Good morning, Champaign.

On May 14, the Champaign County Community Coalition held its monthly meeting where law enforcement officials updated residents on recent crime activity and upcoming community events—community leader Regina Crider detailed the goals of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and outlined service gaps affecting care. The meeting also featured presentations from the ACTSO program, the CU Reparations Coalition, and Birth to Five Illinois, which shared testimonials and plans to boost education and advocacy in the community.

On May 9, the Neighborhood Services Department hosted the Champaign Neighborhood Network Conference where more than 100 community leaders attended workshops led by multiple City Departments.

Mayor Fienen opened the event and City Manager Joan Walls (declaring 'It’s On') affirmed the City’s commitment to neighborhood engagement.

Devonshire HOA held its annual meeting on May 15 where Neighborhood Services and Public Works staff answered questions on neighborhood engagement and street lighting.

Public Works Director Terry Lusby explained the streetlight request process and the group scheduled a block party for August 1 to build local connections.

The Champaign County Coroner confirmed a man was found dead in Heritage Lake in Rantoul and scheduled an autopsy—officials work to identify him as the investigation remains open.

State Representative Carol Ammons secured more than $2 million in grant funding to build HeartStrong Grocery in Northwest Urbana and the funds will cover construction and first-year operating costs including wages, utilities, and inventory—aiming to improve access to fresh food and create local jobs. The Illinois Groceries Initiative supports new stores in food deserts to help residents amid rising food prices.

Parkland College is launching a free two-week training program that gives community members a first-hand look at working as a 911 dispatcher.

The training starts June 2 with applications accepted until May 20 — the program helps participants learn daily job duties and get support with job applications.

On Thursday, the Champaign school board wrapped up its first week by appointing four new hires — two principals at Edison Middle School and Booker T.

Washington, and two deans at Franklin and Centennial — and by approving an RFP to hire a firm for a superintendent search. Some community members pressed to extend current superintendent Sheila Boozer while new hires set to begin in July and the next board meeting is scheduled for June 9 — signaling the board’s push to move forward.

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.

Nike Golf Camp at the University of Illinois for Boys

June 1-5, 2025 — Bromley Hall — $1,850 — Experience a week of top-notch golf instruction from PGA professionals tailored for boys aged 11-18.