Good morning, Normal.

Illinois State University’s Family Weekend gives Redbird families a chance to join campus events and explore Bloomington-Normal’s local gems.

Visitors can dine at Epiphany Farms Restaurant, housed in a restored 1902 firehouse, & enjoy a Route 66 drive, along with shops and museums nearby.

Home Sweet Home Ministries is collecting food donations for its Big Give event to make 2,000 meal boxes for families in need this Thanksgiving—donations are accepted at Midwest Food Bank through October and families can pick up meals on November 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced $28.3 million in state grants to literacy and library programs in central Illinois + the funds will support library operations, equipment and basic reading and writing skill improvements in local communities.

ISU's new College of Engineering started its classes last month at Williams Hall with support from leaders like president Aondover Tarhule and student success director Branden Delk—students are learning in hands-on labs and are studying electrical, mechanical, and general engineering. They will move into a new building at 1709 GE Road next fall—though some worry about its distance from campus.

At Monday's council meeting, Normal's town council voted to let pet owners keep up to three animals per species—this change is designed to match similar rules in peer communities while keeping current animal controls.

Ted Dabrowski, a conservative researcher from Wirepoints.org, announced Friday his run for governor in the 2026 GOP primary and named emergency room doctor Carrie Mendoza as his running mate—he has led fundraising with $1.2 million and loaned $250,000 to his campaign.

McLean County has delayed releasing about $18.7 million in tax revenue because its 2024 audit is three months overdue—officials say a special session may be needed to approve the audit as extra billing fees have been incurred.

The Comptroller’s Office may also impose fines for the delay once the necessary documents are submitted.

Former Gov. Jim Edgar died at 79 — a true statesman whose bipartisan work brought together leaders from both parties, with tributes from Gov. Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Stratton and others.

His legacy continues with the Edgar Fellows program that trains future public servants across Illinois.

McLean County Nursing Home Administrator Tim Wiley said on Facebook Saturday that a staffer who posted in favor of Charlie Kirk's killing was disciplined swiftly and severely—though he did not say what action was taken.