Illinois payrolls stagnant, unemployment rate 35% higher than U.S. average

By Bryce Hill

09/17/2021

Illinois’ non-farm payrolls only added 2,500 jobs from mid-July to mid-August. Unemployment was steadily high as the rest of the nation recovered.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, unemployment

Illinois misses deadline to repay $4.2 billion federal unemployment insurance loan

By Adam Schuster, Patrick Andriesen, Perry Zhao

09/17/2021

Illinois missed the September deadline to repay a $4.2 billion federal unemployment loan. Employers warn inaction by state lawmakers could ‘cripple’ businesses and the COVID-19 economic recovery.

TAGS: COVID-19, federal government, Illinois, loan, unemployment

Illinois lawmakers ask if school mask mandate discipline went too far

By Robert Brutvan

09/16/2021

The Illinois State Board of Education might have overstepped its authority by yanking recognition of schools that defied a statewide mask mandate. State lawmakers have asked the board to clarify those rules.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, masks, public schools

Some Illinois unemployment offices reopen by appointment only

By Patrick Andriesen

09/16/2021

Nearly a year and a half after IDES closed job centers statewide, the unemployment agency began reopening offices for in-person assistance. So far 13 offices have reopened, with only one in Chicago.

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

COVID-19 vaccination proof might be required to dine out in Chicago

By Robert Brutvan

09/13/2021

A group of Chicago aldermen have called for residents to prove their COVID-19 vaccination status before allowing them to attend indoor venues such as restaurants, bars and theaters

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, Vax Pass

Pritzker asked what COVID-19 measure will let Illinoisans ditch masks

By Robert Brutvan

09/13/2021

A state lawmaker has asked Gov. J.B. Pritzker for the metrics needed to drop statewide mask mandates. He also called for public hearings on masking harms to student development, others in Illinois.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, masks

Illinois bill would give ISBE authority to revoke schools’ state recognition

By Patrick Andriesen

09/02/2021

Gov. J.B Pritzker has warned district administrators since early August that ISBE would strip state recognition from Illinois schools defying his statewide mask mandate. House Bill 4135 aims to give the state board of education that power.

TAGS: COVID-19, ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education, masks

Pritzker mandates indoor masks, vaccinations for school, medical workers

By Patrick Andriesen, Brad Weisenstein

08/26/2021

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced all Illinoisans age 2 and up are required to wear masks inside public spaces effective Aug. 30. All school and health care workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 5, as must college students.

TAGS: COVID-19, delta, JB Pritzker, masks, vaccine, variant

Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois

By Perry Zhao

08/25/2021

State revenue losses around the country have ranged from far less than expected to non-existent. Fiscally healthy states are giving back to taxpayers. That doesn’t include Illinois.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, taxes

Illinois falls farther behind national economic recovery in July

By Bryce Hill

08/23/2021

Despite the strongest jobs report in months, Illinois’ unemployment rate remains high as the U.S. rate continues to drop.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, unemployment