Good morning, Champaign.

Construction broke ground on Hope Village at Kenyon Road and Federal Drive to build housing for local residents with ongoing medical conditions, with Carle Health constructing 30 one-bedroom homes and a community center.

Carle Health is partnering with Champaign Health Care Consumers for case management and will finish construction in February next year—move-ins will begin shortly after.

Champaign School Board approved 16 administrative appointments for school roles ahead of the new school year—positions begin on July 1, July 25, July 29, today and Aug.

12. District officials said they are also working to fill 220 job openings—and have already hired 145 certified applicants.

On Monday, Mayor Deb Feinen issued a proclamation honoring Daniyjah Staple—one of two victims killed in last July's pop-up party shooting on Cynthia and Anita Drives—as her cousin Dajuan Lane said the community held a balloon release, laid flowers, and painted her name on garden stones to call for an end to gun violence.

Champaign announced on Tuesday that Paula Drive will be closed from its intersection with Garden Hills Drive to the midpoint of Cynthia Drive starting July 31 for six to eight weeks as part of the third phase of the Garden Hills Project.

The project will add new storm sewers, sidewalks, street reconstruction and lighting — and while residents will not be able to access their driveways during construction, street parking is allowed outside the construction zone.

Residents on Sunny Acres Road between Pin Oak Drive and Oak Creek Road and on Maple Tree Lane in Mahomet must boil tap water for five minutes after a water main broke and repairs were done; officials will test the water and send another notice when they lift the boil order, which is expected to last between 24 and 48 hours.

Families near Champaign-Urbana can enjoy fall fun with U-pick apples, pumpkin patches and corn mazes at local farms such as Curtis Orchard—where activities start Aug.31—and Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, known for its elaborate corn maze.

Visitors should check each farm’s schedule and fees since many attractions run seasonally.

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.