Page 25 - Bloomington Normal News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Destihl Originally published on April 15, 2021 5:04 pm The unemployment rate for the McLean County area labor market may have been 5.1% last month, but it’s a lot lower in certain job sectors. Restaurants, for instance, have had difficulty finding enough people to staff operations. WGLT first reported on the shortage in February as pandemic restrictions began to ease. It has worsened substantially since then, according to owners and observers. “I’ve been around the restaurant scene in Bloomington-Normal for a long time and I have not seen the labor shortage we are looking at right n...

Nightshop The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has many optimistic a return to something resembling “normal” is approaching. That includes a Bloomington Normal live-music scene gutted by the pandemic. Most music organizers in the Twin Cities said they are shooting for summer and fall performances.  Edward David Anderson’s live performance on March 14, 2020 was the last live show at Nightshop before the pandemic changed everything. Owner Chris Golwitzer finally closed the food side of his downtown Bloomington restaurant and music venue at the end of the year. He said he couldn’t me...

Emily Bollinger During Tuesday’s debate between Normal Mayor Chris Koos and challenger Marc Tiritilli, the two candidates found themselves in a familiar place: The upcoming April 6 election marks the second time they've faced off. Back in 2017, Koos won his fourth term by just 11 votes over Tiritilli, who works at Illinois Wesleyan University. But this year, besides the usual issues facing municipalities -- such as leadership on financial matters and economic development issues -- the candidates also are in a microcosm of a U.S. political landscape scarred by a divisive presidential elect...

Illinois State University basketball player Mary Crompton has been testing her teammates for the coronavirus. Making your degree count even while you're

Facebook / Immigration Project The Immigration Project is taking a new holistic approach to services. Traditionally, the project has offered legal services, but now has expanded offerings with a new Welcoming Center on Landmark Drive in Normal. Hannah Mesouani manages the center with two caseworkers. “The journey to residency and citizenship is about so much more than just paperwork, though that paperwork is absolutely vital,” said Mesouani.“It’s also about forging connections within the community and navigating the labyrinth of social services and agencies to actually get to th...