Data published last week by the Bureau of Economic Analysis revealed that U.S. gross domestic product shrank at an annualized rate of -32.9% during the second quarter.

COVID-19 and associated government lockdowns disproportionately harmed women with children at home.

Illinois’ leisure and hospitality sector has added 94,200 jobs since April, but remains down 223,200 jobs since February.

Continued unemployment claims in Illinois remain virtually unchanged since mid-April. Other states are getting back to work.

The most optimistic forecast shows 20% of Illinois’ food service business closures will be permanent. But up to 85% of restaurants expect to close permanently.

Unemployment claims remain five times higher than normal, but the nation’s second-harshest restaurant restrictions have hit that job sector hardest.

New jobless claims remain several times higher than last year as state begins to test re-opening.

New jobless claims remain several times higher than last year as state begins to test re-opening.

Nearly 1 in 4 Illinoisans find themselves out of work, more than all border states except Kentucky.

Self-employed and gig workers were finally allowed to file for benefits last week, driving the total to nearly 1.1 million Illinoisans seeking help since COVID-19 hit the state’s economy.