Cook County population declines by 2,000 over 5 years, out-migration doubles
Cook County population declines by 2,000 over 5 years, out-migration doubles
Cook County’s population has dropped by 2,030 since 2011, driven by the out-migration of over 230,000 residents, on net.
By Kevin Angell
Grant Crowley
Grant Crowley
“I stopped taking a salary a long time ago so our numbers would look good. We’ve been surviving because we’re convenient. “People come to store their boats with us because we’re close to the city. It’s less fuel. It’s not worth going to Wisconsin or Michigan to pay $1,500 less for storage and maintenance. But...
Forget the unemployment rate, Illinois is in a depression
Forget the unemployment rate, Illinois is in a depression
Illinois is tied for the worst income growth in the entire U.S.
By Michael Lucci
BLS data show Illinois would have 250,000 more people working if it kept up with surrounding states
BLS data show Illinois would have 250,000 more people working if it kept up with surrounding states
Illinois has been lagging behind the rest of the region over the last decade, and will continue to do so if the state doesn’t enact necessary economic reforms.
By Michael Lucci
Amazon may employ 8,000 people in Illinois by end of 2018
Amazon may employ 8,000 people in Illinois by end of 2018
The Romeoville fulfillment center is one of several Illinois facilities Amazon has opened or plans to open in the coming years. For some of those locations, Amazon has signed deals with the state of Illinois worth tens of millions in potential tax credits.
By Brendan Bakala
Illinois lawmakers pass legislation to create state-based workers’ compensation insurance company
Illinois lawmakers pass legislation to create state-based workers’ compensation insurance company
House Bill 2622 would create a state-run workers’ compensation insurance company using a $10M loan from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Operations Fund.
By Madelyn Harwood
Workforce dropout causes Illinois unemployment to fall slightly
Workforce dropout causes Illinois unemployment to fall slightly
A new report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security shows Illinois had a modest net gain of 2,400 jobs in May, but still has fewer jobs today than before the Great Recession began.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois companies announce more than 2,100 mass layoffs in May
Illinois companies announce more than 2,100 mass layoffs in May
1,120 of the jobs lost were in manufacturing and food processing.
By Brendan Bakala
Where have all the new homes gone?
Where have all the new homes gone?
Compared with Illinois’ pre-recession average, permits for new single-family and multiunit housing are down more than 60 percent.
By Austin Berg
Sears to cut 400 jobs, despite state, local tax breaks
Sears to cut 400 jobs, despite state, local tax breaks
Sears Holdings has dropped below the job threshold necessary to qualify for the $15 million in annual state tax credits for which it was once eligible.
By Brendan Bakala
Illinois’ economic growth is worse than during the Great Depression
Illinois’ economic growth is worse than during the Great Depression
Illinois’ total state economic activity has increased by only 4 percent since 2007, which is lower than the U.S.’ 10 percent GDP growth during the worst decade of the Great Depression.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois has 4th-most Fortune 500 corporate headquarters in U.S.
Illinois has 4th-most Fortune 500 corporate headquarters in U.S.
Although Illinois hosts corporate headquarters of many large companies, its economy lags in blue-collar job opportunities.
By Kevin Angell
Illinois has the worst personal income growth in the U.S.
Illinois has the worst personal income growth in the U.S.
Lawmakers’ proposed new and higher taxes would only make things harder for struggling Illinoisans.
By Michael Lucci
Fact-checking Rahm: Mayor deflects attention as Chicago shrinks
Fact-checking Rahm: Mayor deflects attention as Chicago shrinks
Despite Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s spin, residents are fleeing Chicago, showing they feel they are better off elsewhere.
By Madelyn Harwood