Illinois has worst youth employment in Midwest, biggest drop amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

07/09/2020

With small businesses and seasonal attractions closed, most of Illinois’ youth find themselves spending a summer without a job. COVID-19 isn’t the only reason, however.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, recession, unemployment

Who in Illinois received PPP loans?

By Brad Weisenstein

07/08/2020

27,412 loans for at least $150K were made in Illinois through the Payroll Protection Program. See who got what.

TAGS: coronavirus, corruption, COVID-19, jobs, PPP: Paycheck Protection Program

Judge strikes down Pritzker’s COVID-19 orders, extended emergency powers

By Joe Tabor

07/03/2020

Clay County Judge Michael McHaney said Pritzker’s emergency powers stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak lapsed on April 8, and any executive orders relating to COVID-19 finding their authority under those emergency powers are void.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, executive order, JB Pritzker

As many as 21,700 restaurants could close permanently from COVID-19 economic fallout

By Bryce Hill

07/02/2020

The most optimistic forecast shows 20% of Illinois’ food service business closures will be permanent. But up to 85% of restaurants expect to close permanently.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, small business

Illinois state workers receive $1,300 pay raises July 1

By Mailee Smith

06/29/2020

State workers represented by AFSCME Council 31 will see pay increases averaging $1,343 starting July 1. Total cost of the raises is $261 million as COVID-19 continues depleting state revenues.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, coronavirus, COVID-19, JB Pritzker

Illinois tops neighboring states with $10 minimum wage on July 1

06/29/2020

Illinois’ second minimum wage increase this year is part of a plan to hit $15 an hour in 2025. Small businesses face tough decisions on cutting staff or raising prices.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, minimum wage, recession

Illinois ranks second-last when it comes to reopening bars and restaurants

06/25/2020

A study from WalletHub ranks Illinois 50th-most severe on COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants. 233,500 jobs were lost in that sector since February.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, reopen, stay at home order

Illinois restaurants, bars take brunt of job losses amid harsh lockdown

By Bryce Hill

06/25/2020

Unemployment claims remain five times higher than normal, but the nation’s second-harshest restaurant restrictions have hit that job sector hardest.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, jobs

COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts

06/24/2020

Peoria’s financial problems grew critical from the coronavirus, but the long-term threat of pension debt will remain even after more severe cuts are made.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, Peoria, recession

Illinois jobs are returning, but not for minority workers

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

06/18/2020

While May’s jobs report showed what could be the beginning of a bounce back in total employment for the state, growth was concentrated primarily among white workers. Black and Hispanic workers were left behind.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, JB Pritzker, jobs, unemployment

coronavirus

Illinois has worst youth employment in Midwest, biggest drop amid COVID-19 pandemic

Who in Illinois received PPP loans?

Judge strikes down Pritzker’s COVID-19 orders, extended emergency powers

As many as 21,700 restaurants could close permanently from COVID-19 economic fallout

Illinois state workers receive $1,300 pay raises July 1

Illinois tops neighboring states with $10 minimum wage on July 1

Illinois ranks second-last when it comes to reopening bars and restaurants

Illinois restaurants, bars take brunt of job losses amid harsh lockdown

COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts

Illinois jobs are returning, but not for minority workers

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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