Good morning, Champaign.

On Friday, community members gathered at West Side Park in Champaign to protest in support of Palestine amid concerns over Gaza starvation, with groups like the CU Muslim Action Committee + Champaign-Urbana for Palestine urging divestment from funds tied to companies supplying military equipment. Protesters marched downtown under police escort and then canvassed for boycotts of targeted firms amid rising tensions.

C-U at Home will open a new shelter on Mattis Avenue by the end of the year to help 26 adults move toward stable lives with a 12- to 18-month program.

The city of Champaign will vote today on giving over $400,000 to pay for upgrades—including sprinkler systems and electrical work—for the $1.9 million project as some community members show mixed views.

Clearview Farm in Champaign is hosting the Sunflower Celebration with a maze of sunflowers, food trucks and drinks as nearly a quarter of a million sunflowers bloom this season.

Farm manager Sophia Odle said visitors should plan to come by next weekend since the free maze is open all day and the blooms will wilt by Aug. 8—10.

On Friday, August 1 at 8:58 p.m., the Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a two-story apartment building on the 3700 block of Colleen Dr.—firefighters extinguished the sprinkler-controlled blaze with no injuries reported while investigators continue to probe its cause and two units face displacement.

Champaign Unit 4 School District is now acting on a 90-page audit report of its special education services compiled by Dr. Daniel Cates, a former superintendent and psychologist, with Acting Superintendent Daniel Casillas outlining plans to improve communication between staff, parents and community advocates. The district will implement changes this fall — including parent training, staff development and a review of data to address disparities affecting Black students — while Dr. Cates is set to deliver a follow-up report in April.

The Champaign Public Library is asking for bids to demolish old flooring and install new bamboo flooring at its main branch.

Interested contractors can request RFP documents for more details.

A new DMV+ office opened today at 2012 Round Barn Road in Champaign in a renovated facility originally built in 2015.

The office now handles driver’s licenses, ID renewals, Real ID issuance, and business filings that once required trips to Chicago or Springfield.

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.

PMP Certification 4-Day Classroom Training

9 AM – 5 PM — HQ — Training fee applies — Gain essential project management skills with hands-on learning and expert guidance.