Nearly all Illinois metro areas lost population in 2021

By Bryce Hill

03/25/2022

Illinois’ record population decline affected virtually all of the state’s largest cities.

TAGS: Illinois, metro areas, outmigration, population

Only 1 Illinois metro area fully recovered its pandemic-related job losses

By Bryce Hill

03/24/2022

Bloomington is the only metro area to recover jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide mandated shutdowns. Illinois is still missing 200,100 jobs as of January 2020.

TAGS: Bloomington, COVID-19, economic recovery, jobs, unemployment

Illinois House passes plan to partially refill unemployment fund

By Dylan Sharkey

03/24/2022

The Illinois House voted to use $2.7 billion in federal relief to partially refill the state’s depleted unemployment trust fund. Some lawmakers said it’s not enough.

TAGS: ARPA: American Rescue Plan Act, Illinois, unemployment

Marijuana sales dip as Illinois’ high taxes boost illegal market

By Dylan Sharkey

03/23/2022

Illinois’ cannabis dispensaries are noticing a steady drop in sales after record-setting sales in December. High prices and a lack of supply likely push customers to street dealers.

TAGS: Illinois, marijuana

Hispanic Illinoisans only group to fully recover from COVID-19 job losses

03/22/2022

Although Hispanics were one of the groups hardest hit by pandemic-related job losses, 85,000 more Hispanic Illinoisans were employed in December 2021 compared to December 2019. Hispanic women are driving their recovery.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

Illinois adds 8,600 jobs in January, but still missing 200,100 from pandemic

By Bryce Hill

03/18/2022

Illinois’ employment recovery continued in January, but the state remains far from a full recovery and still lags the nation.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, jobs, unemployment

Illinois’ Black workers unemployed at near double U.S. rate

By Orphe Divounguy

03/18/2022

Black workers in Illinois face much higher unemployment rates than other Black workers in the nation and than their white peers in Illinois. Investing in MAP grants rather than spending more on public pensions could make a difference.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, unemployment

Proviso teachers’ union rejects truce as strike keeps 4,200 students out for 8 days

By Patrick Andriesen

03/17/2022

The Proviso teachers’ union declared the strike over compensation March 4, canceling classes for the district’s 4,200 students for 8 days so far. The local school board tried to call a time-out to get students back in class, but the union refused.

TAGS: Proviso Township High School District 209, strike, teachers union

After two years of COVID-19, Illinois jobs growth seriously lags nation

By Bryce Hill

03/17/2022

Employment in nearly all of Illinois’ major industries are still lagging other states two years after the initial COVID-19 shutdowns rocked the economy.

Illinoisans pay highest tax burden in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

03/16/2022

A new study shows Illinois is the least tax-friendly state in the nation. A family making the median national income in the median valued home pays 16.8% of their income to taxes, more than any other state.

TAGS: Illinois, taxes

Illinois

Nearly all Illinois metro areas lost population in 2021

Only 1 Illinois metro area fully recovered its pandemic-related job losses

Illinois House passes plan to partially refill unemployment fund

Marijuana sales dip as Illinois’ high taxes boost illegal market

Hispanic Illinoisans only group to fully recover from COVID-19 job losses

Illinois adds 8,600 jobs in January, but still missing 200,100 from pandemic

Illinois’ Black workers unemployed at near double U.S. rate

Proviso teachers’ union rejects truce as strike keeps 4,200 students out for 8 days

After two years of COVID-19, Illinois jobs growth seriously lags nation

Illinoisans pay highest tax burden in nation

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students