 
	
	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.
 
	
	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.
 
	
	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.
 
	
	CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Senior Fighting Illini football players Luke Altmyer, J.C. Davis, […]
 
	
	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.
 
	
	A 16-year-old boy is dead and another remains in critical condition after a shooting early Sunday morning in Champaign.
 
	
	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.
 
	
	Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 7 Commander Heather Apperson has announced that Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols will take place in Macon and Vermilion counties throughout July. These patrols target impaired driving and violations related to illegal alcohol and drug use, unsafe driving behaviors, and other traffic violations.
 
	
	The City of Champaign announced that Paula Drive will be fully closed to traffic starting Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as part of the ongoing Garden Hills Phase 3 Project. The closure will span from Garden Hills Drive to Joanne Lane and is expected to last 6 to 8 weeks, weather permitting.
 
	
	The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s No Comment A Cappella has earned national recognition—and a $15,000 prize—after placing second in the Reser’s Fine Foods Good Times Jingle competition, part of the company’s 75th anniversary celebration.