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Thursday, September 18th, 2025

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Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Champaign and Urbana residents will see free municipal leaf and yard waste collections this fall—Champaign collections run from Oct. 13 to Dec. 12 while Urbana collections occur during November and early December; nearby Rantoul, Mahomet and St. Joseph also offer scheduled programs with Savoy not providing pickup.  ChambanaMoms

BUSINESS NEWS

  • The City of Champaign and the Champaign County Economic Development Center are launching new business programs that will offer up to $10,000 for start-ups—home-based businesses can apply—and up to $20,000 for established companies looking to expand, with home-based businesses not eligible for the latter. Applications are due by October 26 and awardees will be announced before the end of the year.  WAND

CULTURE NEWS

  • Members of REO Speedwagon will return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to serve as grand marshals at homecoming on September 26 and will join the Marching Illini for a halftime show at the football game on September 27—reflecting their lasting ties to Champaign since forming in 1967.  WAND

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Revelyst Inc. in Rantoul notified the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on September 4 that it may lay off 126 workers, with the first cuts set for November 3 when some operations will shift to a third-party provider—Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall said he will work with Champaign County Economic Development Corporation to support affected employees as more details emerge.  WAND

EDUCATION NEWS

  • The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident at St. Joseph Middle School after a teacher accidentally displayed an inappropriate image on September 11—officials say the error appears unintentional. School authorities are working with the sheriff’s office to complete the review of the classroom presentation.  WICS

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will host a virtual town hall meeting as part of his Driving Change campaign to collect feedback from Champaign residents on auto insurance practices + State Rep Carol Ammons from Urbana will also join the event to help shape potential legislation addressing these concerns.  WICS
  • Representatives from IUOE Local 399 will hold a silent demonstration outside the Rantoul village administration building today from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.—they protest unresolved contract negotiations with the public works department over the past 14 months using informational signs and a large inflatable rat.  WAND
  • Champaign City Council voted 6-1 to install a decorative fence under the Main Street viaduct — aimed at addressing safety concerns linked to homelessness and drug use — that costs a little over $60,000. The design features a pedestrian walkway with locked gates if needed while residents are encouraged to attend the Champaign Township meeting on Sept. 30 to voice concerns.  WICS

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • EARTHGANG with Joel Q, Asha Omega, and Rollie

    8 PM – 2 AM — The Canopy Club — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the unique sounds of Earthgang and special guests in a vibrant atmosphere.

    Sat, 9/20/25

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  • Tri The Illini Sprint Triathlon

    1-5 p.m. — Activities and Recreation Center — Registration required — Compete in a thrilling sprint triathlon featuring a pool swim, cycling, and running in Champaign.

    Sun, 9/21/25

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  • Arboretum Fall Equinox Yoga

    6-7:30 p.m. — University of Illinois Arboretum — $15/person — Celebrate the start of autumn with yoga, meditation, and reflection in a scenic setting.

    Mon, 9/22/25

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  • PMP Certification Training Course

    9 AM – 5 PM — HQ, Champaign, IL — Price varies — Gain essential project management skills with a comprehensive in-class training program.

    Tue, 9/23/25

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  • ACES + LAS Career Fair

    9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. — Illinois Conference Center — Free entry — Explore diverse career paths and network with industry leaders at this essential career fair.

    Thu, 9/25/25

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  • Keep With Lunar Moth Concert

    7-10 p.m. — The Space — $10 cover — Experience an exciting indie music performance by Lunar Moth and guests.

    Fri, 9/26/25

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  • Sunday Wine Down with Jadie & Doc Shredd

    2-4 p.m. — Alto Vineyards Champaign — Enjoy great music while tasting fine wines — Unwind to the sounds of pop, classic rock, blues, and country hits.

    Sun, 9/28/25

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  • Comedy Open Mic Night

    8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Perfect opportunity for comedy enthusiasts to showcase their talent or enjoy a night of laughs.

    Thu, 10/2/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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