UI football stars huddle with students on 'Read, Run, Respect'

CHAMPAIGN – The aim of the assembly at South Side Elementary School Tuesday afternoon was to encourage students to read, develop healthy habits and be respectful – goals that many elementary teachers are likely talking about at the start of the school year.

But this gathering began with chants of "I-L-L, I-N-I," and the appearance of special guests introduced as "superstars" by literacy specialist Amanda Bell. Illinois quarterback Juice Williams and wide receiver Arrelious Benn were at South Side to represent the "run" portion of the "Read, Run, Respect" program happening at the school all this month.

Also on this date

• Judge rules state's suit against Carle, Christie to continue
• Gill Athletics expansion, consolidation plan revealed
• UI official: Hoax e-mail sent from outside the university
• Steve & Barry's to close Champaign, Danville, Decatur stores
• Groups get Urbana lots to build affordable housing
• Champaign council votes to buy land from Urban League
• Urbana school board leader asks official to give update on restructuring plan costs
• Car hits 4 Amish bicyclists
• Thomasboro water bills to increase 20 percent
• Obituaries

» More