91 of 102 Illinois counties lose population in 2022
91 of 102 Illinois counties lose population in 2022
Illinois’ record population decline affected nearly all counties in 2022
Cook County population decline, outmigration 2nd-worst in U.S.
Cook County population decline, outmigration 2nd-worst in U.S.
94,344 residents moved out of Cook County, the sole reason for 2022 population decline.
Illinois’ out-of-state cannabis sales drop to 2-year low
Illinois’ out-of-state cannabis sales drop to 2-year low
Out-of-state cannabis sales fell to $31 million in February, the lowest since February 2021. Missouri starting recreational pot sales at a lower cost is a major factor.
Illinois job growth among worst in U.S. during Pritzker’s first term
Illinois job growth among worst in U.S. during Pritzker’s first term
All 11 major industries in Illinois were among the worst in the nation for job growth from January 2019 to January 2023, with each of them ranking in the bottom half in the nation.
Nearly 40K Illinois jobs still missing 3 years after pandemic
Nearly 40K Illinois jobs still missing 3 years after pandemic
Illinois is still missing 39,500 jobs that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic hit three years ago. Also, 2022 jobs growth was weaker than first thought.
Illinois Jeep plant shutters indefinitely, shedding 1,200 jobs
Illinois Jeep plant shutters indefinitely, shedding 1,200 jobs
For the first time in 57 years, Belvidere doesn’t have workers finishing their shifts at the local auto plant. Jeep manufacturer Stellantis idled the plant indefinitely. It is one of the five biggest auto assembly plants in the world. In a city of 25,000, it’s a vital part of the local economy. The state has...
Illinois cannabis sales dip from monthly record
Illinois cannabis sales dip from monthly record
December 2022 broke the record for monthly cannabis sales in Illinois, but January 2023 couldn’t keep up.
Big batteries to store renewable energy create fire hazard
Big batteries to store renewable energy create fire hazard
As Illinois pushes for more renewable energy, it comes with a fire hazard risk at battery storage centers. A battery storage facility explosion in Arizona hurt eight firefighters. There have been three other fires.
Illinois Super Bowl bets expected to nearly double from 2021
Illinois Super Bowl bets expected to nearly double from 2021
Super Bowl betting will likely be a $1 million-plus revenue stream for a third consecutive year in Illinois. If the wagering projection is correct, the revenue could top $2 million on Sunday.
Cathy Stuehmeier
Cathy Stuehmeier
“I’m preparing to retire now. I own newspapers. I’ve spent about 57 years in media. I started with the Centralia Sentinel, which was a daily local newspaper. I spent seven or eight years with the Sentinel and learned a lot from the past ownership.” “I was one of the first females to walk into the...
Survey: Illinois 2nd in U.S. for residents leaving
Survey: Illinois 2nd in U.S. for residents leaving
Illinois is the second-most popular state to leave based on a survey of movers by United Van Lines. Illinois has also experienced nine straight years of population loss.
Illinois sports betting tops $1B, ranks 3rd in nation
Illinois sports betting tops $1B, ranks 3rd in nation
October 2022 set a record high for sports betting in Illinois: over $1 billion in wagers, which was the third-highest state tally in the U.S.
Illinois among worst-prepared in nation to weather next recession
Illinois among worst-prepared in nation to weather next recession
Illinois lawmakers and Gov. J.B. Pritzker reached a deal to pay off $1.8 billion borrowed from the federal government for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a positive step, but the state remains ill-prepared for the next economic shock.
Fed: Illinois unemployment rate 2nd-highest in nation
Fed: Illinois unemployment rate 2nd-highest in nation
Analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia indicates Illinois lost jobs during Q2 rather than gaining, as previously reported. It may still be losing jobs. Illinois ranked No. 2 for highest unemployment in November.