Good morning, Champaign.

The Urbana Fire Department responded quickly to a fire alarm at Preston Williams Elementary School on Thursday evening when a malfunctioning light fixture caused smoke and a working fire that 25 firefighters from Urbana + Champaign Fire Departments controlled within 10 minutes with no injuries reported.

On May 5 at 9:50 a.m., a READY School staff member in Champaign was stunned by a student during a fight when 18-year-old Scarlett Vann activated her stun gun—police later arrested Vann and confirmed the staff member was uninjured.

Champaign officials are inviting residents to complete an online survey to support a planned high-speed rail stop along a Chicago to St. Louis route — the survey asks for personal experience and zip codes to help shape the decision on placing a stop near Interstate 57.

City Council will hold its Regular Study Session on May 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the City Building (102 N.

Neil Street) in Champaign. The meeting is open to the public and residents are welcome to attend.

State Sen. Christopher Belt said an Illinois bill will require gyms to clearly state if lifetime memberships lower benefits or raise costs over time—this measure passed the Senate by a 51 to 4 vote and now moves to the House for debate.

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.