Thursday, July 24th, 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 24th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Connor Broughton, an Eagle Scout from Central Illinois, held a ceremony at VFW Post 10302 to show his troop how to retire American flags and built a fire pit that will serve as a lasting resource — his project preserves tradition and brings the community together. WICS
- ➤ Farmers at the Champaign County Fair are using misters, cold hoses — and turbo fans — to keep their cattle cool amid a Central Illinois heat wave. They add an electrolyte to the cattle's water and livestock shows resume today at 8:15 a.m. WCIA
- ➤ The Douglass Branch Library has opened a new Makerspace where visitors can use 3D printers, a recording booth, and virtual reality stations—library staff will guide users during drop-in hours while the space continues to expand its schedule—and patrons of all ages are encouraged to explore its technology offerings. ChambanaMoms
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A person on a scooter was injured when a southbound vehicle hit them near the Neil Street and St. Mary’s Road intersection in Champaign on Wednesday — officers took the injured to a nearby hospital and are investigating the collision. WCIA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Families in Champaign-Urbana can get free supplies, backpacks, haircuts and health screenings through local community events this summer. The Kirby Connection Health & Wellness Fair—today from 4-6 p.m.—offers free activities at Kirby Medical Center while events in Paxton and Urbana later provide more back-to-school support. ChambanaMoms
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at University of Illinois are studying plum curculio, a weevil that damages peaches by laying eggs inside the fruit — a two-year study showed that a severe frost in 2024 reduced early pest numbers while also revealing a second dominant generation. They now advise farmers to extend mid-summer monitoring, use varied insecticides, follow bee safety guidelines and remove fallen fruit to protect orchards. WCIA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Village of Mahomet will name David Smysor as its next Chief of Police on August 12—he will begin working on September 1 and officially assume his role on October 1, replacing retiring Chief Mike Metzler. WCIA
- ➤ The Illinois Fire Service Institute hosted a training on Tuesday in Champaign to teach first responders how to manage accidents involving overturned livestock trailers — about 75 participants practiced both classroom instructions and live demonstrations. Future sessions will be held in Dekalb and Galva, with around 200 people expected across all events. WCIA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will launch its free Summer Food Service Program tomorrow for children aged 1 to 18, offering breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and lunch from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. on weekdays until Aug. 11—families will also have free books, free wifi, air conditioning, and Disney on the lobby TV—in a bid to support summer nutrition. 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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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National Black Business Month Social
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Neil St. Blues — Wing Wednesday Specials available — Celebrate Black-Owned Businesses with community, food, and live entertainment.
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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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