Good morning, Champaign.

The Illinois State Board of Education released its annual report card showing that Urbana School District 116 reduced chronic absenteeism from 44% to 39% in the 2024-2025 school year while its four-year graduation rate fell from 83% to 80%.

District leaders plan to improve graduation outcomes by expanding interventions and boosting math instruction with the new Numeracy Plan — comparisons are adjusted due to updated benchmarks.

The City’s Fall Yard Waste Collection program runs until December 12 and the first round in the Blue and Orange Zones gathered 31,680 bags—16,605 in the Blue Zone and 15,075 in the Orange Zone.

COCO Screening

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Virginia Theatre — Rated PG — Experience the heartwarming story of Miguel and his passion for music despite family traditions.

27th Annual Rattlesnake Master Run for the Prairie

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Meadowbrook Park — Registration fees apply — Run or walk to support conservation efforts at Grand Prairie Friends.

CUDO Plays Game Night

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Engage with fellow gamers and explore games with compelling themes.

Public Lecture on AI, Writing, and Integrity

7-8:30 p.m. — Champaign Public Library — Free entry — Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, writing, and ethical integrity in this engaging lecture.

Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan Listening Tour - Champaign

4-6 p.m. — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Free entry — Contribute to the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan to enhance math education for all students.

Comedy Open Mic Night at The Space

8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Test your comedic skills or enjoy fresh talent at this weekly open mic event.

The Empty Bowls Supper and Saber Showcase

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The High School of St. Thomas More — Suggested donation $15 adults, $10 children — Savor soup and bread while enjoying performances at this community benefit event.

Jake and Jackson Winter Matinee Concert

2-5 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free entry — Experience a winter afternoon filled with live music and good vibes.

Mannheim Steamroller Concert

7 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Tickets not available at this time — Experience the unique blend of classical and modern sounds with Mannheim Steamroller's festive performance.

Comedy Open Mic Night

8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Laugh along or try your hand at comedy during a fun-filled open mic night.