Good morning, Champaign.

Police said Tuesday evening a crash on IL-130 northbound at Old Church Road involved a motorcycle and a pickup truck—traffic was closed while officers investigated and lanes reopened at 1:07 a.m. after the motorcyclist died at the scene.

The Urbana Board of Education announced that Miniona Menuokuou Lungalang became the new assistant principal at Thomas Paine Elementary School effective August 6, following a 14-year teaching career in Champaign and other Midwest communities (she most recently worked as an instructional interventionist here).

Acting Director James Jennings announced eight fall hazardous waste collection events co-sponsored by local government units — starting with an event in Champaign at the State Farm Center on August 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — that will help residents safely dispose of dangerous household chemicals.

Gov. Pritzker signed a bill on Friday that protects the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration, a process of storing carbon underground, to keep clean drinking water available for over a million people.

The law was sponsored by CU legislators, including Rep. Carol Ammons (103rd) and Sen. Paul Faraci (52nd), after months of debate.

A University of Illinois analyst team at the Cline Center found that police use of lethal force dropped 24% from 2021 to 2023, with 2,631 incidents recorded in 2023 — the lowest count since 2015.

The SPOTLITE database was developed to fill a gap in official records and help the public understand policing practices.

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.