Business
9 months ago
Hotel Royer set to open in Urbana on April 16 after several delays

After years of delays, the former Urbana-Lincoln and Landmark Hotel is finally set to reopen as Hotel Royer. Haaris Pervaiz, a partner with Icon Hospitality, confirmed the anticipated soft opening date for the hotel is April 16.

Community
9 months ago
Champaign residents protest IDOT’s proposed changes to Prospect Avenue

Neighbors in Champaign are speaking out against the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) proposed changes to Prospect Avenue. Some residents have tied red ribbons around trees, while others have put up a 35-foot sign reading “Future Site of the ‘Suicide’ Bike Path” to raise awareness of the potential impact of the project. The proposed plan, which could affect a one-mile stretch between Bradley and Springfield Avenues, includes the addition of a bike lane and changes to traffic patterns.

Community
9 months ago
“The Wedding Singer” to close 2024–25 Parkland Theatre season in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Parkland College Theatre will wrap up its 2024–25 season […]

Education
9 months ago
Unlock the secrets of sourdough: Free program through University of Illinois Extension

The University of Illinois Extension is offering a free program, “Unlock the Secrets of Sourdough,” as part of a monthly series in partnership with Warner Hospital Wellness Center. The event will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on May 8, at 418 W. South St. in Clinton.

Education
9 months ago
Teacher on administrative leave amid investigation into alleged conduct

An elementary school teacher in the Paxton-Buckley-Loda school district has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations regarding the teacher’s conduct during the 2021-2022 school year.

Community
9 months ago
Illinois EPA celebrates Annual Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest

“Each year, the Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest provides us the opportunity to recognize the creative and artistic talents of environmentally engaged fifth and sixth grade students throughout Illinois,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “We also want to thank the teachers and families for their participation, and for incorporating this important environmental topic into the classroom so the students can learn the importance of reducing the amount of waste they create.”

News
9 months ago
Illinois Lottery players win big in FastPlay games

Two lucky Illinois Lottery players hit it big over the weekend, each taking home top FastPlay prizes. One player won a jackpot prize of over $597,000 with FastPlay Twenty 20s, while another claimed the $250,000 top prize with FastPlay Magnificent Multiplier on Saturday, April 5.

Lifestyle
9 months ago
Central Illinois rainfall presents challenges and opportunities for spring planting

Additionally, severe weather events have impacted the region. On March 30, Central Illinois experienced strong to severe storms, including an EF-1 tornado in southern Champaign County with winds up to 90 mph. Such events can further delay fieldwork and necessitate reassessments of planting schedules.

Education
9 months ago
High school students invited to explore careers at Illini Summer Academies

High school students are encouraged to explore future careers and dive into hands-on discovery during the 2025 Illini Summer Academies, hosted by Illinois Extension 4-H. The immersive, five-day event will take place on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus from June 22–26.

Community
9 months ago
Champaign Unit 4’s College and Career Readiness team receives first Illinois State Board of Education Pathway Endorsement

The Education Pathway Endorsement is designed for students pursuing careers in education. Graduates of Unit 4 who fulfill the requirements will receive an Education Pathways Endorsement. The Career Technical Education Education Career Pathways Grant aims to increase teacher diversity in the future. Illinois has faced a shortage of educators of color, with a teacher workforce less diverse than its student population.