Good morning, Champaign.

Champaign-Urbana families are invited to University Homecoming festivities, which start with a 5K and free post-race fun on Sunday, Sept.

27. The events continue with a parade on Friday, Oct. 2, game day tailgating, downtown gatherings, and a Vet Med Open House on Sunday, Oct. 4 across campus and downtown.

Champaign is hosting its annual Christian Sheehan Smoke Alarm Blitz at New Hope Church Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon to install smoke + carbon monoxide alarms in memory of a Parkland College student who died in a fire.

Over 1,000 alarms have been installed so far.

Gas & diesel prices continue rising in Illinois after AAA reported Monday, Sept.

21 that national averages reached $4.47 per gallon for gas and $6.51 for diesel, adding to fuel costs for local drivers.

GasBuddy data shows that gas prices in Champaign-Urbana reached $4.77 per gallon today after a 27-cent rise this week, with regional costs ranging from $4.34 in Gibson City to $4.89 in Ogden (the highest averages since May 26).

Urbana City Council approved a long-term deal for a pilot-program fire academy in Champaign County Monday.

Fire departments in Champaign and Urbana — partnered with the Cornbelt Fire Protection District in Mahomet — will continue classes from 2025 while updating cost-sharing and responsibilities under the deal.

Tuscola native Robin Burnsmier-Key lost her husband in January and cared for her mother during their Alzheimer’s battle; she now volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association to support caregivers as the group hosts its annual walk at Urbana’s Crystal Lake Park on Saturday, Sept.

26 at 8:30 a.m.

Champaign's Insomnia Cookies will reopen Friday after a follow-up inspection by the Public Health Department cleared it of food safety violations by fixing a 1-inch air gap for its 3-compartment sink drain line and securing certified food protection management coverage.