There’s a new developer lined up to buy and reopen the Urbana Landmark Hotel. And Mayor Diane Marlin says this new project is worth the city’s investment.

The city of Urbana and Brinshore Development have agreed to pull the plug on an arts-centered residential development that was planned to go up on a city-owned parking lot just across Illinois Street from Lincoln Square Mall.

The 8th annual C-U Folk and Roots Festival starts Thursday at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Illinois Urbana campus, and continues Friday and Saturday in downtown Urbana.  The Hobnob String Band and Hubby Jenkins are performing Thursday at Krannert.  Three members of the Hobnob String Band joined Illinois Public Media’s Brian Moline for the latest edition of “Live from Studio F.”