Good Day
Champaign
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Champaign.
Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 2nd of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Two immigrants were arrested by ICE at the Champaign County Courthouse on Tuesday + Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuerman confirmed the arrests Tuesday afternoon. WCIA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cherry trees in bloom create a breathtaking scene at Urbana's Arboretum today — a time for locals to enjoy sakura and the ancient practice of hanami — even though the tea garden area is closed due to construction. Visitors are encouraged to check Japan House’s updates to catch the blossoms at their peak. ChambanaMoms
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Illinois Engineering Open House will be held on April 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on campus, featuring over 250 free STEM exhibits and student-led activities for families. The event will include a Tesla Coil Concert on April 4 at 8:30 p.m.—parking is available on campus with a free shuttle service. ChambanaMoms
- ➤ State lawmakers are planning to require school coaches to get certified in CPR, first aid, and AED use to build on a law that already mandates school emergency plans with local paramedics. House Bill 3275 passed a committee vote on a 9—4 margin and will come up for second reading next week. WAND
- ➤ Stanley Ikenberry, the longest serving leader of the University of Illinois System, died Tuesday at 90—UI spokeswoman Robin Kaler confirmed his death. He led the system from 1979 to 1995 and served briefly as interim president in 2010—his work merged campuses and boosted federal research funds. WCIA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Champaign Township held a referendum on a tax increase to fund Strides Shelter and other community programs after COVID relief funds ran out. Executive director Claudia Lenhoff said better shelter staffing can address community concerns while local business owner Andrew Davis warned the measure would hurt business — opinions fueling local debate. WICS
- ➤ The Champaign County coroner’s office cleared 400 items that had been stored for years from families’ belongings; the new process will send items directly with the deceased to the funeral home—helping to prevent future backups. Laurie Brauer said the changes ensure the office will be less involved in handling personal property after death. WCIA
- ➤ City Attorney Thomas Yu served as a panelist at a UIUC Alumni event on March 29 at the University YMCA, where the Illinois Student Council hosted a discussion to help students optimize their college experience and overcome self-doubt. Some students received City merchandise during the event. City of Champaign
- ➤ The Tolono Fire Protection District is looking for volunteers to fill firefighter and responder roles on its new volunteer duty shift program for those living up to 25 miles away. Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Hayden said empty lockers need filling—people with experience or interest are encouraged to apply. WCIA
- ➤ Champaign County is preparing to move its administrative offices and Sheriff’s Office to the renovated Bennett Center on Main Street and Broadway Avenue as renovations near completion and nearly 200 employees will relocate from the Brookens building in phases from April through July. A formal dedication is planned—residents should check the county website for updated schedules. WCIA
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Champaign.
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Live Jazz Night with Chip NcNeill
6-8 p.m. — The Venue CU — $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door — Enjoy smooth jazz tunes with Chip NcNeill and his band in an elegant setting.
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ZZ Top with The Sedonas
7-9 p.m. — State Farm Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of rock and Americana roots with the iconic ZZ Top and The Sedonas.
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Lindy Hoppers April Swing Dance
7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of swing dancing with live DJ music and a welcoming atmosphere.
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April Rising Tide Society Meetup
12-1 p.m. — Mad Goat Coffee — Free entry — Connect, collaborate, and support fellow creatives and entrepreneurs in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
8:45-9:45 p.m. — Orpheum Champaign — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Queen's music in a unique candlelight setting.
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Car Seat Safety Check in Champaign
11 a.m. — Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group — Free entry — Ensure your child's safety with a complimentary car seat inspection.
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Illini Baseball vs SIUE
6:00 p.m. — Illinois Field — Ticket prices from $10 — Watch the Illini take on the Cougars in an exciting baseball matchup.
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Tour and Free Day Office Experience
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. — HQ — Free entry — Explore a vibrant workspace while enjoying a complimentary day office experience with free coffee and WiFi.
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Stay Sane @ The Space
7 PM - 1 AM — The Space — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a night of reggae vibes in Champaign.
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Country Music Trivia Night
7-9 p.m. — The Venue CU — Free entry — Test your Country Music knowledge with friends at a fun trivia competition.
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.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Champaign.
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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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