Good Day
Champaign
Thursday, July 31st, 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 31st of July.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Police Troop 7 are investigating a single-vehicle personal injury crash that occurred at 12:01 p.m. today on I-57 southbound near milepost 235, where the vehicle went into the median but all lanes remained open as the investigation continues. WICS
- ➤ Family and friends gathered Tuesday at Douglass Park to release over 300 orange and black balloons in honor of Kyle Clevenger, a 34 year old man who died in a Sunday night train accident off Leverett Road — his family said the tribute reflects his passion for sports as the Champaign County Coroner has scheduled an autopsy. WCIA
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Blind Pig Brewpub is beginning a soft opening in downtown Champaign at its new space (301 N. Neil St.), serving food and drinks that include burgers, pizza, pretzels, wings and salads. General Manager Joe said the space, empty for five years, will add menu items before the grand opening later this August. ChambanaMoms
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Small businesses in Champaign are facing higher electricity bills as summer rates rose, with owner Ben Karwoski of Mad Goat Coffee saying rising costs force them to manage energy use closely — Ameren recommended using LED bulbs and unplugging unused appliances to help lower bills. Many businesses feel the pinch as increased power costs add to everyday expenses during hot weather. WCIA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ United Way of Champaign County announced Tuesday that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now offering Spanish books at no cost to families with children five and younger — the program, which launched in December, sent over 2,700 monthly books in its first year and has expanded to serve families in Champaign, Douglas, Iroquois, Shelby and Piatt Counties. WCIA
- ➤ Megan Kirby, an Urbana alum who once attended Thomas Paine Elementary—returns as the new principal after the Urbana Board of Education officially approved her appointment. She said her goal is to build a school culture where students, teachers and families feel supported. WAND
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Members of the University of Illinois Extension team will host an event at Meadowbrook Park off the Race St. entrance on Friday at 8 p.m. to discuss nocturnal pollinators and offer a guided hike with flashlights—attendees can inspect insects drawn to sheet lighting. WCIA
- ➤ Youssef Hashash, a professor at the University of Illinois, said an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia sent tsunami waves toward Hawaii and the west coast on Tuesday night—no major damage was reported. He warned that a slip along a Central or Southern Illinois fault line could lead to serious harm and urged residents to follow emergency safety guidelines. 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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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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2025 Half Century of Progress Show
7 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Rantoul Half Century of Progress Farm Show — Adults $20 per day, $40 for a 4-day Pass — Experience working vintage farm demonstrations and local agricultural history at this premier event.
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Full Band Performance at Pour Bros Taproom
9 PM — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Enjoy drinks while rocking out to live music performances in a vibrant atmosphere.
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An Evening with Andrew Duncanson and Friends
8-10 p.m. — Fire Doll Studio — Cost not specified — Experience an intimate night of music with Andrew Duncanson and a talented lineup of friends in a cozy setting.
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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
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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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