Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August
Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August
Illinois’ job market outpaced the national average during August. But 13 of Illinois’ 15 metropolitan areas continued to have higher unemployment rates than the national average.
By Ravi Mishra
Illinois had 1,183 mass layoffs in August, with more than 9-in-10 stemming from business closures
Illinois had 1,183 mass layoffs in August, with more than 9-in-10 stemming from business closures
Chicago led the state in mass layoffs, accounting for more than one-third of job cuts in August. The statewide data shows 93% of job losses stemmed from companies closing up shop.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.
Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.
The Fed just cut interest rates over worries about the national jobs outlook, but in Illinois unemployment has been a persistent problem. Tax and state economic policy should get much of the blame.
By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko
4 new occupational licensing laws remove barriers in Illinois
4 new occupational licensing laws remove barriers in Illinois
Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently OK’d four new laws that would expand the ability for professionals to practice in Illinois. While they are advancements, Illinois’ onerous occupational licensing system needs comprehensive reform.
By Joe Tabor
1,190 Illinois jobs shed in July, with Deere leading for 2nd month
1,190 Illinois jobs shed in July, with Deere leading for 2nd month
The Quad Cities will experience a combined 319 job cuts after John Deere announced layoffs at both its World Headquarters in Moline and Harvester Works factory in East Moline. Romeoville saw more than 1-in-4 of the mass layoffs statewide.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Unemployment rates remain high across Illinois metro areas
Unemployment rates remain high across Illinois metro areas
Despite Illinois’ job market outpacing the national average, all 15 metro areas continue to have higher unemployment rates than the national average.
By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko
Illinois unemployment rate in July hits 2nd highest in U.S.
Illinois unemployment rate in July hits 2nd highest in U.S.
July unemployment hit 5.2% in Illinois, ranking second worst in the nation. It equated to 341,630 workers looking for a job.
By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko
Chicago unemployment is highest in nation
Chicago unemployment is highest in nation
Nearly 100,000 Chicago-area residents are out of work, and at 6.2% the Chicago metro area has the highest unemployment rate of the nation’s 50 largest metro areas. Illinois as a whole isn’t doing much better, with a 6.1% unemployment rate.
By Bryce Hill
Democratic National Convention just in time to wave goodbye to Chicagoans
Democratic National Convention just in time to wave goodbye to Chicagoans
The Democratic National Convention is coming to Chicago to highlight the party’s platform. Delegates are likely to see moving vans that highlight what those policies have done to the Windy City and the rest of Illinois.
By Dylan Sharkey, Kurtis Karg
Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920
Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920
At the 1920 Census, Chicago’s population was 2.7 million, up over 516,000 in a decade. More than 100 years later, Chicago’s population is 2.66 million, a loss of 128,034 from nine straight years of decline.
By Bryce Hill
New law gives more Illinoisans IDs upon release from jail
New law gives more Illinoisans IDs upon release from jail
Illinoisans released from a variety of correctional facilities have one less barrier to being a productive member of society. A new law grants them a state identification card when they are released from jails and federal facilities, an important part of getting work and housing.
By Dylan Sharkey