Friday, April 25th, 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 Friday, the 25th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Roger Ebert Film Festival returned Wednesday evening in Champaign for its 26th year with 12 films scheduled over the next four days, including a screening of John Wayne’s The Searchers. Chaz Ebert (Roger Ebert’s widow) said the event honors her late husband’s love for movies and unites local film fans. WCIA
- ➤ The Wedding Singer at Parkland College offers a fun night of ’80s nostalgia today at Harold and Jean Miner Theatre, where the show starts at 7:30 p.m.—tickets cost $25 for adults and the production, recommended for ages 13 and up, features live music, upbeat dance and heartfelt songs. Fans of the film will enjoy lively performances and dynamic choreography during this energetic musical outing. ChambanaMoms
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Champaign Urbana is hosting two major events this weekend as Ebertfest, which began Wednesday, is expected to bring in around $350,000 plus the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend that started Thursday night and may generate over $5 million; officials say the money spent by visitors will support community improvements like road repairs and enhanced city services. WCIA
- ➤ Urbana thrift stores say their sales are rising as more people seek bargains during economic uncertainty. Retail Director Mike Jenkins said that after closing the Champaign store last year due to road traffic, the Urbana location made in January to April as much as the two stores did in a full year. WCIA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mid-Illinois Concrete will close Market Street between Taylor Street and University Avenue for utility installation and pavement patching at 115 N. Market Street starting Monday, April 28 and reopening Monday, May 5, weather permitting — local drivers should plan alternate routes. City of Champaign
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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Hatsuyuki Hamada Seminar
9 a.m. to 11 p.m. — Kokushi Midwest Judo — Registration required — Renowned sensei Hatsuyuki Hamada shares his expertise in a two-day judo seminar.
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Candlelight Yoga
6-7 p.m. — Fire Doll Studio — Suggested donation $11-$33 — Unwind and rejuvenate with a soothing yoga class for all levels in a tranquil setting.
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Infection Prevention 3-Day Training
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Wyndham Garden Urbana Champaign — Costs vary — Enhance your skills in long-term care infection prevention with expert-led sessions.
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Cinderella Concert
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to the iconic sounds of hard rock band Cinderella, known for their hits from the '80s.
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Champaign Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl
4-11 p.m. — City of Champaign — Tickets available — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with exclusive access to top bars and festive vibes.
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Star Wars Trivia at Pour Bros
2-4 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free to play — Test your knowledge of the galaxy far, far away with exciting trivia and great prizes.
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Cinco De Mayo Celebration
11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. — Esquire Lounge — Order a Modelo pint and keep the souvenir glass while enjoying food and drink specials.
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Touch-A-Truck Day
9 AM – 1 PM — Centennial Park — Free entry — Experience the thrill of climbing and honking real trucks and vehicles.
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2025 Springtime Showdown #2
5 PM - 5 PM — Rantoul Family Sports Complex — $30 Adult Weekend Pass — Compete for a chance to enter the USSSA Great Lakes National Championships with exciting fastpitch action.
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Illinois PTA SPOTLIGHT 2025
11 AM – 5 PM — Centennial High School — Registration required — Celebrate young artists' achievements with engaging workshops and an inspiring showcase of creativity.
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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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Champaign
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