Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

By Paul Vallas

05/26/2025

As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, jobs, taxes

Illinois sees 1,023 mass layoffs, over half from business closures

By Patrick Andriesen

05/16/2025

Illinois companies announced 1,023 mass layoffs in April, with more than half from business closures. One-fifth of Illinois job cuts resulted from a lost contract to manage McCormick Place in Chicago.

One-third of Illinois’ March layoffs hit Chicago security firm

By Patrick Andriesen

04/15/2025

Illinois companies announced 947 mass layoffs in March. All but 21 of the job cuts were permanent.

TAGS: Chicago, jobs, unemployment

Illinois’ February unemployment rate 5th highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra

04/10/2025

Unemployment in Illinois remains stubbornly high. February’s unemployment rate was the fifth highest in the nation at 4.8%.

Illinois job growth modest amid high unemployment, competitive market

By Ravi Mishra

03/17/2025

Illinois’ unemployment improved somewhat in January. It ranked fifth highest in the nation after being third highest for months.

Illinois considers repealing business tax responsible for big headaches, little revenue

By Dylan Sharkey, Bryce Hill

02/24/2025

A new bill would repeal an outdated Illinois business tax. The franchise tax is tough to calculate, most businesses don’t owe it and it generates little revenue in a state that already hits businesses hard with other taxes.

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

02/05/2025

New data shows nine of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in December as the state gained 8,800 jobs. Ten metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.

Union membership remains near record low despite big boost in taxpayer-supported jobs

By Mailee Smith

01/29/2025

Rapid growth in government jobs during 2024 did little to fix the downward trajectory of union membership in Illinois. Just 13.1% of workers are union members in the state.

Illinois unemployment still 3rd highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

01/28/2025

Illinois continues to maintain a sluggish job market and high unemployment. The December unemployment rate was third highest in the nation, where it has remained for months.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

Illinois sees 1,023 mass layoffs, over half from business closures

One-third of Illinois’ March layoffs hit Chicago security firm

Illinois’ February unemployment rate 5th highest in U.S.

Illinois job growth modest amid high unemployment, competitive market

Illinois considers repealing business tax responsible for big headaches, little revenue

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation

Union membership remains near record low despite big boost in taxpayer-supported jobs

Illinois unemployment still 3rd highest in U.S.

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

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