Good morning, Normal.

The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation awarded a $3000 grant to the Salvation Army of McLean County to buy nutrient-rich foods and pantry staples like oatmeal, cooking oil — and protein drinks for families in need.

The funds will support the food pantry on W. Washington St that helps about 400 households each month.

Beef prices in Bloomington-Normal jumped 11.3% from July 2024 to July 2025 and are expected to rise another 6.8% this year — local restaurants have updated menus and introduced budget options to handle the high costs.

Restaurants like The Brass Pig Smoke & Alehouse and Alexander's Steakhouse work to keep meals affordable despite the price hikes in key cuts.

A woman from Oklahoma was sentenced to eight years in prison for carrying over 30 pounds of cannabis found during an Interstate 55 stop—she pleaded guilty to one count while other charges were dropped.

Eight local women will share personal stories on stage at Heartland Community College in Normal on Saturday, Sept.

13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.—doors open one hour early and proceeds will support the Family Community Resource Center.

The McLean County Museum of History will open an exhibit called Mourning in McLean (from Sept.

15 through Nov. 21) that shows how local funerals changed from simple family affairs to formal, professional services. The display will feature old tools (like embalming items) and photos that explain how practices grew more specialized over time.

The top five plays of last week featured Illini Bluffs soccer, Metamora volleyball, Dee-Mack football, Normal West football — and Normal Community soccer as shown in a WMBD video posted on August 31 at 9:57 p.m. CDT.

Hello Bob Live Concert

11 PM — Uptown Circle — Free entry — Enjoy 80’s alternative hits performed by local band Hello Bob.

Day of the Dozer

10 AM – 4 PM — McLean County Fairgrounds — Adults are FREE — Kids get to drive heavy construction equipment with professional guidance in a safe environment.

Family Paint Party

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Tips appreciated — Create memories and masterpieces at this family-friendly paint night led by a professional artist.