Good morning, Champaign.

Champaign’s Clearview Farm is in full bloom with sunflowers and an (11-acre) maze sponsored by Farm Credit Illinois.

The site near (The High School of Saint Thomas More) is open from dawn to dusk and will host the Sunflower Celebration on Aug. 4 from 5-8 p.m. with food trucks, live music and family activities.

A 24-year-old Champaign man, Dion Thomas, accused of kidnapping now faces charges of aggravated fleeing and driving with a suspended license after pleading not guilty at his Friday arraignment—he is held in custody until Monday and will attend a pretrial conference on August 19.

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski announced that Champaign County has been awarded $6.4 million for Head Start and Early Head Start programs to serve 269 children and 111 infants and toddlers—funding that follows earlier advocacy and support to boost school readiness for young learners in the county.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has lowered air quality in central Illinois, and experts warn that children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues need to take extra precautions.

The pollution will clear soon when the wind shifts—helping reduce the risks for those vulnerable to breathing problems.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a new law Friday & it requires employers to pay nursing mothers for additional break time to pump milk.

The law will take effect Jan. 1 and it stops mothers from using paid leave during these breaks.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law that stops carbon capture and sequestration near the Mahomet aquifer to protect water for about 800,000 people in Central Illinois after community concerns over leakage arose.

The law (which passed 91-19 in the House and received unanimous Senate support) lets One Earth finish its plant in Gibson, establishes a task force for oversight, and takes effect on Jan. 1.

The City Council will meet on August 5, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the City Building at 102 N.

Neil Street in Champaign—public participation is welcome.

Fred's Plumbing will close New Street — just south of Haines Boulevard — on Tuesday, August 5 to repair a sanitary sewer service line, and traffic will access the road via Hessel Boulevard while all local properties remain reachable; the street will reopen on Monday, August 11 weather permitting.

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.

An Evening with Andrew Duncanson and Friends

8-10 p.m. — Fire Doll Studio — Cost not specified — Experience an intimate night of music with Andrew Duncanson and a talented lineup of friends in a cozy setting.

Teen Summer Program Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Orpheum Champaign — Free entry — Experience the creative talents of local teens at this exciting showcase of music, dance, and arts.