Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 5th of May.
Good morning, Champaign.
🏘️ Community
Champaign residents saw Christian Sheehan’s family honor his memory after his death in a house fire by installing over 1,000 smoke alarms—on Saturday, the Champaign Fire Department installed 175 more using a $50,000 grant as part of the annual Christian Sheehan Smoke Alarm Blitz.
Central Illinois Youth for Christ has started a new bus service to safely carry students to Friday night Midnight Basketball games and a planned summer college tour, supported by a $61,000 grant from Champaign County.
The bus seats 15 students and was custom-wrapped—ensuring that young people ride safely and in style.
🎭 Culture
Six Illinois women were honored for public service and professional achievement when they received the 2025 Order of Lincoln on May 3 at the Krannert Center on the University of Illinois campus in Champaign—joining more than 350 past honorees who have worked to improve life in Illinois. Champaign native Bonnie Blair and awardees such as poet Sandra Cisneros and architect Jeanne Gang were recognized for their lasting contributions.
🏛️ Government
The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission invites community feedback on plans to modify Lincoln Avenue—from Green Street to Florida Avenue—until May 30, aiming to reduce lanes, add raised bike lanes, and convert crosswalks for better safety.
If feedback is positive, the commission will present its recommendations to the Urbana City Council this summer; otherwise, detailed design with city funding may be delayed until between 2027 and 2029.
DeShawn Williams was sworn in as Urbana’s first black mayor on Saturday+ he takes office today following the city council meeting after Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin chose not to run for re-election and after he beat candidate Annie Adams in the February election.
Champaign’s Park Bar and Grill closed on May 3 after city officials said the bar repeatedly failed to report safety issues.
It will remain closed until city officials meet with the owners or until May 10 — the establishment said its security team works to keep patrons safe.
📰 Lifestyle
A list of more than 31 summer day trips has been compiled for Champaign-Urbana families—featuring spots like Allerton Park and the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal that are less than a two-hour drive away.
The guide, presented by the Town of Normal Children's Discovery Museum, helps families choose fun outings without the need for an overnight stay.
🎉 Champaign Events
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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.
May Social at Research Park
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. — Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Free entry — Network over drinks and snacks with local professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.
Beetlejuice Jr Musical
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Virginia Theatre — Cost TBA — Experience the whimsical chaos of Beetlejuice in this youth theatre production.
Bentley's Trivia Night
6-8 p.m. — Bentley's Pub — Drink purchase required — Test your knowledge with trivia in the beer garden and compete for prizes!
Hamilton Walker's Wine Dinner
May 28-29 — Hamilton Walker's — Special ticket pricing — Enjoy a curated 5-course meal with wines from Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
🏠 Champaign Real Estate
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📣 Champaign Announcements
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