In February, the USAID-funded Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was abruptly told to cease operations, threatening 12 years of progress in creating a global soybean value chain that supports regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. Faced with the impending shutdown, SIL director Pete Goldsmith scrambled to secure funding, temporarily keeping the lab operational until April 15, its scheduled closure date.
The Central Illinois real estate market continues to surge as the summer season approaches. With high demand and limited inventory across Champaign, Vermilion, Springfield, and Chatham, both buyers and sellers are facing a fast-paced housing environment.
Stressed? Join the Test Anxiety Program at the University of Illinois. These workshops are free for students, but space is limited, register in advance by completing a brief form for the date you want to register. Want to learn more about tech? Join the Tech Workshops at the Champaign Public Library. Learn about many aspects of technology in the Getting Started with Tech workshop series.
Nearly 11,000 runners from around the world gathered in Champaign-Urbana this past weekend to compete in the 16th annual Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, which ran from April 24–26 and featured fast times, returning champions, and new course records.
A crash on Interstate 74 westbound near the Ogden exit caused temporary lane closures Sunday afternoon, but all lanes have now been reopened, according to Illinois State Police.
A total of five former Illinois football players will have a shot at the NFL this summer, with one selected in the draft and four others signing undrafted free agent deals or receiving rookie minicamp invites.
Eastern Illinois Foodbank is inviting community members to volunteer at its Volunteer Center in Urbana every Tuesday. Located at 2405 North Shore Drive, the center offers one-hour shifts between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., allowing participants to help sort and prepare food for distribution.
“Participating in ACES Family Academies with my daughter was such a meaningful experience — both as an alum and as a parent,” said Rocky Lacey-Nelson (B.S. ’97), ACES Alumni Board President. “It was incredible to see her curiosity sparked by the same college that shaped my own path. This program creates lasting memories and opens young eyes to the power of learning and discovery. We had a fantastic time last year, and we’re excited to come back!”
Trained personnel will test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within residents’ homes. Homes lacking these devices will be provided new detectors, free of charge. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and fatalities by ensuring that vulnerable households have the necessary early warning systems in place.
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will hold its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 10, with support from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. As letter carriers collect non-perishable donations along their routes, those items will be brought to the Champaign Post Office at 600 N Neil Street, where volunteers are needed to help unload, sort, and reload food for distribution.