Illinois’ COVID-19 jobs rebound is among nation’s weakest

By Bryce Hill

08/01/2020

Most other states have recouped more of their February-April job losses from the pandemic shutdowns than Illinois.

TAGS: COVID-19, executive order, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker, recession

Illinois moms take brunt of COVID-19 unemployment

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

07/30/2020

COVID-19 and associated government lockdowns disproportionately harmed women with children at home.

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

Illinois workers remain idle despite national rebound

By Bryce Hill

07/28/2020

The state and most of its urban areas are failing to get residents back to work at rates matching the national average.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, executive order, jobs, unemployment

What powers does Pritzker have in an emergency? And what has he ordered so far?

By Joe Tabor

07/27/2020

In the case of an epidemic like COVID-19, Illinois governors are given a wide range of emergency powers for a limited period of time.

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

Illinois worst among Midwest, neighbor states for unemployed staying idle

By Bryce Hill

07/20/2020

Continued unemployment claims in Illinois remain virtually unchanged since mid-April. Other states are getting back to work.

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

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

Red-light camera vendor at heart of corruption probes gets PPP loan

07/08/2020

SafeSpeed has been involved in a federal investigation that has resulted in corruption charges against multiple Illinois politicians.

TAGS: corruption, COVID-19, PPP: Paycheck Protection Program, red light cameras, SafeSpeed

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

COVID-19

Illinois’ COVID-19 jobs rebound is among nation’s weakest

Illinois moms take brunt of COVID-19 unemployment

Illinois workers remain idle despite national rebound

What powers does Pritzker have in an emergency? And what has he ordered so far?

Illinois worst among Midwest, neighbor states for unemployed staying idle

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

Red-light camera vendor at heart of corruption probes gets PPP loan

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

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