Illinois sees among worst spending drops early in COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois sees among worst spending drops early in COVID-19 pandemic
While the start of the COVID-19 pandemic caused consumer spending to drop across the U.S., the decline was worse in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s harsher restrictions appear to be the culprit.
By Jon Josko
Illinois lawmakers plan to spend little time in Springfield
Illinois lawmakers plan to spend little time in Springfield
The Illinois General Assembly begins a new session Jan. 5, but it is not expected to last long. They may have a new state budget and wrap up almost two months early.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois driver facilities closed for COVID-19 until mid-January
Illinois driver facilities closed for COVID-19 until mid-January
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said driver services facilities and his offices statewide will remain closed for in-person services until mid-January as the state aims to curb record COVID-19 cases.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago now requires COVID-19 vaccination, ID for public venues
Chicago now requires COVID-19 vaccination, ID for public venues
Planning an evening out in Chicago? You now need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a photo ID to get in most places.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago’s speed cameras ticket 8X faster after limit drops to 6 mph
Chicago’s speed cameras ticket 8X faster after limit drops to 6 mph
Chicago’s speed cameras in 10 months churned out nearly as many tickets as the prior 3 years combined, handing every city household 2.2 tickets. The 8-fold spike came immediately after the city started ticketing at 6 mph over the limit.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois loses resident every 4 minutes, 18 seconds: like Springfield vanishing each year
Illinois loses resident every 4 minutes, 18 seconds: like Springfield vanishing each year
More Illinoisans fled for other states from July 2020-July 2021 than during any other year in recorded history, driving the state’s record population decline.
By Bryce Hill
Moving vans leave Illinois at over 9-times rate of other Midwestern states
Moving vans leave Illinois at over 9-times rate of other Midwestern states
Illinois suffered the largest population decline in the Midwest and of neighboring states during 2021.
By Bryce Hill
Vaccination proof, ID required to enter Chicago restaurants, bars, gyms
Vaccination proof, ID required to enter Chicago restaurants, bars, gyms
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s new mandate will require Chicagoans ages 5 and older to prove they received a COVID-19 vaccination and to show a photo ID before entering restaurants, bars and gyms starting Jan. 3.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois breaks record for population loss, outmigration in 2021
Illinois breaks record for population loss, outmigration in 2021
Despite a higher-than-expected 2020 population count, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates Illinoisans moving away was the sole reason for the state’s record loss of the equivalent of nearly everyone in Springfield.
By Bryce Hill