Good morning, Champaign.

Campus Recreation hosted its first on-campus Trunk or Treat at the State Farm Center on Sunday — over 30 decorated cars gave candy and resource information to kids and families, offering a safe way to celebrate Halloween early.

Feeding Our Kids in Champaign received $20,000 in state funding while Standing Stone Community Center in Charleston got over $10,000 to support food assistance and job training programs, part of nearly $180,000 awarded statewide by Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

CU Pride Fest highlighted community inclusion with a series of events from Oct.

11 to Oct. 17; the schedule featured a 5k Run/Walk at Crystal Lake Park, a Living History session at the Urbana Free Library, and a parade with drag performances in downtown Urbana & Champaign.

The Actors’ Studio Production of Winnie the Pooh will play at Parkland’s Second Stage this weekend, offering engaging physical comedy, puppetry, and creative sets that bring the story to life for families.

The show runs Oct. 23-24 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 3 p.m.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education recognized three local schools as 2026 Blue Ribbon Schools, including Cumberland Elementary, Hadley Middle in Homer, and Mahomet Seymour High.

The awards honor academic excellence and aim to close educational gaps (the program began after the national version ended).

Mahomet-Seymour High School in Mahomet was recognized today as an Illinois Governor's Blue Ribbon School for its strong academic performance (one of only 24 statewide to earn the honor).

Local vendors in Champaign-Urbana now offer Thanksgiving turkey preorders with options from Cheese + Crackers, Common Ground Food Co-op, Dutch Valley Meats, and Hickory River Smokehouse.

Locals can call or email for details as bird sizes, prices, and availability may change before the holiday.