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U of I alum Omar Yaghi wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

Omar M. Yaghi, who earned his chemistry Ph.D. from University of Illinois in 1990, just won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

We’re celebrating one of our own today: Omar M. Yaghi, who earned his chemistry Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 1990, just won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He’s now a chemistry professo...

CU Folk & Roots Festival was a sonic field trip - Music

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Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

In just a couple of days, the marvelous acts at last weekend's C-U Folk & Roots Festival carried KT on a sonic field trip both around the country, and ultimately, around the world.

While I had stumbled upon it in previous years, this year marked my intentional venture to the CU Folk & Roots Festival. As someone who gravitates towards heavy-sounding music, I wasn’t quite so sure ...

Mama's Kitchen, a grocery counter with flavor that wows - Food & Drink

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

Alyssa thinks Mama’s Kitchen has the potential to be as beloved and longstanding as Bombay Market.

Read a review of the grocery store restaurant inside Bombay Market Indian Grocery in the new location on University Avenue.

Cozy up at Allerton for seasonal The Farms classes - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

When you want to create your own cordials, make papier mache masks inspired by woodland folklore, or learn to weave baskets, where else can you go but to Allerton Park. Their chock-full, seasonal classes from their folk school, The Farms, are always a celebration of local talent and creativity.

When you want to create your own cordials, make papier mache masks inspired by woodland folklore, or learn to weave baskets, where else can you go but to Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Their chock-...

America’s best drive-in - Culture

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

You should visit Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre, one of the 400 remaining drive-in theaters, recently voted the top drive-in nationwide by Newsweek's Readers' Choice.

When I was a teenager (not so long ago), my friends and I would meet at a suburban strip mall for a multi-plex movie followed by an outing at the Buffalo Wild Wings next door. ...

Thirsty Thursday: Li Hing Pineapple at Hound's Court - SPlog

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Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

Hound's Court's new cocktail list also offers a pumpkin spice latte martini, a paw-garita, Plump up the Jam, and more.

This week is begins fall break for Champaign’s Unit 4. I’m not going on a Hawaiian vacation, but I wish I was. This week, I’m thirsty for a li hing pineapple at Hound’s Court. The ...

The Weekender: October 10-12 - Culture

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 1d

Don’t miss October Dance (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Rid yourself of old electronics, have some wine, support good causes, and listen to great music.

Don't miss October Dance (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Rid yourself of old electronics, have some wine, support good causes, and listen to great music.

The Normal Theater lineup this month is so good it’s scary - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

The monthly movie lineup from Normal Theater is really spooktacular. They’re showing a full month of our favorite nostalgic films that we think are fun to enjoy all year round, just particularly this time of year.

I love this spooky month. I’m kind of a wimp, actually, when it comes to handling truly scary movies, but I love Halloween and all its festivities. It’s a holiday rich with history, modernly celebrate...

Julie Brandano's dance evoked mobile sculptures at Krannert Art Museum - Arts

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

There were two series of performances offering a variety of times for viewers to engage with the dancers in this unique space.

During the first week of October, visitors experienced dance performances that complemented the art on display at the Krannert Art Museum’s Contemporary Gallery. It was a delightful melding of the art...

Put people over party and profit in the midterms - Opinion

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

Let us be active, engaged citizens and put the health, happiness, and safety of people and communities first.

With all three branches of the government controlled by the Republican party, there is no denying who bears the primary responsibility for the lawlessness and terror (never mind the complete governmen...

Five fall coffees from five fall menus - Food & Drink

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 2d

Sarah tried five different coffees at five different coffee shops in Champaign-Urbana and reports back on her findings.

I moved to the Champaign area a year ago, and I knew right away that I wanted to explore all of the coffee options this Midwest town had to offer. Unfortunately, it seems I have ...

Write for Smile Politely's Opinion section - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 3d

Send us a pitch, because after all, the magazine is made up of community members just like you, sharing their thoughts and opinions.

While our Opinion section is mostly populated with our weekly Editorial Board offerings, it’s also a place for contributors to share their opinions. We’ve published articles on the the need to build i...

Twin City's Shadow Box found humor and humanity in the darkest moments - Arts

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Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 3d

The heart of this production is strong, and its cast is generous and deeply human.

Twin City Theatre Company’s The Shadow Box arrived at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center at a tender moment for our theatre community. The production, directed by Mark J. Highland (who also...

Small Press Fest returns this week with its sparkling DIY spirit - Arts

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 3d

Small Press Fest now draws a roster that stretches well beyond Champaign–Urbana, with Chicago imprints and regional artists making the trip.

One of the most reliable origin stories in Champaign-Urbana, right up there with “a band started in a rented garage,” and “our co-op began over coffee,” is the class assignment that births an idea. Ba...

Great food is waiting at Ittonken - Food & Drink

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Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 3d

Tayler pays a visit to Ittonken, the Japanese restaurant on Neil Street, a restaurant space previously occupied by Masala Indian House and Dumpling Noodle BBQ.

In my opinion, Champaign-Urbana will never have enough Japanese restaurants. When Ittonken opened on South Neil Street earlier this year, I was tickled pink. Formerly, the building located on Neil Str...

The Marching Illini are going to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 3d

Out of 100 nationwide applicants, the Marching Illini will be one out of only 10 marching bands selected for the honor of performing at one of the world’s most famous parades.

And that’s a big deal, y’all! Out of 100 nationwide applicants, the Marching Illini will be one out of only 10 marching bands selected for the honor of performing at one of the world’s most ...

Lunch with a side of doughnut at Flying Monkey Café - Food & Drink

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Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 3d

Not only does Curtis Orchard have plenty of activities including apple and pumpkin picking, but they also have a country store and café. The main reason for Sarah's visit was to try the offerings at the Flying Monkey Café, which serves a small menu of American fare.

Last week I stopped by Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch for some quality time with my mother, and it was a blast. Located on Duncan Road in Champaign, Curtis Orchard is a place for families ...

Step into Ronny Quevedo's world where nothing stays in one place - Arts

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 4d

Quevedo’s exploration of his Andean heritage, immigrant experience, and the democratic spaces of sport creates an unexpected dialogue between contemporary practice and ancient tradition.

Mary spoke with Krannert Art Museum's co-curators Amy L. Powell and Allyson Purpura about this installation.

The Krannert Art Museum’s a l l s t a r s exhibit arrives at a perfect moment, just as the museum reopens its Andean Art Before 1600 galleries. Artist Ronny Quevedo’s exploration of his ...

Celebrate the legacy of Katherine Dunham with April Berry - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 4d

Celebrate Dunham’s work as Berry illuminates her groundbreaking choreography, her scholarly brilliance, and her enduring impact on dance and culture. This is a rare opportunity to connect with living history.

Katherine Dunham revolutionized dance. Full stop. As dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, and activist, Dunham (1909-2006) blazed trails across Broadway, concert halls, opera houses, and Hollywood, ...

Black Dog Champaign has reopened - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 4d

After a temporary closure due to fire, Black Dog Smoke & Ale House has reopened its Champaign location.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House has reopened its Champaign location with a menu of legendary barbecue, housemade sauces, and sides.

Triptych's Indistinguishable From Magic named best craft beer in Illinois by The Takeout - SPlog

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Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 4d

Triptych Brewing's Indistinguishable From Magic was named the best craft in Illinois according to The Takeout in their list The Best Craft Beers from Every State.

Triptych's Indistinguishable From Magic beer was name the best beer in the state of Illinois by The Takeout.

Stay on campus for all the fun things happening at the Illini Union - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 4d

For author series, lunchtime bingo, movies, and even self care spoils, Illini Union has a stacked calendar. With everything from Hamilton-themed karaoke, to comedy nights, and live music, you can find a little somethin’ somethin’ no matter your mood virtually any time of day.

Ah, October. So much to do in so little time. This town loves to pack in the activities this month, so it can feel overwhelming to try to do it all. But if you’re a ...

The Week: October 6-9 - Culture

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 4d

Kick off the first full week of October with live music on Monday, fun foods in the middle of the week, and dance on Thursday.

Kick off the first full week of October with live music on Monday, fun foods in the middle of the week, and dance on Thursday.

Haypenny Market coming to Market Street - SPlog

Smile Politely @smilepolitely.com · 4d

A new indie convenience store and luncheonette called Haypenny Market is coming to Downtown Champaign next year.

A new indie convenience store and luncheonette called Haypenny Market is coming to Downtown Champaign next year. By Champaign hospitality pros and married couple Jenny Kim and Vaughn Kimberley, Haypen...