Good Day
Champaign
Thursday, June 19th, 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 Thursday, the 19th of June.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ GreenPal launched in Champaign today—letting homeowners book local lawn care experts by having vendors bid on jobs—and expands its network that now covers almost every state and 250 major markets. WCIA
- ➤ Riggs Brewery in Urbana will receive $107,000 from the USDA’s REAP program to fund solar arrays that will save $43,000 a year and produce enough energy for 43 homes — the grant, part of a federal effort to support local renewable energy initiatives, is one of three awarded in the district. WCIA
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Urbana police attempted to serve a warrant for aggravated robbery on South Lynn Street when suspect 26 year old Jaliqwon Robertson led a 23 year old woman into a third floor apartment, threatening violence and prompting both METRO SWAT and Champaign SWAT to intervene—after hours of standoff and negotiations, Robertson surrendered peacefully while the woman was freed and authorities found gun parts at the scene. WAND
- ➤ Urbana Police said that 26-year-old Jaliqwon Robertson—wanted for aggravated robbery—surrendered after a seven-hour standoff on South Lynn Street when he barricaded himself in a third-floor apartment with a female acquaintance; a search later uncovered parts of a dismantled firearm. WCIA
- ➤ Kejuan McFarland from Urbana pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery with a firearm for a shooting during a robbery at Champaign’s Days Inn on West Bloomington Road on June 5—a plea deal that dismissed additional charges of attempted murder and armed robbery while he awaits sentencing on Aug. 4. WCIA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Summer of Solidarity coalition will host three panels over Fourth of July weekend to show the history of organizing in Champaign-Urbana; a July 4 panel at Rose Bowl Tavern will feature local artists and July 5 panels will allow community leaders to share insights on union beginnings and solidarity efforts. All events are free + readers can check the coalition’s website for further details. The Daily Illini
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At Urbana’s meeting on Monday night, residents spoke on a police budget proposal that adds three patrol officers and a sergeant for a community team at a cost above $16 million—raising questions about funding priorities amid concerns over staffing and retention. Some community members argued that money should support housing and mental health instead of more policing. WCIA
- ➤ Champaign’s DMV is being upgraded into Illinois’ fifth DMV+ facility over the summer to reduce wait times and combine driver’s and vehicle services into one location. Construction begins this weekend and will finish in early August while customers are urged to use online services until the work completes. WAND
- ➤ On Monday, the Urbana City Council passed a law to keep a 1% tax on groceries even though the state will remove its version on January 1—Mayor DeShawn Williams said the move was needed for revenue and one council member opposed it. The council also postponed a vote on the 2026 budget that would boost police spending to about $16.35 million after a long debate on how to split the vote. The Daily Illini
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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Abby Posner with Holly Monet Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — The Upper Bout — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of beautiful harmonies and witty storytelling from talented musicians in a beloved local venue.
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Candlelight Tribute to Queen
6:30-7:45 p.m. — Orpheum Champaign — Get your tickets now — Experience the timeless music of Queen performed by Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.
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PMP Certification Training Workshop
9 AM – 5 PM — HQ — Check with organizers for fees — Engage in interactive classroom training designed to enhance your project management skills.
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Listening Room Show with Gloria Roubal
12-2 a.m. — 1830 Patton Dr, Mahomet, IL — Cost info not provided — Experience an intimate listening room performance by Gloria Roubal.
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Candlelight Yoga
6-7 p.m. — 29 E Main St, Champaign, IL — Suggested donation $11-$33 — Unwind and find your inner peace with a soothing yoga session in candlelight.
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Awakening Events - Christian Music Concert
6-9 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience an uplifting evening of Christian music with various artists.
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Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm
8-11 p.m. — Prairie Farm — Family-friendly event — Experience fun movies featuring adorable farm animals in a summer setting.
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Lindy Hoppers at Hamilton Walkers - July Edition
7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Dance the night away with swing music at this community-focused event.
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Ag Tech Innovation Showcase 2025
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Free entry — Connect with farmers and innovators at this exciting showcase of ag tech solutions.
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Bollywood Party - Bonalu Celebration
9 PM-2 AM — The Axe Bar — $20 cover at the door — Dance and celebrate the vibrant Bonalu festival with the biggest Bollywood party in Central IL.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A house divided against itself cannot stand.
~ Jesus
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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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