Good morning, Normal.

Unity Cupboard has increased its supply from Midwest Food Bank + added a U-Haul truck to support rising demand following Feb.

1 SNAP work requirements. The pantry now serves roughly 45 families each Thursday at the Unity Community Center on Orlando Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Illinois State University African American Studies presents the Black History Month Film Festival at Normal Theater this month, featuring films that explore resistance, advocacy, and activism.

Heartland Community College will host town halls to shape its 10-year strategic plan.

The sessions include meetings on Feb. 18 at Lincoln campus, Feb. 19 virtually, Feb. 23 in Pontiac, Feb. 25 at its main campus, and Feb. 26 at Bloomington Public Library with email feedback accepted until Feb. 27.

Educators from local schools rallied in Uptown Normal on Friday to ask for more state funding after saying past promises were broken; unions called on legislators and Gov. Pritzker to support a tax on high earners to boost education revenue.

Bloomington’s City Manager Jeff Jurgens signed a proclamation on Friday calling for a 10% water use cut in all sectors due to severe drought; residents and businesses must limit water-based uses and outdoor landscaping while a 24-hour system tracks compliance + handheld sprayers are allowed on select days.