Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
Good morning, Champaign.
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, community groups including representatives from the Eastern Illinois Food Bank and Carle Behavioral Health joined forces to host a Youth Pantry event at Country Brook from 4 to 7 p.m. The event served 232 adults and children with 92 community-wide care packages and essential supplies.
Local Navy veteran Terry Kitchen, who passed away last year, will be interred with full military honors at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield tomorrow at 10 a.m. The Morgan County Coroner’s office organized the service after his friend provided his DD214.
The City of Champaign is implementing temporary road closures starting today through Saturday for the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon Race Weekend.
Residents and visitors will face closures on routes including Green and First Streets (with phased re-openings as races conclude) in key areas.
On April 18, Ashland Park HOA held Boneyard Community Day cleanup where 28 volunteers collected 28 bags of litter from common areas and ponds.
The group has scheduled more cleanup events on weekends from May 2 through Aug. 22 and in the fall (City supplies cleanup materials).
Champaign-Urbana summer fairs and festivals will run through Labor Day, offering free kids zones, carnival rides, live music, and family fun across local venues such as Farmer City Heritage Days, Catlin Strawberry Festival, and Champaign County Fair.
Illinois lawmakers passed a bill today that would require schools to install silent panic alarms linked to law enforcement — the State Police, State Board of Education, and Emergency Management Agency will develop rules for a mobile alert system.
Workshop: Navigating Lending Resources
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Champaign Public Library — Free entry — Refresh knowledge and gain insights on lending resources available for local lenders.
City Mouth, Emily The Band & Eat My Jorts Concert
8-11:30 p.m. — The Space — $10 cover — Enjoy an all-ages night filled with iconic music from local favorites.
Lindy Hoppers Swing Dance Night
7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of swing dancing with music provided by the Illini Swing Society.
Open Mic Night
6-9 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Experience local talents showcasing music, poetry, and delicious food and drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Kiki's Delivery Service Screening
7-10 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a magical adventure as Kiki learns to embrace her powers in a charming seaside town.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Baseball
1-2 p.m. — Illinois Field — Tickets available — Experience the excitement of collegiate baseball with the Northwestern Wildcats facing off against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Sunshine Daydream Grateful Dead Tribute
6-9 p.m. — Alto Vineyards Champaign — $12 cover at the door — Dance the night away to high-energy Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band covers.
Open Mic at The Space
6-9 p.m. — The Space — Food and drink prices may vary — Enjoy local music, poetry, and eclectic cuisine at this vibrant community gathering.
Finding Nemo Jr.
7-10 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticketed event — Dive into a vibrant underwater adventure with Disney’s beloved Pixar story brought to life.
New Construction-Town Center Plaza (2 Drive-Thrus)
Brand new retail suites available in a high-traffic Champaign corridor, offering ±2,200 SF spaces with two drive-thru–capable opportunities and flexible vanilla box buildouts. Positioned among major national retailers, this site delivers strong visibility, 68 on-site parking spaces, and access to a dense and growing consumer base ideal for retail, service, or restaurant users.
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