Good Day
Champaign
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Champaign. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Champaign families can join several trunk-or-treat events coming up, with CU Church hosting a family event on October 19 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and other events set from October 24 to October 31 at locations like Rosecrance and the First Presbyterian Church — each featuring treats, costumes, and fun activities for kids. ChambanaMoms
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Benjamin Snyder, a chemistry professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been named a 2025 Packard Fellow — the award provides him $875,000 over five years to support his research on porous materials and advanced spectroscopy. WAND
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Pritzker joined a new coalition of 15 governors—forming the Governors Public Health Alliance—to defend public health and science-based policies in response to federal rollbacks. He signed an Executive Order to secure immunization access for Illinois as the group will coordinate vaccine policy, healthcare access, and emergency response for future challenges. WAND
- ➤ Champaign's Community Relations Manager Janel Gomez attended the 76th Annual Conference of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies, where fair employment, housing discrimination and hate were discussed—sessions focused on DEI leadership, anti-discrimination ordinance enforcement, policy and social justice. The event provided a chance for learning from international human rights experts. City of Champaign
- ➤ Hoerr Construction will intermittently close the eastbound lane of John Street—between James Street and Ridgeway Avenue—for sewer lining work today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. if weather permits. City of Champaign
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ben's Original recalled several rice products on Oct. 10 after small stones were found that could cause injury—customers with affected items are urged to contact Consumer Care for return instructions. WAND
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After last week’s game against Peoria Richwoods ended early 23 seconds before halftime due to an on-field altercation, Urbana High School will host Peoria Manual on Friday — its Senior Night and final home football game. The team looks to move forward with focus after the disruption. WICS
- ➤ Illinois wide receiver Hank Beatty was named a Sporting News Midseason All-American and added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list on Wednesday morning—he ranks fourth nationally in receiving yards and is the only player with passing, rushing, receiving and punt return touchdowns this season. He helped Illinois achieve a record of five wins and two losses as they prepare to travel to Washington on Oct. 25. WICS
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Friday Night Music Sessions
8-11 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free entry — Enjoy live music from SASS while sipping craft beer in a lively atmosphere.
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MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
7:30-9 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the iconic music of ABBA in this lively tribute concert.
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Rainy Day Miracle Book Signing
3-5 p.m. — Champaign Public Library — Free entry — Meet authors Matt and Jill Cheatham and hear their inspiring story of healing and faith.
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October Game Night: Marketability — CUDO Plays
6:30-9 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Connect with fellow gamers and explore the marketability of your favorite games.
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Richard Thomas - Champaign
7:30-9 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Check venue for pricing — Emmy-winning actor Richard Thomas brings Mark Twain to life in this celebrated performance.
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Comedy Open Mic Night
8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Try your hand at comedy or enjoy local talent every Thursday night.
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Wood Chips Concert
6:30-8 p.m. — The Canopy Club — Tickets required — Experience captivating pop melodies and lyrical artistry from Wood Chips live.
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Flannel Fest
11 AM – 6 PM — West Side Park — Free entry — Rock your flannel and enjoy lumberjack shows, contests, and nonstop entertainment.
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Open Playtest Focused on Marketability
6:30-9 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Playtest your game and participate in discussions focused on enhancing marketability and feedback.
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Public Lecture on Boredom: Insights from Blaise Pascal
7-8:30 p.m. — Champaign Public Library — Free entry — Explore thoughts on boredom inspired by Blaise Pascal in an engaging lecture with a Q&A session.
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