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This Building Shouldn’t Be Controversial

A century-old home. A growing housing crisis. And a city caught between its past and its promises.

I Would Log Off Twitter If It Weren't For Illini Basketball

Before the NCAA Tournament tips off for the Illini, Johnathan takes a look back at this season via Twitter discourse.

Meyers Leonard's New Song is Good, Actually

Johnathan takes a listen (or a few) to former Illini star Meyers Leonard's debut country single and reaches a surprising conclusion.

The Bar Is On The Floor

After repeated acts of public antisemitism, a Champaign City Council member refuses to resign amid backlash.

Fear and Loathing in Dan Vegas

Johnathan spends a night in Central Illinois' newest sin city: Danville (or Dan Vegas)

If Illinois Football Can Be Saved, Anything Is Possible

Johnathan takes a look at the new-found possibilities that come along with Illinois football's recent success

Fridays Are For The Sages

Johnathan takes a look at the conclusion of this year's high school football season, and what it means to be home.

Here We Go Again: Illinois Football, Delusional Hope and Unimagined Horrors

Johnathan stops by for this fourth annual Illini football preview, where he finds himself in a familiar and retrospective place.

FOIA Requests Illuminate Details in Shannon Investigation

By Johnathan Hettinger On December 28, Illinois men’s basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. was indefinitely suspended after being charged with rape in Lawrence, Kansas. At the time, Athletic Director Josh Whitman said that the university had known about the allegations since September, but had not received any “actionable” information

Illini Football and the Burden of Expectations

Johnathan returns to the blog to preview a variety of scenarios for the upcoming 2023 Illinois football season.

On Rural Rage

Wrote about that song that's going around right now.

It's Kingfisher Season

Everyone's writing about the Kingfisher lately so here's one more.

The 200 Level: Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

On a special summer edition of The 200 Level, Mike assesses the return of Coleman Hawkins and Terrence Shannon, Jr.

Champaign Is Also A Band: IamLostTwo

Sven chats with C-U-based songwriter IamLostTwo about his beautiful song "Grounded," the local hip-hop scene, and more.