Illinoisans of every age, income bracket moving out of state
Illinoisans of every age, income bracket moving out of state
The bulk of those leaving Illinois are aged 26-54 and their dependents.
Pandemic cocktails to-go gets extension in Illinois
Pandemic cocktails to-go gets extension in Illinois
Illinois was one of 14 states that made it legal for restaurant and bar owners to deliver cocktails or sell them to-go as a survival tactic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. J.B. Pritzker just signed the bill to extend the policy into 2028.
85% of Illinois communities lose people in 2022; Chicago loses 33k
85% of Illinois communities lose people in 2022; Chicago loses 33k
1,108 Illinois communities of all sizes shared in the record loss of more than 104,000 residents in 2022, according to new Census Bureau data. Chicago lost 32% of the state’s total.
Second big investment firm may leave Chicago for Miami
Second big investment firm may leave Chicago for Miami
Industry sources report one of Chicago’s largest money management firms could soon move their Illinois headquarters to Florida. Guggenheim Partners would be the sixth large company and second investment firm to move out of Illinois in the past year.
IRS: Illinois lost 105K residents, $11B in income to other states in 2021
IRS: Illinois lost 105K residents, $11B in income to other states in 2021
Illinois lost more than 105,000 residents and $10.9 billion on net in adjusted gross income to other states from 2020-2021, according to new federal tax return data. Losses were spread across every age and income group.
Brandon Johnson’s tax hikes would hurt Chicago’s recovery, cost even more jobs
Brandon Johnson’s tax hikes would hurt Chicago’s recovery, cost even more jobs
Chicago is still missing 26,500 jobs from pre-pandemic levels. Voters agree: more taxes on businesses is the wrong answer.
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.