Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new law changes medical marijuana access in Champaign

Spotted on the Champaign calendar: Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walker's

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Hello Champaign! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new law changes medical marijuana access in Champaign
  • How Champaign is honoring the caregivers behind independent living this week
  • Meet the dog-loving leader behind Champaign County's coroner's office

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

Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 78 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Monday: Decreasing clouds; less humid, temps: high: 75, low: 65.
  • Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Champaign dispensary can now sell medical marijuana thanks to new Illinois law (wcia.com) — A Champaign cannabis dispensary can now serve medical marijuana cardholders under a new Illinois law that doubles possession limits and expands retail options like drive-throughs. Local patients can buy more product, pay lower taxes than recreational customers, and benefit from shorter drive times and greater medical access, while new rules also restrict intoxicating hemp sales to those 21 and older.
   

2. Celebrate National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week with DSC (wandtv.com) — Champaign's Developmental Services Center is marking National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week from today through Sept. 19, honoring staff who support residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mayors of Urbana and Champaign, including Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, are issuing proclamations highlighting how DSPs help neighbors live, work, and thrive more independently throughout the Champaign-Urbana community.
   

3. Beyond the Boardroom: Champaign County coroner Laurie Brauer (news-gazette.com) — Champaign County's coroner, Laurie Brauer, shares how she leads her office with a focus on dignity, compassion, and respect for every family she serves. The Tolono native and Urbana resident talks about her path from corrections officer and EMT to the county's first female coroner, along with the personal routines, local hangouts, and hobbies that keep her grounded outside difficult workdays.
   

4. Budzinski talks diesel, beef prices, effects on local farmers in Champaign (wcia.com) — Farmers and residents around Champaign heard Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski discuss how high diesel and beef prices, along with a shrinking national cattle herd, are squeezing local operations. She criticized a federal plan to boost tariff-free beef imports, arguing it hasn't lowered grocery prices and may hurt U.S. ranchers, and raised concerns about USDA shifting farmer assistance more online.
   

5. Nate Sheppard dominates again as Duke comes back, outlasts Illinois (statenews.net) — A tight nonconference matchup in Champaign saw Illinois fall 31-27 to Duke, despite a record-setting three-touchdown first half from Illini receiver Collin Dixon. Duke running back Nate Sheppard racked up 188 total yards and three scores, including key second-half touchdowns that erased Illinois' early lead and handed the Illini their first loss of the season.
   

📸 Around Champaign

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • What is going on with all the locust trees?
    They are covered with a weird spider web and look like they are dying. (Nextdoor Morrissey Park)
  • Did anybody receive a package today?
    It has tennis shoes in the box should've went to 3761 Thornhill Circle if you received it just let me know I will come and get it. Thank you (Nextdoor Turnberry Ridge)
  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Team Member in Champaign. Apply here.
  • Subway posted a job opening for Sandwich Artist 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 start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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