Coffee in hand, Champaign? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: nuEra Champaign Now Serving Medical Patients! and 10 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Road closures, traffic changes planned for University of Illinois homecoming parade (wandtv.com) — Expect major traffic changes in Champaign on Oct. 2 as Kirby Avenue between First and Fourth streets closes late Friday morning for the University of Illinois homecoming parade and remains shut through that night's football game. The parade will feature astronaut and Illinois alum Mike Hopkins as grand marshal, followed by a post-parade party in Lot 31, and riders are urged to check updated Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District routes.
2. New SNAP benefit amounts take effect. Here's how this impacts Central Illinois: (wcia.com) — New SNAP eligibility rules and benefit amounts taking effect Oct. 1 could significantly impact Champaign residents who rely on food assistance. Local health advocates warn that higher income thresholds and rising grocery costs may push more people to seek help from already strained food pantries and the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, increasing pressure on Champaign County's support network through 2027.
3. Annual Trunk-or-Treat at St. John Lutheran Church & School (chambanamoms.com) — Families in Champaign can mark their calendars for a free, community-wide Trunk-or-Treat at St. John Lutheran Church and School on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Kids can collect candy from decorated car trunks, show off costumes, and enjoy a safe, no-registration-needed Halloween outing right in town.
4. New Illini Hall Reaches Milestone at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (citizennewspapergroup.com) — A major construction milestone has been reached for the new Illini Hall at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where the steel frame is now complete. The 140,000-square-foot facility in Champaign will house math, statistics, and a new data science center, promising state-of-the-art classrooms and research spaces that will shape future learning and research opportunities for local students and faculty.
5. U of I seals time capsule at Huff Hall to be opened in 2126 (wcia.com) — A new time capsule has been sealed inside Huff Hall at the University of Illinois in Champaign, capturing today's campus and community for people to open in 2126. Packed with artifacts marking Huff Hall's 100th anniversary, including a Red Grange photo, the capsule reflects the building's legacy of teamwork, discipline, and excellence.
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Ok Champaign! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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