Good morning, Champaign.

Families planning a day out can visit the Illinois State Fair from Thursday, Aug.

13 to Sunday, Aug. 23 for rides, farm animal encounters and fair food in Springfield, about an 80 minute drive from Champaign; weekend adult admission is $10, with free entry for children 12 and under.

Illinois has announced a 10-day sales tax holiday for school supplies and clothing starting Friday, Aug.

7, with the tax rate dropping from 6.25% to 1.25% for qualifying purchases—families are expected to benefit ahead of the new school year.

The Urbana Police Department is teaming with Urbana School District 116 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School for a school supply drive called Stuff the Squad to help students start the school year.

Donations are accepted at the police department from Aug. 1 to 14 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

DREAAM is partnering with Cunningham Children's Home to expand youth programs by occupying two buildings on a 37-acre campus to serve over 450 children from Champaign, Urbana and Rantoul.

The initiative will host robotics teams, indoor gardens and academic clubs, with plans for an esports lab and a media lab.

The Mahomet-Seymour School Board approved an $84 million bond referendum on Monday night to build a new school without raising taxes.

If voters pass the referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot, construction will begin on 38 acres — the new school is scheduled to be ready by fall 2029.

The University of Illinois Extension launches a new health and community wellness program today that merges two former teams to boost support for families facing cuts in healthcare and food access (assistant dean Jennifer McCaffrey explains).

Emily Nenni Live

8:30-11 p.m. — Rose Bowl Tavern — $20 ADV, $25 at the door — Experience the soulful sounds of Emily Nenni as she promotes her new album, Movin Shoes!