Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began
Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began
Despite adding 262,600 jobs in 2021, Illinois is still a long way off from a full recovery from the COVID-19 economic downturn.
Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021
Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021
Illinoisans fled at a record pace in 2021. The state lost 122,460 residents on net because of moves to other states.
Illinois loses more people faster to other states during COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois loses more people faster to other states during COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois, California and New York shrank the most and lost people fastest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas and Florida grew the most. Idaho, Utah and Montana grew the fastest.
Illinois sees among worst spending drops early in COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois sees among worst spending drops early in COVID-19 pandemic
While the start of the COVID-19 pandemic caused consumer spending to drop across the U.S., the decline was worse in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s harsher restrictions appear to be the culprit.
Illinois loses resident every 4 minutes, 18 seconds: like Springfield vanishing each year
Illinois loses resident every 4 minutes, 18 seconds: like Springfield vanishing each year
More Illinoisans fled for other states from July 2020-July 2021 than during any other year in recorded history, driving the state’s record population decline.
Moving vans leave Illinois at over 9-times rate of other Midwestern states
Moving vans leave Illinois at over 9-times rate of other Midwestern states
Illinois suffered the largest population decline in the Midwest and of neighboring states during 2021.
Illinois breaks record for population loss, outmigration in 2021
Illinois breaks record for population loss, outmigration in 2021
Despite a higher-than-expected 2020 population count, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates Illinoisans moving away was the sole reason for the state’s record loss of the equivalent of nearly everyone in Springfield.
Illinois gains 19,500 jobs in November, but still lags recovery
Illinois gains 19,500 jobs in November, but still lags recovery
November job gains in Illinois were below the COVID-19 recovery pace set earlier in the year. They continued to lag the national recovery.
Marijuana tax suspended to cut San Francisco crime surge
Marijuana tax suspended to cut San Francisco crime surge
High taxes on marijuana are believed to help illegal dealers and violence thrive, so San Francisco is holding off on new city pot taxes to help legal dispensaries compete. Illinois and Chicago, where taxes top 40%, may want to pay attention.
Illinois marijuana sales double, likely to hit $1.5 billion for 2021
Illinois marijuana sales double, likely to hit $1.5 billion for 2021
Legal marijuana has seen nine consecutive months tally at least $100 million in Illinois sales. The state is on pace to double the previous year and exceed $1.5 billion in sales. Still, Illinois’ illegal market churns out higher sales and violence.
Illinois among 20 states dragging down U.S. economic recovery
Illinois among 20 states dragging down U.S. economic recovery
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.
Illinois drivers pay $1,119 extra a year thanks to bad roads, bridges
Illinois drivers pay $1,119 extra a year thanks to bad roads, bridges
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.
Ulysses Salamanca: Flash Taco
Ulysses Salamanca: Flash Taco
“We have a slogan that we live by: ‘Life without Mexican food is no life at all.’"
Illinois gains small businesses, but restaurants still slow to rebound
Illinois gains small businesses, but restaurants still slow to rebound
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.