Illinois unemployment claims double after several weeks of improvement

By Brad Weisenstein

02/18/2021

While the nation gets back to work, Illinois unemployment claims rose again. The past week ranked Illinois 50th out of 51, including Washington, D.C.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, unemployment

Illinois only Midwest state to lose people in past decade

By Bryce Hill

01/25/2021

Illinois’ population decline has been accelerating during the past 7 years, while neighboring states gain from that loss.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration, population

More Illinoisans collect unemployment as nation recovers

By Brad Weisenstein

01/08/2021

Bans on indoor dining and bar service continue to hurt Illinois jobs numbers, placing the state low in a national recovery ranking.

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

Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein, Ben Szalinski

01/08/2021

This page will be updated daily to reflect developments related to the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois, JB Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot

Pensions set to consume 29% of Illinois’ budget amid $7 billion debt increase

By Adam Schuster

12/17/2020

New official reporting from the state of Illinois shows both rising debt and rising costs in state retirement systems, with essential government services again facing cuts.

TAGS: COGFA: Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, debt, Illinois, Moody's Investor Service, pensions

Shop Small gets smaller in Illinois, with 11,200 fewer shop owners

By Bryce Hill

11/24/2020

Ownership of bars and restaurants also has declined over 70%, thanks to COVID-19 and associated restrictions

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, lockdown, small business

Madigan opposition hits critical mass as his confidant, 3 others charged in ComEd bribery scandal

By Ben Szalinski

11/19/2020

The indictments are the closest yet to Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s inner circle. Now enough Democrats are pledging they won’t support him to cost him the speaker’s gavel.

TAGS: ComEd, corruption, house, House Speaker, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, Jay Doherty, madigan, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain, reform

Madigan’s legacy of corruption will survive his downfall, unless …

By Joe Tabor

11/19/2020

After decades under Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s rule, Illinois is corroding from his concentration of power. Robust ethics laws, rules and norms could stop a new Madigan from rising.

TAGS: ComEd, corruption, house, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, madigan, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain, reform, speaker

How has COVID-19 affected Election Day?

10/30/2020

Increased early voting, younger poll workers and masks are the trend amid the COVID-19 crisis

TAGS: ballot, election, Illinois, voting

Frequently asked questions about voting in Illinois

10/29/2020

This is an unprecedented year for voting in Illinois, thanks to COVID-19 and new voting laws. Here are some of the most common questions.

TAGS: ballot, election, Illinois, voting