Good Day
Champaign
Friday, July 11th, 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 11th of July.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Champaign Police ran a traffic campaign from June 20 to July 7 that led to 11 DUI arrests and extra citations for speeding, seatbelt use, insurance, license and equipment violations — the effort was supported by state and federal funds. WICS
- ➤ A Rantoul man, Anthony Wilkins, pleaded guilty to a Class 2 felony of unlawful possession after a car chase on Oct. 31 near Booker T. Washington STEM Academy led to a 30-minute lockdown at a Champaign elementary school, and he received an 11-year sentence with 250 days of credit—both sides agreed to the sentence. WCIA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Champaign School District got a report on Tuesday that found 10 key areas needing work in its special education programs, including plans to hire more staff and improve services for students with autism+ Board President Tony Bruno said the district will begin to follow the audit’s recommendations at its meeting on July 28th while working with the CU Autism Network to rebuild trust. WCIA
- ➤ Dr. Stephen Long from the University of Illinois, a crop science professor, will be honored with the World Food Prize in October in Des Moines—an award recognizing his 50 years of work using sunlight to help crops yield more and adapt to future changes. WCIA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Champaign launched a new website—VisitDowntownChampaign.com—to share summer events on the Downtown Plaza stage, including the Thursday Sound Bites lunch concert series and the Tuesday Rhythm & Roots performance during the Farmers Market. The site details that the Plaza is also a Downtown Festival District where adults can buy to-go alcoholic beverages while families enjoy new Kids Corner activities. City of Champaign
- ➤ Champaign County law enforcement officers and their peers statewide await Governor Pritzker's signature on a bill that would create a K9 Care Program—if passed, the program would provide a $1,500 grant for vet care for retired police dogs. Lt. Chad Beasley and Trooper Samantha Kromm emphasized that the measure could help ease the high vet costs these officers and their K9s face after years of service. 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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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.
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CUDO Plays Game Night
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Unwind with fellow gamers and enjoy a night of friendly competition and socializing.
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Free Pool Party at Crystal Lake Park
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening at a community pool party with activities for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
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Summer Splash
Join us for an exciting and family-friendly event at Lake of the Woods, brought to you by the Forest Preserves in partnership with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy. Summer Splash features a variety of activities including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, educational exhibits, live fish with Illinois Department of Natural Resources, live music, and more!
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Beautiful - The Carole King Musical
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the life and music of Carole King in a vibrant musical celebration.
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Flower Arranging Workshop
6:30-9 p.m. — Graceful Acres Flower Farm — Cost information not provided — Create stunning floral displays while connecting with other women in the community.
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Beautiful - The Carole King Musical
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Virginia Theatre — Cost varies — Celebrate the life and music of Carole King through her unforgettable songs and inspiring story.
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Senior Luncheon and Bingo
12 – 2 PM — Douglass Community Center — Free meal — Seniors can enjoy a delicious lunch and participate in exciting rounds of BINGO with prizes.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Champaign.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Champaign
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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