Good morning, Champaign.

United Way Champaign County President and CEO Sue Grey, a lifelong Champaign resident, announced she will retire after the March meeting next year after nearly 20 years of service—she has led many local projects.

A spring celebration will honor her career and a search for her replacement has begun.

The Stephens Family YMCA in Champaign warned residents about a scam where an individual went door-to-door asking for signatures and donations while using the YMCA name (as shared on Facebook).

Officials stressed that the person is not affiliated with the YMCA and urged residents to rely only on approved donation channels.

A Champaign woman, 36-year-old Elizabeth Sotiropoulos, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to obstructing a police officer during a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Illinois campus last year and received a sentence of 12 months of conditional discharge & 100 hours of community service.

A University of Illinois study shows police-involved lethal force cases dropped significantly — from 3,474 in 2021 to 2,631 in 2023, the lowest count since 2015.

The SPOTLITE project gathered data from over 50,000 news reports to detail these incidents nationwide.

On July 21, the FDA issued two recall notices for Reser’s Fine Foods tuna salad products because breadcrumbs may have caused listeria contamination, and affected products sold in Jewel-Osco and Albertsons stores in Illinois and six other states have been recalled—no illnesses have been reported.

Champaign Park District finished a sustainable lighting upgrade at Centennial Park Pickleball Complex in February and DarkSky International certified the system for reducing light pollution at John Street Courts — the second outdoor sports facility in Illinois to earn the recognition — while planning future expansion with eight new courts, restrooms and parking. Officials said the upgrade helps players enjoy games after sunset without glare.

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.

2025 Half Century of Progress Show

7 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Rantoul Half Century of Progress Farm Show — Adults $20 per day, $40 for a 4-day Pass — Experience working vintage farm demonstrations and local agricultural history at this premier event.