Good morning, Champaign.

On Monday, a Champaign couple lost nearly all their belongings when a 12-story apartment building caught fire after a smoke alarm woke them & firefighters rescued two cats and treated one injured person.

Central Illinois middle schoolers — including homeschoolers — are invited to join the National Civics Bee sponsored by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce; applications are due by Feb.

3 and the free regional competition will be held on May 9 at Parkland College.

On Tuesday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi visited the UI Soybean Innovation Lab at the University to review soybean research and federal funding that revived its work after last year's halt.

He said that steady research funding is needed to boost farming impact + growth in local and global markets.

OSF HealthCare is merging Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana & Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville into one hospital with two campuses.

Since Jan. 1, the system expanded Urbana for behavioral health with floors planned by August and invested $8 million to boost labor and delivery at Danville.

2026 Illinois Agricultural Summit

10 AM – 4 PM — I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center — $50 — Explore the premier agricultural event in East Central Illinois hosted by the Illinois Agribusiness Network.

Mental Wellness Workshop

8 AM - 12 PM — Cityview Banquet & Meeting Center — CEUs available for a fee — Explore innovative ways to enhance mental wellness through music and art.

Daddy Daughter Dance

6-8 p.m. — Events at Refinery — Tickets available — Enjoy a delightful evening of dancing, games, and a balloon drop while capturing memories in the photo booth with your special little one.

Megan Wren and Friends Concert

9-11:30 p.m. — The Space — $10 cover — Enjoy an evening with the iconic Megan Wren performing alongside her friends in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Home Improvement Series: How to Hang Things

6-7:30 p.m. — Plant Mode — Ticket purchase required — Gain practical skills for hanging items safely and confidently in your home.

My Neighbor Totoro Screening

7:00 – 8:15 PM — Virginia Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the beloved animated classic by Hayao Miyazaki that captures the wonder of childhood adventures.

Circular Saw Confidence Series: Build a Small End Table

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Plant Mode — Ticket required — Gain hands-on experience and confidence using a circular saw while building your own small end table.