Good morning, Champaign.

Champaign’s The Park Bar and Grill reopened on May 8 after a May 3 closure ordered by city officials for repeated disorderly conduct, and the bar said new safety rules require that all fights be reported to police — patrons involved will be permanently banned and online threats will lead to denied entry — to keep the venue safe.

Bryan Goode said he felt unsafe in his home after a red car crashed into his front yard near John and Prospect last weekend, and authorities arrested 29-year-old Jiamante Wells just before 8 a.m.—he now faces charges including DUI, unlawful possession of a defaced gun and other traffic-related offenses.

Over the weekend, about 40 firefighters from Champaign, Urbana, Danville, and other areas gathered in Danville near Harmon Street and Logan Avenue to train on the VES Beyond the Door exercise—designed to challenge them with scenarios for rescuing trapped victims.

Ryan Allison from the Danville Fire Department explained the training used building knowledge and statistics to help determine likely victim locations.

Governor JB Pritzker signed Karina’s Law to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence and it took effect Sunday, May 11 — the law requires police to remove guns from abusers within 96 hours after an emergency order is granted.

Champaign Central High School won first place in a national archery tournament in Louisville over the weekend, with 24 students competing against 265 teams.

Three archers finished in the top five and each student received a $750 scholarship—Coach Jason Brown said the win reflects the program's growth and hope for more statewide opportunities.

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.