Illinois’ unemployment pain hits all regions as recovery lags Midwest
Illinois’ unemployment pain hits all regions as recovery lags Midwest
Illinois’ unemployment rate remains the highest in the Midwest despite March jobs growth. Unemployment is high across the state compared to the region.
By Bryce Hill
Sami Lavi: Midwest Pro Sound
Sami Lavi: Midwest Pro Sound
"I just always help people out because people helped me, so I want to help other people."
Illinois’ economy recovering, but continues to lag rest of Midwest
Illinois’ economy recovering, but continues to lag rest of Midwest
Illinois’ unemployment rate remains the highest in the Midwest despite March jobs growth
By Bryce Hill
Tabitha Hardin
Tabitha Hardin
"The weekend we reserved our U-Haul, there was a record number of one-way rentals out of Illinois."
35% of Illinois’ small businesses are closed a year into COVID-19 restrictions
35% of Illinois’ small businesses are closed a year into COVID-19 restrictions
More small businesses have closed in Illinois than in any other Midwestern state, except Michigan. Taxing them more as they struggle is the wrong move.
By Bryce Hill
Larry Roberts Jr.: Larry’s Barber College
Larry Roberts Jr.: Larry’s Barber College
“There are professional licenses that need to be obtained by people who want to begin a career in this industry. But there are also arbitrary policies in place that disincentivize them from pursuing those licenses and their dreams.”
552K Illinoisans getting or seeking unemployment benefits a year into COVID-19
552K Illinoisans getting or seeking unemployment benefits a year into COVID-19
A year into COVID-19 and 552,000 Illinois workers are still in need of jobs. Despite that, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is asking for as much as $2 billion in new taxes on the small businesses that create most Illinois jobs.
By Brad Weisenstein
Hollowed out: Small businesses reflect on one year into a pandemic
Hollowed out: Small businesses reflect on one year into a pandemic
The pandemic has affected everyone, but the economic fallout has been especially devastating for specific groups. In addition to retailers, restaurant owners and other small business owners, women, working mothers and Black Illinoisans suffered the worst in terms of job losses.
By Hilary Gowins
Ali Conrad
Ali Conrad
“The compact license could help afford me the opportunity to contribute to fighting the pandemic and sharing my skills and knowledge at other hospitals without the headache of obtaining new licenses for every different state I travel to.”
Black Illinoisans twice as likely to have lost jobs in 2020
Black Illinoisans twice as likely to have lost jobs in 2020
Revised figures show 2020 job losses were worse for Black Illinoisans than originally thought. The worst year of job losses in state history disproportionately affected minority Illinoisans.
By Bryce Hill
Study: Illinois among top states to see residents flee
Study: Illinois among top states to see residents flee
A third moving company ranked Illinois as a prime place to abandon during 2020. State leaders can control the exodus if they reform spending.
By Brad Weisenstein
Restrictions ease, but Chicago cites 5 bars, restaurants over COVID rules
Restrictions ease, but Chicago cites 5 bars, restaurants over COVID rules
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is allowing bars and restaurants to be open later and increase capacity, but city inspectors are looking for COVID-19 rules violations. Five restaurants and bars were just cited.
By Laura Bianchi
David Halpern: 4 Entertainment Group
David Halpern: 4 Entertainment Group
“I am co-founder of 4 Entertainment Group with my business partners Ben Klopp, Bob Deck and Dan Cronican. We operate 20 bars, including five in Chicago – with another under construction – 14 in Ohio and one in Kentucky. I live in Glenview with my wife and our four children, 7 [twins] to 14.” “For...
Another bump up for Illinois’ new unemployment claims
Another bump up for Illinois’ new unemployment claims
Illinois saw new unemployment claims rise for a third week, even as nearly 3 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been given to Illinoisans.
By Brad Weisenstein