Good morning, Champaign.

Champaign Fire Department responded to a fire at a vacant single-family home in the 4800 block of W.

Windsor Rd. on Thursday at 6:50 a.m. and firefighters contained the flames — protecting nearby residences as investigators worked to determine the cause.

Champaign Police is partnering with IDOT, Illinois State Police and more than 200 local agencies to boost visible enforcement today through September 2 in an effort to curb impaired driving and other traffic violations—officers will also check for distractions and seatbelt use during Labor Day travel.

The Urbana Police Department will launch its live-response model for the Crisis Co-Response Team, known as CCRT— which includes a police officer with mental health training and a clinician from Rosecrance— to respond in real time starting Monday, August 18 by offering on-site support and connecting individuals to needed services.

Governor JB Pritzker signed a series of bills with state lawmakers and labor leaders at the Illinois AFL&CIO headquarters to protect workers' rights and support fair pay in response to federal rollbacks.

The legislation, which includes SB1976, HB1189, and HB2488, ensures that workers on federal projects receive the local prevailing wage & requires large employers to report wage data accurately.

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Thursday that Memorial Stadium will launch new concessions enhancements featuring partnerships with Yuengling and Papa John's, expanded beer sales, discounted deals, specialty Yeti cups, and additional grab and go markets for fans this fall. The upgrades will be ready for the fall schedule—improvements include faster service in the east balcony and updated student section options to ease game day wait times.

Patio Paradise: Tiki Event 2025

1-6 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Event-only Tiki drinks await — Celebrate summer with a tropical drinks lineup at Pour Bros.' favorite patio party.

National Black Business Month Social

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Neil St. Blues — Wing Wednesday Specials available — Celebrate Black-Owned Businesses with community, food, and live entertainment.

2025 Half Century of Progress Show

7 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Rantoul Half Century of Progress Farm Show — Adults $20 per day, $40 for a 4-day Pass — Experience working vintage farm demonstrations and local agricultural history at this premier event.

Full Band Performance at Pour Bros Taproom

9 PM — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Enjoy drinks while rocking out to live music performances in a vibrant atmosphere.

An Evening with Andrew Duncanson and Friends

8-10 p.m. — Fire Doll Studio — Cost not specified — Experience an intimate night of music with Andrew Duncanson and a talented lineup of friends in a cozy setting.

Teen Summer Program Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Orpheum Champaign — Free entry — Experience the creative talents of local teens at this exciting showcase of music, dance, and arts.

PMP Certification 4-Day Classroom Training

9 AM – 5 PM — HQ — Training fee applies — Gain essential project management skills with hands-on learning and expert guidance.

Bollywood Party - Welcome Week!

9 PM – 2 AM — The Axe Bar — $10 Pre-Sale, $15 General Admission, $20 at the door — Experience the biggest Bollywood party with nonstop hits and high-energy dancing!

Western Illinois Leathernecks at Illinois Fighting Illini Football

6:30-8 p.m. — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Ticket prices vary — Watch a riveting college football matchup featuring the Leathernecks and Fighting Illini.

BEAUTI BASH 2025

7-9 p.m. — Orpheum Champaign — Food and drinks included — Celebrate glamour and beauty at this fabulous event featuring talented local stylists.