Prospectus

Independence Day has a special place in the Midwest, and especially so in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding townships. The farming communities have long been a source of patriotic pride, churning out soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and coasties to serve our country.… 1 Comment

For Jodi Campbell-Hardwick, the choice to drop out of Atwood-Hammond High School was made after discovering that she was pregnant with twins at the age of 17. The year was 1998. After putting her high school career on hold for her children, Jodi did attempt to go back to high school, but it just didn't work out.… 2 Comments

The summer picnicking season is upon us. With the Fourth of July fast approaching after a series of salmonella scares, I think it is a good idea to review some of the basics of safe food preparation and storage. Reducing the risk of food borne illness at a picnic is simple, just remember the USDA's four essential elements of food safety: clean, separate, cook, and chill.… Post the First Comment

On July 17, 18 and 19, the Prospectus will be hitting the road once again, this time to cover the Pitchfork Music Festival: three days showcasing popular indie bands and artists on three stages in Chicago's Union Park. Pitchfork is a relatively young music fest, starting in 2006 and becoming a popular and growing event every year since.… Post the First Comment

When you think of a music festival, astronomically priced tickets and ridiculously large crowds probably come to mind. Factor in the possibility of a long drive and you might begin to think about just staying at home this summer. Think again. Pitchfork Music Festival is one of the biggest indie music events in the Midwest-it has gained popularity by keeping admission prices low and giving fest-goers room to enjoy some of their favorite indie artists on three different stages located in Chicago's Union Park.… Post the First Comment

The Taste of C-U, one of Champaign's biggest annual events, was back again for its 39th year and had the Champaign Park District hard at work, but not for what you would originally think. As severe weather blew through Champaign, cancelling the Taste Friday night, crews were hard at work early in the morning and steady into the afternoon to help clear out debris and get the Taste up and running once again on Saturday.… 1 Comment

It is now fast approaching the time of year that many Illinoisans make the journey to the closest neighboring state for one of the most popular entertainment devices of the summer-fireworks. But even as throngs of people scramble to get their hands on their favorite colored Roman Candles, the longest roll of firecrackers they can find, and those forever-classic sparklers, they forget one very important thing: fireworks are not toys and treating them as such can wield severe consequences.… Post the First Comment

Representatives of Community Colleges for International Development, Inc. (CCID) visited Parkland College on May 28. Executive Director John Halder, and Dr. Patricia Keir who is a member of the CCID's board of directors, began their day meeting with international students, who are participating in the CCID exchange program.… Post the First Comment

WASHINGTON-President Barack Obama extended both a sharp stick and an olive branch to critics of his far-reaching plan to overhaul the nation's health care system Tuesday, openly ridiculing those who attacked his proposal for an optional government insurance plan but also leaving the door open to compromise.… Post the First Comment

HACKENSACK, N.J.-Summer session-once a relatively small piece of the academic calendar-is now a full-blown term for most colleges and universities, with more offerings, more students and more of an expectation that you can't graduate in a timely manner without it.… Post the First Comment