Good morning, Champaign.

On Sunday, firefighters from Illinois and Indiana rode motorcycles across Central Illinois to honor those lost on 9/11; the 25-year event, which raised funds to assist firefighters facing health challenges (including cancer), reflected the community’s enduring commitment to brotherhood in the fire service.

Gas prices have jumped in Central Illinois due to global tensions, and in Champaign-Urbana drivers now pay an average of $4.50 (a 42-cent rise from last week) as reported by GasBuddy.

Parkland College received a $6M grant from the state to expand its manufacturing programs; the funding will renovate welding labs + build a new biomanufacturing facility to enhance career training, with upgrades expected to be finished in nine months.

The University of Illinois announced that retired astronaut and U.S. Space Force Colonel Mike Hopkins will serve as Homecoming Parade's grand marshal on Friday, Oct.

2 at 6 p.m. at Gies Memorial Stadium, highlighting his legacy as a Fighting Illini captain in 1991.

Some Unit 4 high school families are now paying for meals as the district ended the federal Community Eligibility Provision for Central and Centennial.

All students still receive meals and families may apply for free or reduced-price options (breakfast at $2, lunch at $3.50 for full-price).

Champaign-Urbana will host fall break camps from Oct.

8 through Oct. 16, with programs from Champaign Gymnastics Academy, the Park Districts, and Stephens Family YMCA for children aged 4 (to 13) and school-aged youth. Registration is per day with discounts for full-week signups.

The VA awarded nearly $39 million in grants to 25 Illinois communities to fight veteran homelessness — local recipients include The Salvation Army in Champaign.

The funding is part of a record $1.17B awarded nationwide.

Champaign County households can get new power bill help after LIHEAP expands eligibility for residents like older adults, families with children under 5, and those with propane challenges; appointments begin Sept.

21 in Champaign and Rantoul with applications accepted from Oct. 1 through Aug. 13, 2027.