Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which local teens can earn free UI credit without leaving high school?

Also, don't miss Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings on the Champaign Patch calendar

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Hello again Champaign! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which local teens can earn free UI credit without leaving high school?
  • How will downtown Champaign’s new plaza change parking and green space?
  • How a Jan. 1 change to Scott’s Law affects your driving

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings.

Find out what's happening in Champaignfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Champaignfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Fog in the a.m., then breezy, with a high of 50 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Friday: Breezy with clouds and sun, temps: high: 60, low: 39.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 55 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. UI to offer free dual-credit courses to Illinois high school students (dailyillini.com) — Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the Urbana-Champaign campus will let Illinois high schoolers earn free University credit in courses like astronomy, data science, disability culture, and media studies, with Rantoul Township High School among early participants. The dual-credit pilot, funded by a national access grant, uses credentialed instructors and limited campus privileges to expand college-level opportunities statewide at no cost to students.
   

2. Champaign's downtown plaza project entering final phase in 2026 (wcia.com) — Downtown Champaign’s Neil Street plaza is set for a major expansion in 2026 as Phase Two converts a parking lot into green space with a lawn, fountain, swings, and kiosks. Business owners say nearby garages and lots can absorb parking needs and are excited about a more welcoming, family‑friendly plaza when work wraps up in spring 2027.
   

3. Illinois State Police marks 25 years of Scott's Law (wcia.com) — Illinois State Police in Champaign are marking 25 years of Scott’s Law, the move-over rule created after firefighter Scott Gillen was killed on an interstate in 2000. Troopers say crashes involving stopped squad cars are down from 2024 but still too common, and a Jan. 1 change will expand the law to cover any vehicle with flashing lights.
   

4. U of I alum Devon Witherspoon selected to third NFL Pro Bowl (chambanatoday.com) — Champaign football fans can celebrate as former Illini star Devon Witherspoon has been named to his third straight NFL Pro Bowl, matching a historic feat last achieved by Dick Butkus. The Seattle Seahawks cornerback continues to rack up tackles and big plays, adding to the University of Illinois’ legacy of standout professional players.
   

📸 Around Champaign

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Champaign

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Friday December 26
  • Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
    The Orpheum Champaign 346 North Neil Street Champaign, Illinois 61820
    8:45 pm
    • Monday December 29
  • Open interviews
    Champaign County Chamber of Commerce , 303 W Kirby Ave , Champaign
    9:00 am

📣 Champaign Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Champaign PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • *Owner has been found!
    * Found this dog in our driveway. We have him at our house if he’s yours! (Nextdoor Boulder Ridge West)
  • Does anyone know what of a place that is hiring 16 year olds?
    I desperately need a job. I’ve reached for months and applied at tons of places but have had no luck. My dad hurt his right arm and possibly won’t be… (Nextdoor Morrissey Park)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Champaign. Apply here.
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Janitorial Associate 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: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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