Good morning, Champaign.

The Space in downtown Champaign serves creative food and hosts live shows in a lively setting.

Owners Doug Hodge and Ian Nutting run the restaurant on East Main Street—offering dishes that fit many diets while showcasing local art and music.

Advocates from the Citizens Utility Board, Illinois PIRG and Environmental Defense Fund said expert testimony showed Ameren Illinois’ $134 million gas rate hike request includes overcharges exceeding $85 million—leading them to expect the commission to lower the final rates in November.

Illinois legislators plan to pass a bill that will keep workplace safety rules as strong as those in effect on April 28 if federal protections weaken — the law will restore any repealed standards not covered by state rules.

Sen. Robert Peters said the plan passed the Senate Labor Committee with a 10-3 vote and aims to secure job conditions for Illinois workers.

In Champaign, head coach Brad Underwood agreed on Tuesday to a six-year contract extension with a starting salary of $4.4 million—pending formal approval by the Board of Trustees on May 22—ensuring he remains with the Illini through the 2030-31 season.

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.

Moo-vie Nights at Prairie Farm

8-11 p.m. — Prairie Farm — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a summer movie night featuring films centered on beloved farm animals.