More than three-quarters Illinois communities lost population over the year, and nearly all of the state’s major metro areas are lagging the nation on key economic indicators.

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show eight of Illinois’ 13 metro areas gained jobs over the month.

Illinoisans have become accustomed to a state economy that lags behind those with better business climates.

Cook County has lost nearly 50,000 black residents since the 2010 census, and the rate is accelerating.

New Bureau of Labor Statistics data show Illinois’ black residents have an unemployment rate of 12.7 percent, more than double the state’s overall rate.

In the last decade, Illinois’ economy and the economies of neighboring states have gone in opposite directions, with more people now working in Wisconsin and Indiana combined.

The unintended consequences of a Chicago credit-check ordinance have harmed young and black workers, and show why lawmakers should focus on repealing the laws preventing employment for Illinoisans, rather than creating new ones.

New federal jobs data reveal Illinois gained 14,100 jobs overall during October, but lost 1,900 manufacturing jobs during this time.

Illinois has no more jobs in 2015 than it had in 1998.