Daily
Decatur
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Decatur. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jerry Culp and Robin Caceres previewed the second annual Wine in the Wild event at Historic Woodbine Farm where the fundraiser honors 45 years of conservation — a podcast by Byers and Co aired May 19. Now Decatur
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Illinois gasoline prices increased by 8.9 cents per gallon, reaching a statewide average of $5.03 today from GasBuddy's survey of 4,378 stations. Prices are up 75.2 cents from a month ago & $1.69 compared to last year, which may impact fuel costs for local drivers. Decatur Tribune
- ➤ BP’s Whiting refinery (in Indiana) resumed talks Monday with United Steelworkers Local 7-1 amid a power outage and labor dispute driving high gas prices as Illinois drivers paid an average of $5.05 per gallon. Decatur Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UI Extension is offering Homegrown Harvest garden classes at Southside Hill Community Garden (9-10 a.m.) on June 12, June 26, and July 24. Decatur residents can learn about weeding, pest control, and planting fall crops and should bring sunscreen, water, and register online one day before the event. WAND
- ➤ State Representative Regan Deering launched the Reading Plants a Seed summer reading program for local K-5 students, inviting them to read eight books and submit forms by July 15. Participants will earn a certificate at a ceremony and receive an official House certificate. Now Decatur
- ➤ The D.A.R.E. pilot program has returned at Johns Hill Magnet School with Decatur Police Department help — now teaching fifth graders about decision-making, risks, and issues like teen suicide, vaping, and social media safety, with plans to expand in the fall. WAND
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A bill will let local school districts offer extended motel stays for homeless students and their guardians after passing the Senate Tuesday with a 47 — 11 vote; it now heads to Gov. Pritzker’s desk for his review. WAND
- ➤ The Illinois Department of Transportation has expanded roadside litter cleanup efforts this spring + summer with overnight and weekend operations underway along key highways. Officials ask drivers in Decatur to slow down near work crews and dispose of trash properly to keep roads safe. Now Decatur
- ➤ City crews will flush fire hydrants in Decatur from May 25 to June 22 to remove sediment and improve water quality. Residents may notice temporary water discoloration and lower pressure and should reduce use until the process is complete (online map available). Decatur Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A newly renovated SIU Medicine Physicians Plaza West facility opened Tuesday in Decatur after community leaders & healthcare officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The multi-specialty building now offers services like dermatology, pediatrics, and more to improve local access to care. WAND
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hardy's Race for the Lake Boat Races run on June 6 and 7 at Nelson Park and Lake Decatur as part of the APBA Nationals – road closures on Lakeshore Drive begin at 5 a.m. Friday, June 5 with boat ramp access limited until Monday, June 8 at 5 a.m. Decatur Tribune
- ➤ Decatur Running Club will host the Rock Springs Ramble on June 6 with a kids race at 7:30 a.m. and a timed 5K at 8 a.m. at the east parking lot of Rock Springs Conservation Area + a water station and post-race party will support youth running programs. Now Decatur
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Weekly Book Sale
10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Decatur Public Library — Free entry — Browse a variety of books, DVDs, and puzzles while supporting local literacy efforts.
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Boots On The Ground Country/Urban Line Dancing Party
7-11:45 p.m. — Decatur Conference Center & Hotel — Free entry — Kick up your heels and enjoy a night of line dancing to urban and country beats.
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Community Game Afternoon
1-4 p.m. — Decatur Public Library — Free entry — Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of board games and card games.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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