Good morning, Champaign.

Rantoul Police confirmed a deceased male was found at Heritage Lake at 6:00 a.m. Thursday and launched an investigation with help from the Rantoul Fire Department, Cornbelt Fire Protection District Dive Team, and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office — anyone with additional information is urged to contact police.

A Westville man was sentenced to 45 years in prison for fatally stabbing John Carmean in 2023—Carmean identified his attacker before dying on January 4 at Carle Foundation Hospital.

The Champaign Police Department in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and over 200 local agencies is boosting seat belt enforcement from today to May 27 to improve safety during Memorial Day travel—drivers and passengers must buckle up or receive citations.

Congresswoman Budzinski said Wednesday evening that a new bill approved by the House Agriculture Committee will cut SNAP benefits by increasing work requirements and shifting costs to states+ She warned the changes could remove food assistance for households with children, older adults, or people with disabilities, and the bill now moves to a full House vote.

The Illini will open their season on August 29 at Memorial Stadium in primetime against Western Illinois — kickoff time and TV details will be announced later.

This move makes Illinois the fifth Big Ten team to begin its season in 2025 as four other conference teams play on August 28.

Illinois men's basketball will add more games with Tennessee as they plan to play in Nashville in December and will meet again at the United Center in a future season.

The Illini lost their last two meetings, including a buzzer beater finish in Champaign on Dec. 14—and now hold an all-time record of 1 to 4 against the Volunteers.

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.

Dance Arts Conservatory Presents Peter Pan

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Family-friendly performance — A comedic ballet that brings the classic story of Peter Pan to life through various dance styles.