🌱 Patch AM: Police seek witnesses after Carver Drive shooting critically injures 22-year-old

Good morning Champaign! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Police seek witnesses after Carver Drive shooting critically injures 22-year-old
• Which Champaign and Urbana streets saw the most crime this week?
• Will you brave the twisted kids' show horror now at AMC Champaign?

Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 82 and low of 62 degrees.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and humid, temps: high: 86, low: 63. 🌶 Hot!
• Monday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 94 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 22-year-old hospitalized after shooting in Champaign (wandtv.com) — Champaign Police are investigating a Wednesday afternoon shooting on Carver Drive that left a 22-year-old man in critical condition after surgery. Officers from Champaign and Urbana responded near the city border, and investigators are asking nearby residents and businesses with security cameras or information to contact Champaign Police or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers.
   

2. C-U crime report, Aug. 20-27, 2026 (news-gazette.com) — Recent police reports from Champaign highlight multiple DUI arrests, robberies, stabbings, home invasions, and vehicle thefts across familiar streets like Bradley, Neil, and University. Urbana officers also responded to break-ins, assaults, and alcohol- and drug-related incidents. Reviewing these locations and times can help you stay alert in your own neighborhood.
   

3. Menace lurks beneath the surface in 'Buddy' (news-gazette.com) — If you're up for a dark, violent twist on kids' TV, the new horror-comedy "Buddy" is now playing at AMC Champaign 13 and Savoy 16 IMAX. The film follows children trying to escape a murderous unicorn character while a suburban mom grapples with a missing-child mystery. Expect graphic, stylized violence and sharp commentary on toxic positivity.
   

4. 3-day rodeo coming to Gordyville USA in Gifford (wcia.com) — A three-day Mid States Rodeo Finals event is heading to Gordyville USA in Gifford this October, giving Champaign County residents a nearby chance to see top competitors in eight rodeo events. The Oct. 23–25 finals will feature a western vendor market, food options, and a ticket giveaway that closes Sept. 1, with more details available online.
   

📸 Around Champaign

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Champaign

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Monday August 31
• Musical Workshops
  Centennial High School Auditorium
  4:00 pm
• JV Football @ Normal West
  Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
  4:30 pm
• JV Football vs Normal West
  Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
  4:30 pm
• Dr. Ponce "Listen and Learn" Tour at Centennial
  Centennial High School Charger Library
  5:30 pm
Tuesday September 1
• PICTURE DAY
  Kenwood Elem School Champaign, IL 61821
  8:00 am
• Knights BB-MS Boys @ Edison Middle School (Game) →
  Franklin Middle School Away - EDISON MIDDLE SCHOOL
  4:00 pm
• Girls Tennis vs. Bloomington
  Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
  4:00 pm
• Musical Workshops
  Centennial High School Auditorium
  4:00 pm

📣 Champaign Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday August 29
• Freshman Volleyball @ Mahomet
  Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
  8:00 am
• Varsity Volleyball @ Plainfield North
  Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
  8:00 am
• Board Game Demo Days @The Scratching Post CU!
  Champaign County Chamber of Commerce The Scratching Post is Champaign's Cat & Board Game Cafe. Enjoy our light snack and drink menu, purchase a game pass to access our massive library of 500+ board games, or make a reservation to visit our cat lounge where 20+ adoptable cats are waiting
  2:00 pm
• D&D Night @The Scratching Post CU! →
  Champaign County Chamber of Commerce The Scratching Post is Champaign's Cat & Board Game Cafe. Enjoy our light snack and drink menu, purchase a game pass to access our massive library of 500+ board games, or make a reservation to visit our cat lounge where 20+ adoptable cats are waiting
  6:00 pm

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
  Rayva was lost on July 26, 2026 in Champaign, IL 61820 near Windsor and Mattis Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Hessel Parl)
• Ashland park neighborhood garage sale this Saturday.
  Lots of household items and clothing and so much more. 8am to 4 pm (Nextdoor Ashland Park)

• Government Jobs posted a job opening for Janitor Part-Time - Maintenance Department in Champaign. Apply here.
• Spar, Inc. posted a job opening for Field Merchandising Specialist 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: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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