Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 14th of May.
Good morning, Champaign.
🏘️ Community
Experience Champaign-Urbana launched CU on the Trail— a free pass listing 55 trails for hiking and biking that stretch nearly 100 miles.
Terri Reifsteck said the pass shows trail distance and access details and rewards hikers who cover 20 trails with a local t-shirt.
🎓 Education
The Studio at Champaign Public Library is a $3.2 million makerspace that offers creative tools like Mac studios, a laser cutter, and 3D printers for adults and youth.
It is located in the library's basement at 200 W. Green St.—Visitors have after-school and weekend hours and can reserve select equipment.
🏛️ Government
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski introduced a bipartisan bill—Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act—to boost biofuel research and update USDA assistance programs.
She is co-sponsoring the measure with Congressman Zach Nunn to create a new grant program and allocate $100 million in funding through FY 2030.
📰 Lifestyle
Strawberry season is here and several farms within an hour's drive of Champaign-Urbana now offer pick-your-own options for families.
Visitors should call ahead to confirm hours and payment options—some farms accept credit cards, while others only take cash—before making the trip.
🏈 Sports
John Coady and his grandson Duncan completed their Illini bucket list on Tuesday at Atkins Golf Club—attending the Men’s Golf NCAA regionals to check off the final event among 21 varsity sports.
They enjoyed meeting local athletes and coaches while making lasting memories on their ongoing quest.
🎉 Champaign Events
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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.
🏠 Champaign Real Estate
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💼 Champaign Job Board
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📣 Champaign Announcements
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