Good morning, Champaign.

One person died Sunday night when an Amtrak train hit a car on Leverett Road in Somer Township at 7:30 p.m.—the driver had tried to bypass the crossing gates—and police have asked residents to avoid the area while they investigate.

On Monday, the Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education approved a contract with a nationwide search firm to find a new superintendent after removing Shelia Boozer in May — Dan Casillas remains as interim superintendent.

Champaign Unit 4 school leaders said Monday that they are taking action to support special needs students, teachers and families after an audit found gaps in care— the district will fully staff its special education department by the start of school year and has added a new manager while reallocating staff to autism and literacy support teams.

City Attorney Thomas Yu was featured in the Professionalism Spotlight by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism for his work promoting civility and inclusion in the legal field.

Sunflower season is drawing visitors near Champaign-Urbana as Clearview Farm in town began blooming around July 25 and will host a free Sunflower Celebration on Aug.

4; Prairie Fruits Farm, L&A Family Farms, and Rader Family Farms also plan sunflower maze events with varying fees and schedules. Visitors are advised to check each location for updates since weather and other factors can affect the bloom period.

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.

Full Band Performance at Pour Bros Taproom

9 PM — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Enjoy drinks while rocking out to live music performances in a vibrant atmosphere.