Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for 3rd-worst in U.S.
Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for 3rd-worst in U.S.
Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for third-worst in the U.S. in December 2023, despite job gains across most industries since last year. Illinois continues to lag the nation and nearly all its neighbors in job growth.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
Angelique Warner
Angelique Warner
“The vision and faith kept me going throughout this journey. I had a very clear vision of the functionality of GoGoVie and I had the faith to see it through.”
46,400 extra Illinoisans found, but 364,443 others moved away
46,400 extra Illinoisans found, but 364,443 others moved away
Illinois’ base population total is larger than previously predicted after the U.S. Census discovered it had missed people in group quarters. But the change shouldn’t lull politicians into thinking taxes and other policies didn’t drive 364,443 people away.
By Bryce Hill
Bakari Finley
Bakari Finley
“I wanted to go into a space I was interested in, and with my retail experience, I wanted to make a product that would be perfect for fathers, a symbol to celebrate fathers and father figures. I like backpacks, so I got together with my team and we started researching.” “After looking at countless backpacks,...
United Van Lines: Illinois 2nd in nation for residents leaving
United Van Lines: Illinois 2nd in nation for residents leaving
Illinois saw the second-highest rate of residents moving out in the nation based on a survey by United Van Lines. Illinois has experienced 10 straight years of population loss.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois’ new nuclear bill goes dark before it can spark
Illinois’ new nuclear bill goes dark before it can spark
While technically ending Illinois’ nuclear power plant moratorium, a new law does not allow even one watt of nuclear energy to be generated for the public electrical grid.
By Jess Plowman
Illinois population drop, departures among worst in U.S.
Illinois population drop, departures among worst in U.S.
Illinois lost 83,839 residents who moved to other states, one of the highest rates in the U.S. and driving a 10th consecutive year of population decline. It ranks near the bottom on multiple other population measures, too.
By Bryce Hill
Illinois’ Midwest-leading minimum wage increases again in January 2024
Illinois’ Midwest-leading minimum wage increases again in January 2024
Non-tipped workers will see their hourly wage hit $14 an hour while tipped employees will collect $8.40 thanks to the next minimum wage hike on January 1, 2024.
By Patrick Andriesen
All neighbor states grow as Illinois population shrinks by 32,826
All neighbor states grow as Illinois population shrinks by 32,826
Illinoisans moving to other states was the sole reason for population decline in 2023. It’s not a Midwestern thing, because our neighbors are growing.
By Bryce Hill
Every 6 minutes, 16 seconds, Illinois loses another resident
Every 6 minutes, 16 seconds, Illinois loses another resident
People choosing to move out of state again drove Illinois’ population to decline from July 2022-July 2023. Another one left every 6 minutes and 16 seconds.
By Bryce Hill
Too much occupational licensing could stop people from moving to Illinois
Too much occupational licensing could stop people from moving to Illinois
Illinois has seen continual population loss for a decade. While taxes and lack of opportunities are driving people away, the state’s licensing requirements could be keeping people from moving in.
By Joe Tabor
Illinois’ occupational licenses make it easier for holiday burglars
Illinois’ occupational licenses make it easier for holiday burglars
Illinois’ burdensome licensing for security alarm installers discourage potential workers, potentially making Illinois an easier target for burglars such as the Grinch or the Wet Bandits from “Home Alone.”
By Dylan Sharkey