Good morning, Normal.

Abby and Adam Ghantous, owners of Yoga Lab and Lab Coffee, announced plans to expand into Normal through a partnership with Encounter Campus Ministry at 210 W.

Mulberry St. The $3.5 million remodel will break ground on Oct. 1 and the new Lab Coffee location is set to open next summer—continuing their four-year celebration with community events today.

After two pedestrian deaths, Illinois State University and the town of Normal installed temporary roadblocks near the crosswalk by the Hewitt-Manchester dorm to boost campus safety—an update driven by a survey showing most serious injuries happen at intersections.

Some students feel safer with the barriers while others say they block needed access.

The McLean County Board and Twin Cities met last night to discuss an audit to clear up confusion over how sales tax funds are used for jail debt service, mental health, and justice system improvements.

The group will finalize the agreement at tonight’s board meeting—ensuring funds move as planned.

Normal Town Council will consider raising the pet limit to three per species if the ordinance is approved on Monday — a change driven by resident requests.

Town staff will also set evaluation standards for rental units receiving CDBG funds by following HUD guidelines on fair market rents.

County officials in Colonial Meadows approved a planning grant to study sewer line additions and infrastructure upgrades for 84 homes near the airport.

The project — partly funded by a $30,000 state grant and $176,000 from the water reclamation district — aims to have design work completed by February 2026.

Friends of the Constitution Trail urged legislators to replace a $675,000 grant that the U.S. Department of Transportation withdrew at a Thursday McLean County Board meeting—group president Patrick Dullard said he will contact Congressman Darin LaHood and state lawmakers to secure funds for the final nine miles of the Route 66 bike trail.

The McLean County Board held a presentation on Thursday for the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which is nearly $145 million and 5% higher than last year's.

Public review ends Oct 13 and the budget will be adopted on Nov 13—ensuring community input is included before final approval.

McLean County Health Department said it received the Public Health Program of Excellence Award for its PrEP for HIV program at a conference in Normal on Thursday—spokesperson Marianna Manko explained that the award honors efforts to improve access to prevention.

Erin O’Malley accepted the award on behalf of the department with support from Illinois public health grants.