Good Day
Champaign
Thursday, May 1st, 2025
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Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ University of Illinois police detained a man who threatened a woman at Illini Union and then fled to Talbot Laboratory before officers secured him—no gun was found. WAND
- ➤ Allen Williams—from the Chicago suburbs—was sentenced to 45 years in prison by the Illinois Department of Corrections on Tuesday for shooting a man in his Urbana driveway in February 2024; the victim suffered life-threatening wounds but was later released from the hospital. WCIA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ This summer, Champaign-Urbana will host free and affordable outdoor movie events at venues such as Prairie Farm and Sholem Aquatic Center, where families can enjoy films ranging from classics to animated favorites. The events will run from May 30 through August 8 — local listings provide the specific dates and times. ChambanaMoms
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Senator Doris Turner proposed a bill that will require AEDs in nursing homes, assisted living centers and shared housing, aiming to save lives during heart attacks. The bill would add these places to those already required by law to have AEDs in fitness centers, police departments and public schools—ensuring more facilities are ready for emergencies. WCIA
- ➤ The City of Champaign is accepting bids for the Bradley Avenue Improvements Project—covering the area from Alpine to Duncan for the Public Works Department. Interested vendors can request bid documents and submit proposals following the department’s guidelines. City of Champaign
- ➤ State lawmakers held a Senate committee hearing on a bill that would use evidence to change how public colleges get funding. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford from Maywood and Rep. Carol Ammons from Urbana support the plan—while University of Illinois leaders say it may hurt flagship campuses and expect lawmakers to review Senate Bill 13 before May 9. WAND
- ➤ Today, the City of Champaign is asking for proposals from qualified consultants to study resource allocation for the Champaign Police Department—this study will evaluate staffing levels, the department's structure, and work schedules to guide recommendations for improved deployment. City of Champaign
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A new Mother's Day guide in Champaign-Urbana offers ideas for celebrating moms with local outings such as free train rides, brunch spots, nature picnics, and craft markets. The guide lists events on May 3, May 10, and May 11 & shows how families can plan a day so moms stay off kitchen duty. ChambanaMoms
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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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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The Space CU x Morning Jay’s Brunch Pop Up
10 AM – 3 PM — The Space — RSVP required — Experience a creatively delicious scratch-made brunch during UIUC Graduation weekend.
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May Game Night: Theme TBA — CUDO Plays
6:30-9 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Connect with fellow game lovers and enjoy an evening of fun games and camaraderie.
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Wiz Khalifa Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Canopy Club — $85/ealistmap — Get ready for a night of live music with Wiz Khalifa at the Canopy Club in Urbana.
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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