Good Day
Champaign
Thursday, September 11th, 2025
Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Beverly Baker was named the new president and CEO of United Way of Champaign County and will take over as Sue Grey retires in March—she has worked with the organization since 2007 and earned awards for her role in early childhood education and grant management. WAND
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Champaign’s Marketplace Shopping Center will host the Courage to Remember exhibit from October 20 to November 1, featuring first-person Holocaust accounts, historical photos and maps — the exhibit is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. WAND
- ➤ Rosh Hashanah in Champaign-Urbana will begin Monday evening, Sept.22 and include traditions such as dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year. Local synagogues and community groups will offer services and food drives — events that invite both religious observance and cultural celebration. ChambanaMoms
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A staff member was terminated from Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy in Rantoul for violating Academy policy amid a DCFS investigation prompted by a former cadet's allegations— the Illinois National Guard confirmed the academy is cooperating and no further details are released. WAND
- ➤ The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign welcomed a record-breaking freshman class for fall 2025 with 9,207 new students, surpassing last year's count and bringing total enrollment past 60,000. The bright class shows high academic scores and includes 22% first-generation students, with 72% coming from Illinois — reflecting strong local ties. WICS
- ➤ The University of Illinois system set a fall enrollment record with over 101,000 students on its Urbana, Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield campuses—enrollment rose 3.4% from last year and over 25% in the past decade, with freshman and undergraduate numbers reaching new records. WAND
- ➤ On Tuesday, Parkland College unveiled its new mobile education unit—Cobra Pathfinder—that gives local middle and high school students hands-on career experiences through specialized carts and is available for community groups by request, with its development supported by a grant from the Illinois Community College Board. WAND
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Air Force is testing for toxic PFAs at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul 32 years after its closure and has taken groundwater and soil samples to check for health risks—officials said local drinking water remains unaffected. A remedial investigation report will be completed in fall and cleanup will follow after the investigation clarifies the next steps. WAND
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ SNAP benefits are at risk of cuts as new work rules now include individuals ages 18-64 and a waiver ends Jan-31, which may increase food insecurity in Champaign. Champaign County Health Care Consumers will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. today inside the Champaign Public Library to discuss the impact. WAND
- ➤ A&R Services announced that one northbound lane of Neil Street between Bellefontaine Street and Kenyon Road will be closed on Monday, September 15 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for water service work at 1410 N. Neil Street—traffic will be limited to one lane if weather permits. City of Champaign
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Live Performance by The Boat Drunks
8-11 p.m. — Rose Bowl Tavern — $15 ADV | $20 Day-of — Enjoy a night of tropical tunes and top hits from The Boat Drunks on the patio.
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Comedy Open Mic Night
8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Experience laughter and showcase your comedy skills every Thursday night.
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EARTHGANG with Joel Q, Asha Omega, and Rollie
8 PM – 2 AM — The Canopy Club — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the unique sounds of Earthgang and special guests in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Tri The Illini Sprint Triathlon
1-5 p.m. — Activities and Recreation Center — Registration required — Compete in a thrilling sprint triathlon featuring a pool swim, cycling, and running in Champaign.
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Arboretum Fall Equinox Yoga
6-7:30 p.m. — University of Illinois Arboretum — $15/person — Celebrate the start of autumn with yoga, meditation, and reflection in a scenic setting.
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PMP Certification Training Course
9 AM – 5 PM — HQ, Champaign, IL — Price varies — Gain essential project management skills with a comprehensive in-class training program.
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ACES + LAS Career Fair
9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. — Illinois Conference Center — Free entry — Explore diverse career paths and network with industry leaders at this essential career fair.
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Keep With Lunar Moth Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Space — $10 cover — Experience an exciting indie music performance by Lunar Moth and guests.
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TWILIGHT (2008) Movie Screening with Blood Drive
2-9:45 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Free entry — Donate blood and enjoy a screening of the popular vampire movie 'TWILIGHT' while supporting a community cause.
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Sunday Wine Down with Jadie & Doc Shredd
2-4 p.m. — Alto Vineyards Champaign — Enjoy great music while tasting fine wines — Unwind to the sounds of pop, classic rock, blues, and country hits.
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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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