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🌱 Patch AM: How much will Champaign high school lunches cost your family now?

Coming up: Trivia Night at Hound's Court! on the Champaign Patch calendar

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What's up Champaign! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much will Champaign high school lunches cost your family now?
  • How a Grammy-nominated hometown artist lit up Krannert Center
  • Champaign's Lindsey Life center earns top state honor for senior care.

Also on today's calendar: Happy Hour - Drink Specials & Catnip! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Cloudy, humid; a p.m. t-storm, with a high of 78 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Monday: Cooler with a shower or two, temps: high: 67, low: 56.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, a shower; cool, with a high of 64 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Champaign School District returns to traditional school lunch payments (wcia.com) — Families in Champaign's Centennial and Central High Schools will soon have to pay again for school lunches, with most students charged about $3 per day after federal pandemic funding ended. The district will still offer free or reduced meals based on SNAP eligibility, and officials stress that no student will be denied food while community members look for ways to help struggling families.
   

2. Somi returns home with soulful performance at KCPA (dailyillini.com) — A Grammy-nominated singer who grew up in Champaign just debuted new music for a packed crowd at Krannert Center's Colwell Playhouse, turning the evening into a hometown celebration. Her soulful blend of jazz, R&B and Afrobeats, plus strong University of Illinois ties, made the intimate show feel especially meaningful for local students, families and longtime residents.
   

3. Lindsey Life Adult Day Center receives Governor's Engaging Aging Award (wandtv.com) — Lindsey Life Adult Day Centers, including their original Champaign location, have received the Governor's Engaging Aging Award for enriching the lives of older adults. Leaders say the honor reflects the dedication of staff serving families in Champaign and Decatur, and they're planning to expand services across central Illinois to reach more seniors who need daytime support and social connection.
   

4. Beyond the Boardroom: United Way of Champaign County's Beverley Baker (news-gazette.com) — United Way of Champaign County's new president and CEO, Beverley Baker, shares how her background in education and nearly 20 years with the Savoy-based nonprofit shape her collaborative, people-first leadership style. Local readers get a look at her priorities, influences, and even favorite Champaign spots, offering insight into the person now guiding one of the area's most impactful charities.
   

5. Katin Houser throws for 305 yards as Illinois routs Southern Illinois (statenews.net) — Illinois football fans in Champaign saw a dominant home performance as quarterback Katin Houser threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-10 rout of Southern Illinois. Big plays from Aidan Laughery and receiver Collin Dixon, plus a late pick-six, helped the Illini bounce back strongly from last week's close loss to Duke.
   

📸 Around Champaign

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Saw this friendly kitty on Willis just north of Church.
    No collar. Sharing in case someone is missing their buddy. (Nextdoor Clark Park)
  • Culver's posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member in Champaign. Apply here.
  • Parkland College posted a job opening for Part Time Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) / Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) Assistant in Champaign. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Champaign here.

Ok Champaign! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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