Good morning, Champaign.

On July 17, hundreds gathered at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana to honor John Lewis’s legacy and his call to make good trouble through peaceful resistance — local groups set up tables to provide voter registration and community support resources as part of the national Good Trouble Lives On movement.

Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch opened its season over the weekend despite a little rain, unveiling a new activities area with two mazes, lawn games, and a basketball shoot out—its 125-year-old barn now features a new steel exterior.

The orchard reintroduced its Play-All-Day wristbands, and apples will be ready to pick this week while pumpkins will be available mid-September with the Flying Monkey Cafe set to open Labor Day weekend.

On Saturday at 2 p.m., a semi truck on I-74 near milepost 179 lost control, drove off the road into a ditch and rolled on its side, injuring one person who was not taken to a hospital + officials closed the lane until crews recovered the truck + I-74 fully reopened by 11:17 a.m. early Sunday.

Jacob Eberhart, a Kirkwood High senior and top Missouri player, pledged his verbal commitment on July 12 to join the Illini, choosing Illinois over offers from Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri and Alabama.

He said he made the choice to help his mom after losing his father and coach Jeremy Maclin praised his strong work ethic—highlighting his commitment to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

Free Pool Party at Crystal Lake Park

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening at a community pool party with activities for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

Summer Splash

Join us for an exciting and family-friendly event at Lake of the Woods, brought to you by the Forest Preserves in partnership with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy. Summer Splash features a variety of activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, educational exhibits, live fish with Illinois Department of Natural Resources, live music, and more!

Summer Splash

Join us for an exciting and family-friendly event at Lake of the Woods, brought to you by the Forest Preserves in partnership with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy. Summer Splash features a variety of activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, educational exhibits, live fish with Illinois Department of Natural Resources, live music, and more!

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the life and music of Carole King in a vibrant musical celebration.

Flower Arranging Workshop

6:30-9 p.m. — Graceful Acres Flower Farm — Cost information not provided — Create stunning floral displays while connecting with other women in the community.

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Virginia Theatre — Cost varies — Celebrate the life and music of Carole King through her unforgettable songs and inspiring story.

Senior Luncheon and Bingo

12 – 2 PM — Douglass Community Center — Free meal — Seniors can enjoy a delicious lunch and participate in exciting rounds of BINGO with prizes.

Lindy Hoppers Swing Dance

7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of lively swing dancing and great music with no experience needed.

Mindful Expressionism Workshop

6:30-9:00 p.m. — RootDown Meditations — All materials provided — Engage in a therapeutic painting experience that promotes healing and joy through expressionism.

Patio Paradise: Tiki Event 2025

1-6 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Event-only Tiki drinks await — Celebrate summer with a tropical drinks lineup at Pour Bros.' favorite patio party.

National Black Business Month Social

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Neil St. Blues — Wing Wednesday Specials available — Celebrate Black-Owned Businesses with community, food, and live entertainment.