Economy

An Illinois Wesleyan University physics professor says the Trump administration's effort to choke off the supply of international students at U.S. universities is unwise. The administration is taking a hard line on visa approvals for international students, particularly those from China.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen is urging the public to call Republican lawmakers to protest proposed cuts to food aid and health insurance programs for lower income people.

The Bloomington-Normal area's jobless rate fell to 2.8% in April, down over half a point from this time a year ago. That's tied for the lowest among any metro area in the state.

The Bloomington-Normal labor market, which includes all of McLean and DeWitt counties, lost 2,700 jobs in manufacturing from February 2024 to February 2025.

The McLean County Historical Society announced the recipients of the 2025 History Makers Awards Wednesday at the McLean County Museum of History.

Several Bloomington restaurants say they can get eggs during the shortage, but prices are beyond exorbitant. They're all struggling to keep up with demand while maintaining quality — and staying in business.

Economic development officials in Bloomington-Normal sometimes express frustration at their inability to gain consensus on the importance of addressing a housing shortage. Here's how the skeptics' argument goes.

The ag sector is showing signs of relief, following the pause on U.S. tariffs ordered by President Donald Trump against Canada and Mexico — though other indicators cause concern.

The housing shortage in Bloomington-Normal is one of several factors that, if unchecked, could lead to economic stagnation, according to the agency charged with spurring the economy in the Twin Cities. There are signs it's already sapping growth.

There’s a new financing tool available in McLean County that could help nibble away at the size of the housing shortage in Bloomington Normal. It's called the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program or C-PACE.