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.

6 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, just 6 add jobs in January

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

03/11/2024

Six of the 13 Illinois metro areas still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic. Six metros added jobs from December 2023 to January 2024, led by the Champaign-Urbana area.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranks 4th worst in the nation

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

03/11/2024

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranked fourth worst in the nation in January 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.

Paul Vallas: Illinois’ real ‘State of the State’

By Paul Vallas

02/23/2024

Illinois is on an upward path, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said during his State of the State speech. True, by some measures. Not so much by too many measures that matter.

Underachiever: Illinois lags nation in jobs, but growth potential is high

By Bryce Hill

02/12/2024

2023 data on Illinois’ labor market gives cause for both concern and hope as state emerges from pandemic job losses.

5 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, most add jobs in December

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

01/26/2024

Seven of 13 Illinois metro areas added jobs from November to December 2023, led by the St. Louis area. Five metros still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic.

Common-ground solutions to empower Chicago’s poor: A model for America’s cities

By Josh Bandoch

01/25/2024

Published Jan. 25, 2024

Union membership in Illinois hits record low

By Mailee Smith

01/24/2024

Public and private sector unions in Illinois saw another 27,000 workers reject union membership in 2023. Just 12.8% of public and private-sector workers chose union membership, the lowest it’s been in 34 years on record.

TAGS: unions

Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for 3rd-worst in U.S.

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

01/23/2024

Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for third-worst in the U.S. in December 2023, despite job gains across most industries since last year. Illinois continues to lag the nation and nearly all its neighbors in job growth.

Illinois makes it tough for poor to become barbers, makeup artists, manicurists

By Joe Tabor

12/26/2023

Personal care services such as cutting hair can be one of the more welcoming professions for those stuck in poverty. But Illinois imposes a heavy burden before they can get to work.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

6 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, just 6 add jobs in January

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranks 4th worst in the nation

Paul Vallas: Illinois’ real ‘State of the State’

Underachiever: Illinois lags nation in jobs, but growth potential is high

5 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, most add jobs in December

Common-ground solutions to empower Chicago’s poor: A model for America’s cities

Union membership in Illinois hits record low

Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for 3rd-worst in U.S.

Illinois makes it tough for poor to become barbers, makeup artists, manicurists

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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