Good morning, Champaign.

More than 60 people gathered at the Champaign Public Library on Wednesday for a youth-led town hall to discuss ways to reduce gun violence.

Organizers provided free haircuts & announced monthly town halls to keep young voices heard.

New Street between Green Street and John Street is closed for emergency sewer repairs by Roto Rooter and will reopen by 9 a.m. Monday, July 20.

Through traffic is not allowed while access to properties remains open.

Sunflower fields are set to bloom across Champaign-Urbana, with Clearview Farm in Champaign offering a free maze and events and L and A Family Farms in Paris opening tomorrow while Prairie Fruits Farm, Mariah’s Mums and More, and Rader Family Farms plan special seasonal activities (check local social media for updates).

CU Special Recreation is launching an accessible after school program at Phillips Recreation Center for the 2026–27 school year.

The program offers adapted, skill-building activities for kids of all abilities with special resident rates and scholarships — registration is available online or by phone.

Yesterday, residents visited the Arthur demolition site to collect bricks as keepsakes + the school district plans to move students to a new high-school facility by the 2027-28 school year.

A bill awaiting Gov. Pritzker's approval would require high schools to use CPR training with both female and male manikins so students learn to help anyone during emergencies; it passed the Senate 43-13 and the House 73-38 and will start in the 2029-2030 school year.

University of Illinois Extension is conducting a survey to measure food waste's impact on the economy and environment.

The survey invites anyone involved in household food shopping, meal planning, cooking, or cleanup to participate (results will guide future sustainability efforts statewide).

Gov. Pritzker now has Senate Bill 2762 on his desk that requires insurers to cover FDA-approved seizure detection devices with cost-sharing capped at $50 per day (the bill passed the House 82-25 and Senate 53-5), aiming to expand insured access to these health tools.

Gov. Pritzker is reviewing a bill that would require schools to use mobile panic alert systems for emergencies to alert first responders faster — the measure is named after Alyssa Alhadeff and involves state agencies setting rules to boost campus safety.

Gov. JB Pritzker could soon sign a bill that broadens insurance coverage for menopause care — the law requires private plans to cover medically necessary evaluations and treatments and directs the Department of Public Health to develop educational materials.

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?.

R&B Bingo Night

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Hound's Rest — Free entry — Enjoy a night of R&B bingo, music, prizes, and local BIPOC talent.

Junk Journal Workshop

1-3 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Unleash your creativity and enjoy a fun afternoon of junk journaling with Chloe.

Afro Taste & Tell

5-7 p.m. — Martinelli's Market - Bakery & Deli — Free entry — Celebrate South African culture with live music, storytelling, and delightful desserts.

Art in the Parks: Nature Journaling

5-6:30 p.m. — Mattis Park — Free entry — Capture the beauty of nature through art with guidance from an illustrator and nature enthusiast.

Pool Party at Crystal Lake Park

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center — Free entry — Enjoy a splash-tastic evening of swimming and socializing with friends and family.

Saturday Morning Goat Hike

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery — $20 per person — Experience a guided goat hike with cheese tasting at the charming farm.

Karaoke Night at The Axe Bar

9 p.m. — The Axe Bar — Free entry — Sing your heart out at a fun-filled karaoke night.