Good morning, Champaign.

On Friday, August 8, the Equity & Engagement Department—Community Safety and Justice Division joined the Champaign Fire Department and Y on the Fly for a back-to-school giveaway and end-of-summer bash while the HOYCE Center provided local families with free hygiene products, home essentials, clothing, backpacks and sunscreen.

School started on Wednesday in Decatur and Champaign as Centennial High School held its annual clap-in to welcome students back.

Decatur Public Schools introduced over 70 new teachers and set new academic goals—officials said these efforts aim to support every student's growth this year.

The University of Illinois will close all eastbound lanes of Kirby Avenue from Fourth Street to Goodwin Avenue on Monday, August 18 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to complete tree removal—weather permitting, detouring eastbound drivers while keeping westbound lanes open.

Urbana City Council voted to name Zachery Mikalik as the new deputy chief of the police while former deputy chief Dave Smysor will go to Mahomet to begin his job as chief on Oct.

1. Mikalik — who has worked for 18 years in the police department — said he cares about Urbana and is ready to help during tough staffing times.

Hoerr Construction will close one northbound lane of Mattis Avenue between Sumac Drive and Windsor Road on Friday, August 15 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. to complete sanitary sewer lining for Urbana Champaign Sanitary District—northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane during the closure.

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.

Bollywood Party - Welcome Week!

9 PM – 2 AM — The Axe Bar — $10 Pre-Sale, $15 General Admission, $20 at the door — Experience the biggest Bollywood party with nonstop hits and high-energy dancing!

Western Illinois Leathernecks at Illinois Fighting Illini Football

6:30-8 p.m. — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Ticket prices vary — Watch a riveting college football matchup featuring the Leathernecks and Fighting Illini.

BEAUTI BASH 2025

7-9 p.m. — Orpheum Champaign — Food and drinks included — Celebrate glamour and beauty at this fabulous event featuring talented local stylists.