FOOD & DRINK
Former restaurant to be razed to make way for Dollar General
OGDEN — The building that most recently played host to the Pink Pig barbecue joint — and, before that, the Pink House and a host of other restaurants — will be torn down to most likely make way for a Dollar General store. Jill Guth of Guth...
Urbana South Candyland Drag Show excites, entertains
The Urbana South residence halls, composed of PAR and FAR, held their annual drag show on April 26, creating a fun and immersive event open to all students. The crowd lined up at the PAR dining hall’s main entrance around 7:30 p.m. The lobby was decorated with this year’s Candyland theme. Alongside candy-shaped balloons and colorful stickers were posters explaining common drag terminology and the event’s history.
Market at the Square returning to Urbana this weekend
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Urbana’s Market at the Square returns this weekend for its 45th year. The first day is this Saturday, May 4th. The market will run from 7 a.m. until noon every Saturday through October. It will be located at the corner of Illinois and Vine Streets. The event has more than 150 […]
One step at a time: Carriage horse on the mend after trip to clinic
BONDVILLE — About five years ago, Beth and Martin Saupe decided to take a trip to Wisconsin — along with their Clydesdale draft horse, Jill. Beth Saupe recalls that, at the time, their fledgling business, Merrybeth Farm Carriage Service, was getting busy with rides at Curtis Orchard. The couple was hoping to find another Clydesdale that could pull alongside Jill so that they could give their two Morgans a rest.
Community Spotlight: Great Community Cake-Off in Urbana
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — For Monday’s Community Spotlight, Becca Obuchowski and Jon Rutter from Community Choices talked with Matthew White about an upcoming baking competition in Urbana. The Great Community Cake-Off will be held on May 19 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Crystal Lake Park Lake House. The fundraiser supports Community Choices and people […]
UI expert shares how to help animals during ‘orphan season’
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — This time of year means more wildlife popping up in your backyard. Experts at the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic say it’s “orphan season,” meaning you may see baby animals without a parent. So, when should humans step in to help? It depends on the animal, experts say. Baby bunnies, […]
Five things to eat or drink this month: May 2024
May is the start to the good part of the year. The sun is setting later every day, and it’s warm again. I’m so over everything winter, the jackets and gloves and cozy foods. Now that it’s May, I’m hungry for fresh flavors. I want light bites, delicious dips, and tart sips.
Worker’s Memorial Day: Friends and family remember electrician, Champaign bartender killed while working
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — April 28 is National Worker’s Memorial Day. It’s a time to honor and remember those who have lost their lives on the job. Several labor unions want to make sure everyone who goes to work comes home at the end of the day. For some families, they’ll forever have holes in […]
Red Herring’s Feeding Tomorrow dinner is May 9th
Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant is hosting an upcoming ticketed dinner under the moniker Feeding Tomorrow, which is one of two fundraising events to help expand their food justice program, Sharing Table. Red Herring and Channing Murray Foundation are no stranger to helping our communities in need, and the restaurant just turned 55 last year (I was reminded of this by way of Julie McClure’s feature from 2018). The second event is their fundraiser finale at the Channing Murray Foundation, which is May 24th with live music, food from Red Herring, an auction, and more.
Brian Krumm returning to his C-U “neighborhood”
Back in my old neighborhood/Where I thought I could change the world/Nothing ever seemed to get me down. – Lyrics from the song “Back in My Old Neighborhood” by Brian Krumm. If any musician deserves a warm welcome back to Champaign-Urbana, it’s 53-year-old Brian Krumm, who graduated from...
Black musicians highlight diversity in CU music scene, push for intentional inclusivity, representation
Known as the birthplace of Midwest emo, music is everywhere in Champaign-Urbana. Venues like the Canopy Club, Rose Bowl Tavern and Virginia Theater light up with vibrant performances every weekend, while house shows are packed with musical talent and college students trying to let loose after a stressful week of school.
Get your culture here: Five vibes for May 2024
Good news friends, we made it to May. Bad news: This is the month that not one, but two cicada broods will be emerging from the ground in the millions. I cannot wrap my brain around that number, but you better believe that I will be avoiding the outdoors as much as I possibly can (don’t worry, I gave you some indoor end-of-the-month options). From Star Wars to comedy, the vibes are strong this month. Stay safe out there.
Stango Bites is tasty Zambian cuisine on wheels
May through October, I have Stango Cuisine almost every Saturday. Mainly that’s because I work at the Urbana Market at the Square as part of my day job, but on the other hand, it’s because I really love their food. After starting the morning with Nitro Cup, I like to treat myself to a hand pie and/or beignets for a little noon pick-me-up. So when it came time to give the new truck by Stango Cuisine a proper review, I jumped at the opportunity.
Page Turners: Murdered By The Books
CHAMPAIGN, Ill (WCIA) — A new book hits the market tomorrow. It’s called Murdered By The Books by local author, Jodi Casstevens-Short. The new title is the first installment in a “Cozy Mystery” series, Murdered in Willow Springs, where “As one dream comes true, a nightmare begins—Jillian’s life is forever changed when her friend is murdered, and the investigation begins and ends at her door.”
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