Illinois’ declining labor force participation rate explains stubborn poverty rate

By Chris Coffey

06/26/2024

Data shows Illinoisans who would have been working a generation ago are not today.

TAGS: BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment

Illinois tied for third-worst unemployment rate in the U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

06/25/2024

Illinois' employment growth lags the nation and neighboring states in May.

Chicago lags as 8 of 13 Illinois metro areas add jobs in April

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

05/23/2024

Illinois grew jobs in eight of its 13 metropolitan areas during April, but the Chicago area’s sluggish growth and a stubbornly high unemployment rate tempered any gains.

TAGS: jobs, metro areas, unemployment

Illinois’ Black unemployment rate No. 2 in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

05/22/2024

Black workers in Illinois face a tougher job market than peers nationally. Hispanic men, Asians face lower unemployment rates relative to peers in other states.

TAGS: unemployment

Illinois’ unemployment rate ties for 3rd-worst in the nation

By Jon Josko, Ravi Mishra

05/17/2024

Illinois’ unemployment rate for April was near the highest in the U.S. Its recovery lags the nation by nearly a full percentage point.

9 Illinois metro areas add jobs in March, 6 await pandemic recovery

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

04/19/2024

Job gains in Illinois’ metropolitan areas were off to a slow start in 2024. Six areas remain behind where they were before the pandemic.

TAGS: BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment

Illinois’ unemployment rate ties for 3rd worst in the nation

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

04/19/2024

Illinois employment growth lagged the nation and neighboring states in March 2024. Unemployment was third highest in the U.S.

TAGS: unemployment

Chicago Teachers Union sets a radical example for nation’s teachers unions

By William O'Keefe

04/19/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union prides itself as a leader in “bargaining for the common good” – unionspeak for contract demands related to its political agenda rather than teachers’ wages and benefits. This year’s negotiations could reverberate across the nation.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

10 Illinois metro areas add jobs in February, 5 await pandemic recovery

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

03/22/2024

10 of the 13 Illinois metro areas added jobs from January 2024 to February 2024, led by the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area. Five still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic.

Illinois’ unemployment rate ties for 3rd worst in the nation

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

03/22/2024

Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for 3rd worst in the nation in February 2024 after a decline in the number of jobs statewide during the past 12 months. Illinois continues to lag the nation and all its neighbors in job growth.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Illinois’ declining labor force participation rate explains stubborn poverty rate

Illinois tied for third-worst unemployment rate in the U.S.

Chicago lags as 8 of 13 Illinois metro areas add jobs in April

Illinois’ Black unemployment rate No. 2 in U.S.

Illinois’ unemployment rate ties for 3rd-worst in the nation

9 Illinois metro areas add jobs in March, 6 await pandemic recovery

Illinois’ unemployment rate ties for 3rd worst in the nation

Chicago Teachers Union sets a radical example for nation’s teachers unions

10 Illinois metro areas add jobs in February, 5 await pandemic recovery

Illinois’ unemployment rate ties for 3rd worst in the nation

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