Good Day
Champaign
Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The new Co-Responder Team completed Mental Health First Aid and Narcan training (with local Police, Fire and other service providers) to support residents with coordinated care. The team also hosted an open house for nearly 30 local service providers to strengthen community collaboration. City of Champaign
- ➤ CLU-W Hygiene Pantry opened on March 5 in Urbana — located in the Brookens Administration Building at 1776 E. Washington St. — offering free hygiene supplies to low-income residents on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Organizers provide a monthly allotment of essential items to help with rising costs. The Daily Illini
- ➤ On March 4, 2026, the Community Outreach and Engagement Division partnered with Illinois Soul to host a film screening and discussion of the documentary Black and Jewish in America (An Interwoven History) in Champaign; about 24 locals attended and enjoyed a light meal with thoughtful dialogue. City of Champaign
- ➤ Families in Champaign-Urbana can volunteer with groups like ClarkLindsey, Eastern Illinois Foodbank (for children 8+ with an adult), Meals on Wheels, and Salt and Light Ministry to help seniors, support food programs, and care for animals with options for all ages from birth upward. ChambanaMoms
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sean Evans, host of Hot Ones and U of I alumnus (class of 2008), will serve as the commencement speaker on Saturday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m. in Gies Memorial Stadium. WAND
- ➤ On (Tuesday, Mar. 10) the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council hosted an orientation in Champaign for a new pre-apprenticeship cohort targeting underserved communities. The event offered training, mentorship, and a celebratory meal from the Community Safety and Justice Division as it connected participants with city support. City of Champaign
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Champaign Police Department received the Eternal Flame Award from the Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) for its support, including hosting a kickoff dinner at the Cycle Across Illinois ride; officers Lt. Fisher, Weegens, and Borth accepted it at the COPS Gala. City of Champaign
- ➤ Neighborhood Services staff toured Strides Shelter after a City-supported flooring project finished in January to replace worn floors in the entry, staff offices, hallways + laundry room. The work, costing about $86,000, improves safety and daily operations for the facility. City of Champaign
- ➤ On Monday, Mar. 9, over 150 leaders and service providers met at local venues, including CSPH, Homebase, and I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center, to launch a county plan to end homelessness by reviewing data and gathering community feedback + ideas to reduce waitlists, improve coordination, and decrease chronic homelessness. City of Champaign
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Champaign-Urbana will host two elite college gymnastics meets at State Farm Center. The Big Ten women’s championships, featuring Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, will run March 20 to 21 and the NCAA men’s national championships will run April 17 to 18, with tickets available. ChambanaMoms
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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.
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Open Mic Night at The Space
6-9 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Enjoy music and poetry while savoring eclectic food and drinks in downtown Champaign.
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The Three Italian Tenors
7:30-9:20 p.m. — Krannert Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating program of beloved Italian songs performed by three exceptional tenors.
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Good for the Soul Comedy Showcase
11 p.m. – 2 a.m. — Neil St. Blues — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with top-notch comedic talent in a unique VIP setting.
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Comedy Open Mic Night with Kristen Unakis
8-10 p.m. — The Space — Menu prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with local comedians and delicious food in downtown Champaign.
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Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt
10 AM – 12 PM — West Side Park — Free entry — Hop on down for one of the largest egg hunts in C-U and bring your basket!
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Champaign
Welcome to the Good Day Champaign, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Champaign, Illinois community. If you like the Good Day Champaign, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Champaign.
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