Illinois holds second-worst unemployment rate in the nation

By Ravi Mishra

10/22/2024

Illinois is tied with California for the nation’s second-worst unemployment behind only Nevada, according to September data.

Unlocking Opportunity: How Occupational Licensing Reform Would Promote Equitable Empowerment in Illinois

By Josh Bandoch, Larry Han

10/16/2024

Published Oct. 16, 2024 Illinois finds itself at a crossroads: will it empower minorities and poor people to unleash their potential, or will it perpetuate an inequitable status quo? For far too many Illinoisans, opportunity is unfairly and unnecessarily out of reach. Illinois ranks in the bottom ten among all states in social mobility and...

Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August

By Ravi Mishra

10/03/2024

Illinois’ job market outpaced the national average during August. But 13 of Illinois’ 15 metropolitan areas continued to have higher unemployment rates than the national average.

TAGS: unemployment

Illinois had 1,183 mass layoffs in August, with more than 9-in-10 stemming from business closures

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

09/24/2024

Chicago led the state in mass layoffs, accounting for more than one-third of job cuts in August. The statewide data shows 93% of job losses stemmed from companies closing up shop.

Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

09/20/2024

The Fed just cut interest rates over worries about the national jobs outlook, but in Illinois unemployment has been a persistent problem. Tax and state economic policy should get much of the blame.

TAGS: unemployment

1,190 Illinois jobs shed in July, with Deere leading for 2nd month

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

09/04/2024

The Quad Cities will experience a combined 319 job cuts after John Deere announced layoffs at both its World Headquarters in Moline and Harvester Works factory in East Moline. Romeoville saw more than 1-in-4 of the mass layoffs statewide.

TAGS: jobs

Illinois unemployment rate in July hits 2nd highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

08/16/2024

July unemployment hit 5.2% in Illinois, ranking second worst in the nation. It equated to 341,630 workers looking for a job.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, taxes, unemployment

Unemployment tops U.S. average in all but 2 Illinois areas during June

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

07/30/2024

Despite some growth, high unemployment remains a persistent issue in Illinois with 13 of 15 metropolitan areas showing higher rates of unemployment than the national average.

TAGS: jobs

Illinois unemployment jumps to 5% in June

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

07/24/2024

Illinois unemployment rose to 5% during June, ranking third worst in the U.S. About 328,000 Illinoisans need a job.

Illinois’ 15 metro areas all see unemployment higher than U.S. rate

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

07/03/2024

Despite some growth, high unemployment remains an issue in Illinois. All 15 metropolitan areas showed higher rates of unemployment than the national average.

TAGS: employment

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Illinois holds second-worst unemployment rate in the nation

Unlocking Opportunity: How Occupational Licensing Reform Would Promote Equitable Empowerment in Illinois

Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August

Illinois had 1,183 mass layoffs in August, with more than 9-in-10 stemming from business closures

Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.

1,190 Illinois jobs shed in July, with Deere leading for 2nd month

Illinois unemployment rate in July hits 2nd highest in U.S.

Unemployment tops U.S. average in all but 2 Illinois areas during June

Illinois unemployment jumps to 5% in June

Illinois’ 15 metro areas all see unemployment higher than U.S. rate

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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