rising star in real estate: Heather Baker joins the Siefert Team and hits the ground running

The Siefert Team of Keller Williams TREC has welcomed a dynamic new addition this year, and she’s already getting noticed. Heather Baker, a Central Illinois native and proud alumna of Salt Fork Schools, has joined the team with a strong start, surpassing her first-year goal by selling over 12 homes.

news
8 months ago
Altmyer, Davis, Scott to represent Illinois at Big Ten Media Days

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Senior Fighting Illini football players Luke Altmyer, J.C. Davis, […]

Community
8 months ago
The Red Cross emphasized that attending professional fireworks displays is the safest

As Independence Day approaches, the American Red Cross is urging residents to prioritize safety while celebrating the holiday, especially when using fireworks or spending time in or near water. Alongside its seasonal safety campaign, Red Cross volunteers responded to two residential fires in Urbana and Peoria over the past week, providing critical aid to 13 individuals affected.

Crime
8 months ago
16-year-old Erion Turner killed, another teen critically injured in Champaign shooting

A 16-year-old boy is dead and another remains in critical condition after a shooting early Sunday morning in Champaign.

Suspect arrested from early morning Urbana shooting.
News
8 months ago
Coroner IDs father and two children drown in embarras river Tragedy in Jasper County

Jasper County Coroner Jason Meyer confirmed the victims as 39-year-old Travis Keebler and his two children, 12-year-old Adelyn Keebler and 6-year-old Noah Keebler. All three were residents of Willow Hill.