Good Day
Champaign
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 25, 2026, the Champaign County Community Coalition and Courage Connection hosted Breaking the Cycle, a town hall on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Councilmember Bob Pollett (and Deputy City Manager Christopher Walton) joined residents and leaders to discuss prevention strategies and share resources for healthy youth relationships. City of Champaign
- ➤ The East Central Illinois chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women opens a free hygiene pantry today in Champaign County to offer essential items not covered by SNAP benefits. The pantry is open Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon + accepts donations. WAND
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Families are invited to explore the University of Illinois Main Quad today, where visitors enjoy indoor spots at the Illini Union and Lincoln Hall and outdoor art, fountains, and a new woolly mammoth sculpture (crafted by a local studio). The campus offers memorable experiences year-round. ChambanaMoms
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Douglas County sheriff's office revived the D.A.R.E. program in local schools to teach students healthy decision-making before discussing drugs and alcohol. The program, now in every school including Shiloh School, is funded by private donations & builds trust between students and law enforcement. WAND
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Peter and the Starcatcher
7-11 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the whimsical adventure of Peter Pan's origins with pirates and treasure galore.
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An Evening with Dario Cohen featuring Foothill Rounders
8 PM - 10 PM — Fire Doll Studio — Entry fee unspecified — Experience a night of powerful storytelling through the soulful music of Chicago-based singer-songwriter Dario Cohen.
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KOKUHO Film Screening
7-11:59 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Tickets required — Experience a profound documentary on the life and legacy of artist Minoru Kokuho.
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IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals
10 AM – 2 PM — State Farm Center — Ticket prices vary — Witness the excitement as the best high school basketball teams compete for the state championship.
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Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Baseball
6-7 p.m. — Illinois Field — Check website for pricing — Watch exciting college baseball action as the Gophers take on the Illini.
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Lucky Dog 5K
9:30 a.m.–11:59 p.m. — Champaign Park District, 301 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL — Registration required — Run, walk, or stroll alongside your pup at this fun community event.
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March Game Night: Medical Games
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Unwind with fellow gamers while enjoying themed medical games or any favorites you wish to bring.
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Open Mic Night at The Space
6-9 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Experience a lively night of local music, poetry, and delicious eats in downtown Champaign.
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Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Baseball
1-2 p.m. — Illinois Field — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of college baseball with Rutgers taking on Illinois in Champaign.
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Lindy Hop Swing Dance Night
7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Enjoy a lively swing dance evening with no experience or partner required.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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