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Friday, July 18th, 2025

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Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of July.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Over the past week, the Equity and Engagement team hosted three community meetings to address gun violence—one at Douglass Library on Wednesday afternoon and two at Champaign Public Library on Friday and Sunday afternoons—with Council Member Shauna Clayborn and Police Chief Timothy Tyler attending discussions that let residents share their experiences and propose ways to keep the community safe.  City of Champaign
  • On Monday, July 14, community leaders and advocates met at the Champaign Public Library for the Violence Prevention Workgroup meeting sponsored by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. Facilitated by JR Lill, participants including RACES and City of Champaign Justice Victim Advocates Angela Worthey and Andre Davis discussed plans to prevent sexual violence, develop a five-year community mediation plan, and improve data sharing — three key priorities to reduce violence across the county.  City of Champaign

CRIME NEWS

  • Champaign police responded to a shooting at Oakwood Terrace Apartments on July 15 at 5:01 p.m.—they found one person with life-threatening gunshot wounds and provided emergency aid before the victim was taken to the hospital.  WICS
  • UIPD reported six vehicle burglaries at Orchard Downs Apartments in Urbana between Tuesday and Thursday, where several Kia, Hyundai, and Nissan cars had rear windows broken and steering columns tampered with — one car was stolen and later recovered. Investigators are patrolling the area and using over 4,200 security cameras to track suspects — anyone with information is urged to contact UIPD at 217-333-1216 or Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.  WCIA

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Soybean geneticist Ken Paige introduced Frenzy (a new process) that regulates gene pathways in crops to boost biomass and yields. He spoke with Stu Ellis yesterday about the tool and its promise to improve farm output.  WCIA

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Undergraduates at the University are building research skills by joining labs in fields such as cancer studies and computational biology—projects supported by over $700 million in annual funding. Professors say persistence and course-based connections help students earn real-world experience and boost career prospects.  The Daily Illini

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Champaign County opened the Bennett Administrative Center, named after former State Senator Scott Bennett who died in 2022, with an open house and dedication ceremony that moved indoors due to rain (housing the Sheriff's Office, Clerk and Recorder's Office, and County Treasurer).  WICS

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Mon, 7/21/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 7/25/25

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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!

    Sat, 7/26/25

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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!

    Sat, 7/26/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 7/31/25

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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.

    Fri, 8/1/25

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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.

    Sun, 8/3/25

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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.

    Sat, 8/9/25

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  • Lindy Hoppers Swing Dance

    7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of lively swing dancing and great music with no experience needed.

    Sun, 8/10/25

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  • Mindful Expressionism Workshop

    6:30-9:00 p.m. — RootDown Meditations — All materials provided — Engage in a therapeutic painting experience that promotes healing and joy through expressionism.

    Thu, 8/14/25

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  • Patio Paradise: Tiki Event 2025

    1-6 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Event-only Tiki drinks await — Celebrate summer with a tropical drinks lineup at Pour Bros.' favorite patio party.

    Sat, 8/16/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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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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