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

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.

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

By Hannah Schmid

05/30/2024

Third grade marks a critical reading milestone: if students struggle then, they will face greater problems during the rest of their educations. State data shows 7 of 10 Illinois third graders can’t read at grade level, meaning there’s trouble awaiting most Illinois students.

TAGS: public schools

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’ 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.

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

How does Illinois spend millions in cannabis cash?

By Dylan Sharkey

04/15/2024

In Illinois’ fifth year of recreational cannabis sales, it’s already made nearly $180 million in tax revenue. But it is losing sales to neighboring states with lower taxes.

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.

Illinois sales taxes highest in Midwest

By Bryce Hill

02/14/2024

Combined state and average local sales tax rate tallies 8.85% in Illinois for 2024. That’s the highest in the Midwest and seventh highest in the nation.

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.

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

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

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

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

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

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

How does Illinois spend millions in cannabis cash?

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

Illinois sales taxes highest in Midwest

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

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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