Good morning, Champaign.

The Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire in a three-story apartment building on the 1500 block of Kiler Dr. on April 25th and quickly extinguished a small blaze in a third-story bathroom at (4:05 p.m.) caused by improperly disposed smoking materials that left one unit displaced with no injuries.

An anonymous $1M donation keeps the Soybean Innovation Lab at U of I open after USAID funding ended — the gift covers core staff for another year while director Pete Goldsmith works with partners to restart soybean projects in southern Malawi.

University of Illinois’ Soybean Innovation Lab was set to close on April 15 but an anonymous donor gave $1.02 million to keep it open for another year—SIL director Pete Goldsmith said the funds will help the lab continue work with partners in Malawi and support efforts to reduce risk for soybean traders. The donation preserves the lab’s core staff and opens opportunities to seek new funding sources.

Cinderella Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to the iconic sounds of hard rock band Cinderella, known for their hits from the '80s.

Champaign Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl

4-11 p.m. — City of Champaign — Tickets available — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with exclusive access to top bars and festive vibes.

Star Wars Trivia at Pour Bros

2-4 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free to play — Test your knowledge of the galaxy far, far away with exciting trivia and great prizes.

Cinco De Mayo Celebration

11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. — Esquire Lounge — Order a Modelo pint and keep the souvenir glass while enjoying food and drink specials.

Touch-A-Truck Day

9 AM – 1 PM — Centennial Park — Free entry — Experience the thrill of climbing and honking real trucks and vehicles.

2025 Springtime Showdown #2

5 PM - 5 PM — Rantoul Family Sports Complex — $30 Adult Weekend Pass — Compete for a chance to enter the USSSA Great Lakes National Championships with exciting fastpitch action.

Illinois PTA SPOTLIGHT 2025

11 AM – 5 PM — Centennial High School — Registration required — Celebrate young artists' achievements with engaging workshops and an inspiring showcase of creativity.

The Space CU x Morning Jay’s Brunch Pop Up

10 AM – 3 PM — The Space — RSVP required — Experience a creatively delicious scratch-made brunch during UIUC Graduation weekend.

May Game Night: Theme TBA — CUDO Plays

6:30-9 p.m. — Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana — Free entry — Connect with fellow game lovers and enjoy an evening of fun games and camaraderie.

Wiz Khalifa Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Canopy Club — $85/ealistmap — Get ready for a night of live music with Wiz Khalifa at the Canopy Club in Urbana.