Smile Politely

23/03/2025

Situated just a few blocks from Downtown Champaign, TI is a cozy little bar where one can grab a drink and make a new friend or catch a game on one of several televisions.

I had one goal when I moved back to Champaign-Urbana: find a good neighborhood bar. Oh, and a job. I had two goals when I moved back to Champaign-Urbana: find a good neighborhood bar and ...

22/03/2025

This month, try three spicy meals from woman-owned restaurants, a long coffee order, and a cheap lunch special with views of a hot air balloon.

This month, try three spicy meals from woman-owned restaurants, a long coffee order, and a cheap lunch special with views of a big hot air balloon.

22/03/2025

Matt visited Common Ground Food Co-op to try some of their tasty treats.

A staple of Urbana since 1974, Common Ground Food Cooperative is the place to go for locally sourced foods and goods. As a co-op, all money spent at the store goes directly to supporting the ...

21/03/2025

This weekend, both the men’s and the women’s Illini basketball teams hit the dance floor.

This weekend, both the men’s and the women’s Illini basketball teams hit the dance floor. The likelihood that either team cuts down any nets are slim, but instead of focusing on that particular aspect of the ...

21/03/2025

In Champaign there are five open seats on the Unit 4 School Board, and 11 candidates running for those seats. There are two two-year term seats open, and three four-year term seats open.

In this country, election season is never over. The next election you need to vote in is the Champaign County Consolidated Election.  This magazine has published numerous times about the importance of voting in these ...

21/03/2025

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band asks that “UIUC moves forward in a way that respects Indigenous communities and creates a positive and representative school identity,” stressing that Chancellor Jones’ simple endorsement of a new mascot is an important step.

Last week, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi released an official statement addressed to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor, Robert J. Jones. This statement voiced strong support for university students’ efforts to replace the ...

21/03/2025

WEFT Community Radio has recently been struggling to broadcast at full power due to a need to replace a broken cable.

Since 1981, WEFT 90.1 has been a staple of community radio. Due to community radio being funded primarily by the community and not government grants like public radio, every programmer or “air shifter” can personalize ...

21/03/2025

Michael reviews Mo's, which recently took over the space on Neil Street previously occupied by Afghan Cuisine.

Recently I tried the new Mo’s Burritos Bar & Grill. As a fan of their truck, I had high hopes for their new, larger restaurant. Although the location’s address was on Neil Street, the main ...

21/03/2025

The new space will more than double the Children's Discovery Museum, Normal, IL's existing second-floor agriculture exhibit, connecting the farm directly to grocery products, food, nutrition, and health.

The Children’s Discovery Museum is developing an exciting new exhibit, The Farm to a Healthy Me, opening in 2026. The McLean County Farm Bureau will sponsor the exhibit and help with the design, together with ...

21/03/2025

In April, Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County will host a free Homebuying & Homeownership 101 series, covering topics ranging from money management to home maintenance.

Buying a home can be a stressful and challenging process. Habitat for Humanity is doing its part to help you get one step closer to your goals. In April, they will host a free Homebuying ...

20/03/2025

Sinfonia da Camera Maestro Hobson’s true gift isn’t just musical interpretation but a peculiar alchemy: transforming the local stage into a realm of universal resonance.

Ian Hobson moves through Champaign-Urbana’s musical landscape with the subtle assurance of someone who has mastered the art of being simultaneously essential and unassuming. I wanted to generate a conversation offering readers a rare glimpse ...

20/03/2025

With this week’s gloomy cold days, a warm chocolate-y latte is what we need.Art Mart's sticky toffee white mocha is a nice, little treat of cocoa and caffeine.

This seasonal drink from Art Mart has a yummy balance of bitter espresso, creamy milk, and the mocha's sweetness.

20/03/2025

In Champaign there are five open seats on the Unit 4 School Board, and 11 candidates running for those seats. There are two two-year term seats open, and three four-year term seats open.

In this country, election season is never over. The next election you need to vote in is the Champaign County Consolidated Election.  This magazine has published numerous times about the importance of voting in these ...

20/03/2025

Blind Pig Brewing owner Matt Monahan said in regards to opening in the former Destihl location: "We're making progress for a spring opening, hoping to impress our mothers."

Champaign’s Blind Pig Brewing is anticipated to open their new Downtown Champaign brewpub this spring. Construction is going to schedule, and they recently hired an experienced general manager and a local chef for the brand-new ...

20/03/2025

Last hurrah of spring break in C-U brings birds, yummy treats, more voting opportunities, board games, and lots of live music.

20/03/2025

In Champaign there are five open seats on the Unit 4 School Board, and 11 candidates running for those seats. There are two two-year term seats open, and three four-year term seats open.

In this country, election season is never over. The next election you need to vote in is the Champaign County Consolidated Election.  This magazine has published numerous times about the importance of voting in these ...

20/03/2025

Tayler reviews the takoyaki, pla rad prik, red dragon roll, and more from SUSHI SIAM in Champaign.

I apparently love the Old Farm Shops plaza because after I reviewed Cheese & Crackers, it was soon decided that I would return to review its neighbor, Sushi Siam. Since opening in 2020, Sushi Siam ...

20/03/2025

As Alyssa works on her list in honor of the high holiday approaching in a month, she paid a visit to C9Canna.

A real calendarhead knows that March 20th is only a month away from 4/20, the annual celebration of cannabis. As I work on a list in honor of the high holiday, I’m shopping Champaign-Urbana’s dispensaries ...