Uni students traditionally recognize the third Monday in January as the first day off from school after winter break. But it's more than that, of course. It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday in honor of the slain civil rights leader. Each year the University of Illinois and other C-U organizations sponsor events celebrating King's legacy. Uni High's Sam Smith is part of the U of I organizing committee. Check inside to learn more about the events planned for this weekend and beyond.

In this live-action/CGI edition of a classic kids' favorite, Alvin and the Chipmunks have returned to center stage, adventurous as ever. But is this update clever enough to hold the attention of movie-goers older than, say, 10? Read inside to see what Jie Han thinks.

Senior Mike Renner surpassed older brother Al on Thursday night to become the leading scorer in Uni boys basketball history. But Mike and the rest of the Illineks had to overcome a slow start before defeating conference opponent Decatur Lutheran 69-56 at Kenney Gym. Uni has now won five straight games after opening the new year with two home losses. The Illineks are 14-5 overall, 4-1 in the East Central Illinois Conference.