Fact check: Illinois’ economic recovery under Pritzker among worst in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

08/02/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s newest campaign ad credits him with fixing state finances and boasts of Illinois’ job growth. Both are among the worst in the nation.

TAGS: Caterpillar, Citadel, economic growth, economic recovery, economy, JB Pritzker

Caterpillar HQ leaving for Texas, decade after CEO warned Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey

06/15/2022

One of the state’s biggest employers is relocating their headquarters to Irving, Texas. A decade ago Caterpillar’s CEO warned state leaders of business losses unless they balanced the budget, controlled workers’ comp costs and cut taxes. He was ignored.

TAGS: Caterpillar, jobs, outmigration, taxes

Forgotten Illinois: Aurora

12/08/2017

Two sides, one city.

TAGS: Aurora, Caterpillar, East Aurora High School, forgotten illinois, manufacturing, Richard Irvin, small business, West Aurora High School

Caterpillar to move corporate headquarters to Deerfield

By Austin Berg

04/20/2017

The industry giant’s move comes amid continued disinvestment in Illinois manufacturing.

TAGS: Caterpillar, Deerfield, Doug Oberhelman, manufacturing, Peoria, property taxes, workers compensation

After mass layoffs, a chilling look back at CAT’s plea for reforms

By Austin Berg

04/12/2017

In February 2012, Caterpillar’s then-CEO Doug Oberhelman outlined needed reforms to save Illinois manufacturing jobs. State lawmakers have failed to act, and the Land of Lincoln is the only state in the region to lose manufacturing jobs since.

TAGS: Aurora, Caterpillar, manufacturing, workers compensation

Caterpillar to shutter Aurora plant, cut 800 jobs

By Hilary Gowins

03/31/2017

The company’s announcement affects 800 hourly employees, though 1,200 workers will remain in Aurora. In January, Caterpillar announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to Chicago and out of its longtime hub in Peoria.

TAGS: Caterpillar, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

CAT announces it will move corporate headquarters out of Peoria

By Austin Berg

01/31/2017

With Peoria and downstate reeling, the Caterpillar move comes at a time of persistent disinvestment in Illinois manufacturing.

TAGS: Caterpillar, Chicago, jobs, manufacturing, Peoria, workers compensation

Caterpillar considers moving 800 production jobs out of Aurora

By Brendan Bakala

01/06/2017

Peoria-based heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has announced a possible move of up to 800 manufacturing jobs out of Aurora.

TAGS: Caterpillar, jobs, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

Caterpillar announces more layoffs

By Brendan Bakala

12/14/2016

CAT announces more layoffs due to anticipated losses in 2017.

TAGS: Caterpillar, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

Illinois employers announce 1,044 layoffs in August

By Brendan Bakala

09/08/2016

August records summer-high job losses, including 495 in manufacturing.

TAGS: Caterpillar, jobs, unemployment, WARN

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students