Hi Champaign! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Board Walkout Halts Champaign County Home-Rule Vote Amid Data Center Debate (sjodaily.com) — A special Champaign County Board meeting collapsed after a walkout by several members, stalling a vote on whether to ask voters to grant the county home-rule powers this November. The issue is tightly tied to a heated debate over data centers, with supporters arguing home rule is needed to permanently restrict such developments once the current moratorium expires next spring. The article also explains what home rule would legally allow the county to do.
2. Clerk's office launches election information app (news-gazette.com) — Champaign County voters now have a new Poll Tracker app to check local election results, candidates, polling places, wait times, and drop box locations right from their phones. The free app is live for Apple devices, with Android coming soon, and arrives just in time for early voting to begin Sept. 24.
3. Turn Around, Don't Drown (foxillinois.com) — Champaign County emergency officials are urging drivers to avoid flooded roads and turn around rather than risk driving through high water, even on familiar routes. They warn that conditions can change quickly, water can hide road damage, and rescue crews may not reach every flooded spot with barricades. If you do get trapped, they advise calling 911, staying calm, and following dispatcher instructions.
4. RPC holding event next month to help Champaign Co. residents with vehicle repairs (wcia.com) — Champaign County residents who need help paying for car repairs can attend a walk-in assistance event at the Regional Planning Commission office in Urbana on Thursday, Sept. 10. Staff will approve 25 eligible applicants on a first-come basis for up to $1,400 in minor repair costs, helping keep local workers safely on the road.
5. Fall Parades in Champaign-Urbana (chambanamoms.com) — If you love parades, Champaign-Urbana's fall calendar is packed with options close to home, from the downtown Champaign County Labor Day Parade to the University of Illinois Homecoming parade. The guide highlights favorite picks and lists dates, locations, and reasons to go for events in Champaign, Urbana, and nearby small towns through mid-November.
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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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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