Good morning, Champaign.

Maize Mexican Grill will open a second location at 1305 S.

Neil St. soon as owner Armando Sandoval announced Wednesday—this new restaurant will offer drive-through service and a menu similar to its former Green Street location, taking over the space once used by Epic Burger.

REO Speedwagon performed at Memorial Stadium on Saturday during the Illini-USC game where 60,700 fans cheered as the band shared the stage with the Marching Illini & recalled playing on the Quad and at the Red Lion, highlighting their deep Champaign roots.

Band member Kevin Cronin said the performance revived memories of early local support that helped kickstart their career.

Today, a federal shutdown has put more than $20 million in funds on hold, with Congresswoman Budzinski saying a $10 million grant for Florida Avenue in Urbana is delayed—while Head Start funding in Champaign stays available.

Illinois Rep. Carol Ammons celebrated a $1.6 million local grant that will complete the final half-mile of the Florida Avenue Shared-Use Path — a project designed to improve campus accessibility between Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois campus.

At Tuesday night's special meeting, Champaign Township approved its annual budget but faced heated debate over last-minute staffing changes for the Strides shelter, which has guaranteed funding only through February 2026 — local board and community members pushed for better transparency. The next meeting is scheduled for October 14.

The Champaign City Plan Commission voted unanimously to deny a historical landmark designation for University Place Christian Church as the building is being demolished after its sale for apartment redevelopment—congregants now hold mass at the University YMCA.

The Public Works Department closed the Main Street Viaduct on October 1 for construction—pedestrians crossing between First Street and Chestnut Street/Main Street should use the University Avenue sidewalk.

The project is scheduled to be completed in January.

Champaign, Urbana, and Champaign County have approved Halloween trick-or-treat hours—6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.—for Friday, October 31.

The guidelines note that if October 31 falls on a weekend, the hours will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tom Grassman Band Live at Pour Bros

8-11 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free entry — Enjoy a night of live music with the Tom Grassman Band during the Friday Night Live Music series.

Run to Remember 5K

8 a.m. — Crystal Lake Park — Registration fee required — Honor memories and cherish today during this community-focused run.

Comedy Open Mic Night

8-10 p.m. — The Space — Free entry — Showcase your comedic talent or enjoy laughs at this weekly open mic night in downtown Champaign.

Chili Cook-off at Dandy Hound

6-8 p.m. — Dandy Hound — Ticket purchase required — Savor delicious chili samples while voting for your favorite recipe at this community cook-off.

MasterChef All Stars Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience culinary magic with your favorite MasterChef stars and thrilling live competitions.

Halloween Fun Fest

5-7 p.m. — Market Place Shopping Center — Free entry — Enjoy a spooky evening with family-friendly activities and trick-or-treating.

The Golden Girls Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Tickets required — Laugh along as the Golden Girls return with an all-new show featuring Sophia's wild adventures.

Friday Night Music Sessions

8-11 p.m. — Pour Bros. Craft Taproom — Free entry — Enjoy live music from SASS while sipping craft beer in a lively atmosphere.

MANIA: The ABBA Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Virginia Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the iconic music of ABBA in this lively tribute concert.

Rainy Day Miracle Book Signing

3-5 p.m. — Champaign Public Library — Free entry — Meet authors Matt and Jill Cheatham and hear their inspiring story of healing and faith.