Skipping over Illinois, Toyota-Mazda plant heading to Alabama
Skipping over Illinois, Toyota-Mazda plant heading to Alabama
The $1.6 billion assembly plant will create an estimated 4,000 jobs for Alabama residents by 2021.
IRS: Illinois saw net loss of 101,000 people to neighboring states since 2010
IRS: Illinois saw net loss of 101,000 people to neighboring states since 2010
Illinois’ failure to keep and attract residents is driving the Land of Lincoln’s population decline.
Moving company: Illinois tops list for outbound moves in 2017
Moving company: Illinois tops list for outbound moves in 2017
A series of recent reports have illustrated the severity of the Land of Lincoln’s outmigration trend.
Like a good neighbor: Illinois sees record loss of people to nearby states
Like a good neighbor: Illinois sees record loss of people to nearby states
Solving Illinois’ people problem requires addressing the high cost of government, which makes the state far less attractive for people looking to plant roots.
Land of leaving: Moving companies rank Illinois No. 1 for outbound vans
Land of leaving: Moving companies rank Illinois No. 1 for outbound vans
Studies from two moving companies list Illinois as the top “outbound state” for 2017.
Forgotten Illinois 2017: Stories from across the state
Forgotten Illinois 2017: Stories from across the state
We're traveling the state to talk to Illinoisans prone to being overlooked.
Zane Peterson
Zane Peterson
“I think there is quite a bit of opportunity still in downstate Illinois. Building relationships has been the No. 1 thing about being here. “When I was in school I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual [in] downtown [Chicago] and that was kind of appealing, but at that point in time I was already forming a business...
Corey Walker
Corey Walker
“My grandfather moved up here for employment. Wagner Castings, back in the ‘60s, was hiring African-Americans in record numbers. “My dad started his business in 1981. I took over 18 years ago now. “He was a very successful African-American business owner. All my life. “That was a time when money was plentiful. Everybody was working....
Illinois losing 1 resident every 4.6 minutes to other states
Illinois losing 1 resident every 4.6 minutes to other states
Heavy losses of Illinoisans to other states have caused the Land of Lincoln to shrink for four consecutive years.
Illinois lost 1,100 jobs in November, continues to lag national economy
Illinois lost 1,100 jobs in November, continues to lag national economy
The Land of Lincoln is experiencing weak employment growth and a workforce dropout problem.
Ill-timed computer glitch causes drop in Illinois food stamp rolls
Ill-timed computer glitch causes drop in Illinois food stamp rolls
Some SNAP-dependent households saw their benefits disappear this holiday season.
Small business victory: Rauner signs law slashing LLC startup fees
Small business victory: Rauner signs law slashing LLC startup fees
Reducing barriers to entry for small businesses is a crucial step toward spurring economic growth in Illinois.
Stocking full of coal: Illinois shrinkage poses major problems
Stocking full of coal: Illinois shrinkage poses major problems
The continuing erosion of Illinois’ tax base is the state’s most pressing budget problem.
What’s dragging down Illinois’ economy?
What’s dragging down Illinois’ economy?
Illinois would have seen above-average growth if the state’s workforce had simply grown on par with the rest of the U.S. economy. Instead, poor policy choices have made the state an economic laggard. Illinois’ slow expansion is likely a product of investment-killing tax hikes.