Illinois among 20 states dragging down U.S. economic recovery

By Orphe Divounguy

12/03/2021

The pandemic caused the largest and shortest economic contraction in U.S. history. But as other states recovered, Illinois’ economy remained $17 billion below the pre-pandemic trend through the first half of 2021.

TAGS: COVID-19, economy, Illinois

Illinois drivers pay $1,119 extra a year thanks to bad roads, bridges

By Patrick Andriesen

11/24/2021

Illinois ranked 14th worst in the nation for road infrastructure with 20% of state roadways non-acceptable and 12% of bridges in poor condition by federal standards. It was near last in spending on repairs.

TAGS: government spending, Illinois, roads

Illinois gains small businesses, but restaurants still slow to rebound

By Ann Miller

11/24/2021

This Small Business Saturday, Illinois has more entrepreneurs than before the COVID-19 pandemic. But the recovery has been uneven as some types of small businesses struggle and many jobs are missing as Illinois lags the national rebound.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, small business

Women driving Illinois’ labor market recovery

By Orphe Divounguy

11/22/2021

Illinois’ labor market has heated up, gaining 40,900 jobs in October. It was the largest increase in 2021 as women, especially minority women, returned to work

TAGS: COVID-19, economy, Illinois, labor force participation rate

Food stamps put Thanksgiving on more Illinois tables

By Dylan Sharkey

11/22/2021

Illinoisans are more likely to give thanks that their Thanksgiving meal was purchased with food stamps than in any surrounding state. As the national participation declines, SNAP in Illinois has grown.

TAGS: food stamps, Illinois, Thanksgiving

Two Black women small business owners thrive despite pandemic in Illinois

By Ann Miller

11/19/2021

Two groups most hurt by pandemic closures, women and Black Illinoisans, have been the quickest to turn to owning small businesses as a way to recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, small business

Pritzker’s choice: Get COVID-19 shot, or lose your job

By Patrick Andriesen

11/08/2021

Gov. J.B. Pritzker just signed an amendment to the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act, limiting the law used to challenge his COVID-19 vaccination and other mandates.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, vaccine mandate

All-time record 201,000 Illinoisans quit their jobs in August

By Bryce Hill

11/01/2021

Illinois’ sluggish labor market is driven by a record number of workers quitting their jobs at the same time there are fewer job opportunities than in nearly any other state. Even though an all-time record number of workers quit, Illinois was only No. 7 in the “Great Resignation.”

TAGS: Illinois, jobs, labor force participation rate, unemployment

Chicago leaves 3,300 students stranded without a school bus ride

By Dylan Sharkey

10/13/2021

Chicago Public Schools’ shortage of school bus drivers has gotten worse. Sending kids to school with a rideshare driver makes some parents nervous.

TAGS: bus drivers, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, shortage

Illinois’ racial employment gap is double U.S. average

By Orphe Divounguy

10/05/2021

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced his reelection bid on July 19 with the key pillar of his campaign being his record on “protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of Illinois.” Look at the “livelihoods” in Illinois, and that quickly looks like a poor campaign decision.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, unemployment