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In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Clerk's office launches election information app (news-gazette.com) — Champaign County voters can now check local election results, candidates, polling locations, and ballot drop boxes through the new Champaign County Poll Tracker app, currently on Apple devices. The clerk's office says it's part of modernizing election tools ahead of early voting, which begins Sept. 24, while stressing the app doesn't process registrations or votes itself.
2. Washington Street Road Closure Between Walnut and Hickory Streets (champaignil.gov) — Drivers in Champaign should prepare for Washington Street to close between Walnut and Hickory starting Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, for Downtown Plaza utility and streetscape work. Access to the nearby city parking lot will shift to Walnut Street, northbound Fremont traffic will continue, and temporary signals at Walnut and Columbia will activate Aug. 21, so expect detours and follow work-zone signs.
3. Champaign County RPC offering vehicle repair help during walk-in event (wandtv.com) — If you live in Champaign County and need help fixing your car to stay employed, the Regional Planning Commission is offering up to $1,400 in repair assistance at a walk-in event in Urbana on Thursday, Sept. 10. Only 25 applicants will be approved, and you'll need documentation like ID, insurance, income proof, and benefit details.
4. Local breast cancer survivors set sail for France (news-gazette.com) — Breast cancer survivors from Champaign-Urbana and nearby towns are heading from Homer Lake to France as the Prairie Dragon Paddlers join thousands at an international dragon-boat festival. The Champaign-based members describe how paddling, peer support, and local outreach have helped them reclaim strength, advocate for early detection, and even fund research at the University of Illinois.
5. 7 gas stations in cities throughout Champaign County had the cheapest regular gas in week ending Aug. 15 (chambanasun.com) — Drivers in Champaign County saw the cheapest regular gas at $4.03 per gallon at seven stations during the week ending August 15, below the Illinois average. The piece explains how refinery outages and global oil tensions have pushed 2026 prices higher, and reminds readers that local prices can change quickly.
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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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
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