Illinois moms take brunt of COVID-19 unemployment

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

07/30/2020

COVID-19 and associated government lockdowns disproportionately harmed women with children at home.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, JB Pritzker, jobs, unemployment

Illinois workers remain idle despite national rebound

By Bryce Hill

07/28/2020

The state and most of its urban areas are failing to get residents back to work at rates matching the national average.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, executive order, jobs, unemployment

Illinois at risk of losing leisure and hospitality job gains as Chicago reimposes COVID-19 restrictions

By Bryce Hill

07/23/2020

Illinois’ leisure and hospitality sector has added 94,200 jobs since April, but remains down 223,200 jobs since February.

Illinois worst among Midwest, neighbor states for unemployed staying idle

By Bryce Hill

07/20/2020

Continued unemployment claims in Illinois remain virtually unchanged since mid-April. Other states are getting back to work.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, jobs

Illinois still logs nearly 38,000 unemployment claims as Pritzker replaces employment chief

By Ben Szalinski

07/16/2020

The Illinois Department of Employment Security has been under fire throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as millions waited for unemployment relief.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker, jobs

Illinois has worst youth employment in Midwest, biggest drop amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill, Ben Szalinski

07/09/2020

With small businesses and seasonal attractions closed, most of Illinois’ youth find themselves spending a summer without a job. COVID-19 isn’t the only reason, however.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, recession, unemployment

Who in Illinois received PPP loans?

By Brad Weisenstein

07/08/2020

27,412 loans for at least $150K were made in Illinois through the Payroll Protection Program. See who got what.

TAGS: coronavirus, corruption, COVID-19, jobs, PPP: Paycheck Protection Program

As many as 21,700 restaurants could close permanently from COVID-19 economic fallout

By Bryce Hill

07/02/2020

The most optimistic forecast shows 20% of Illinois’ food service business closures will be permanent. But up to 85% of restaurants expect to close permanently.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, small business

Illinois tops neighboring states with $10 minimum wage on July 1

By Ben Szalinski

06/29/2020

Illinois’ second minimum wage increase this year is part of a plan to hit $15 an hour in 2025. Small businesses face tough decisions on cutting staff or raising prices.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, minimum wage, recession

Illinois ranks second-last when it comes to reopening bars and restaurants

By Joe Barnas

06/25/2020

A study from WalletHub ranks Illinois 50th-most severe on COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants. 233,500 jobs were lost in that sector since February.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, reopen, stay at home order