Good morning, Champaign.

On Monday, June 29, Equity and Engagement staff, including Dr. Regina Parnell and Angela Worthey, participated in a planning session by the Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless (CSPH) at the I Hotel and Conference Center to review a draft strategic plan for ending homelessness.

Dr. Regina Parnell spoke at the inaugural RRCPA graduation on Saturday, June 27 at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, honoring six mothers who finished two months of training — she drew on Harriet Tubman's story to inspire resilience and community support.

On Thursday, 57 new American citizens from 25 countries were sworn in during a naturalization ceremony in Urbana just days before the nation's birthday.

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin attended and encouraged them to vote in upcoming elections.

Champaign Fire Department warned residents to only use legal, fully extinguished fireworks this Fourth of July after a playground fire at Kenwood Elementary resulted from unsupervised use and a 35 percent rise in fire calls last year.

Officials recommend attending professional displays to ensure safety.

Due to pavement buckling in the 2300 block, the westbound lanes of Curtis Road between Learning Lane and Wynstone Drive are temporarily closed.

Public Works crews are using traffic control devices to allow safe travel while repairs begin Monday morning and finish Tuesday, weather permitting (drivers should use alternate routes).

ImpactLife donation centers in Champaign and nearby communities will remain open throughout the fourth weekend to meet a weekly target of 3,500 blood donations as holiday attendance typically drops; donors can schedule an appointment online.

ImpactLife is keeping its donation centers open over the Fourth of July weekend to collect 3,500 weekly blood donations for communities including Champaign & Urbana.

Residents can schedule appointments online to support the effort.

Nike Basketball Camp at St. Thomas More

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — The High School of St. Thomas More — $389 for five days — Improve your basketball skills with expert coaching in a fun environment.

Karaoke Night at The Axe Bar

9 p.m. — The Axe Bar — Free entry — Sing your heart out at a fun karaoke night with friends in a lively bar atmosphere.

Music Bingo at Pour Bros

7-9 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free to play — Enjoy a twist on traditional bingo with music at this local favorite!

Heavy Pour Concert Featuring Local Bands

9:30-11:30 p.m. — The Space — All ages welcome — Enjoy an evening of local music with Heavy Pour, Something to Remember, and PTO.

BRIGHTERSIDE with The Woodchips

4-8 p.m. — Cowboy Monkey — No cover charge — Experience the unique sound of The Woodchips as they bring their energetic performance to Champaign.

Karaoke Night at The Axe Bar

9 p.m. — The Axe Bar — Free entry — Sing your heart out at a lively karaoke night in Champaign.

Music Bingo Night at Pour Bros

7-9 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free entry — Enjoy a fun twist on traditional bingo with music-themed challenges and prizes.

Charcuterie Sampling Event

11 AM - 2 PM — Martinelli's Market - Bakery & Deli — No tickets required — Taste an exquisite charcuterie spread featuring local meats and cheeses.

Karaoke Night at The Axe Bar

9 p.m. — The Axe Bar — Free entry — Sing your heart out at a lively karaoke night to kick off your evening.

Music Bingo at Pour Bros

7-9 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free entry — Experience traditional bingo with a musical twist at this lively series hosted by Whaddayaknow?.