From hiring retired educators to adjusting class offerings, Illinois schools are relying on a variety of short-term, innovative measures to cope with a prolonged and critical statewide teacher shortage. The most recent survey of education leaders from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, or IARSS, shows overall shortage percentages similar to pre-pandemic levels, […]
Sarah Mansur, Capitol News Illinois
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New data tracker shows decline in small business — hospitality businesses experienced largest decrease
By Sarah Mansur, Capitol News Illinois Hospitality jobs in Illinois have declined nearly 52% since the pandemic began, according to new data, as lawsuits continue against the governor’s orders to close nonessential businesses. While leisure and hospitality jobs were hit the hardest, the number of small businesses open in Illinois overall has fallen by about […]
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Small business grant program ends, less than 20% of applicants received money
By Sarah Mansur, Capitol News Illinois smansur@capitolnewsillinois.com The grant program for small businesses owners in Illinois who suffered losses during the pandemic has run out of money. Illinois’ Business Interruption Grant program was the largest state program of its kind, but only about 20%, or 8,974 applicants, received a grant. The Illinois General Assembly created […]
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Four restaurants ordered closed temporarily for violating COVID-19 mitigations
By Sarah Mansur, Capitol News Illinois Four restaurants in Sangamon County that continued to offer indoor dining in defiance of Gov. JB Pritzker’s COVID-19 mitigation plan were ordered to shut down temporarily Tuesday. The order from a Sangamon County judge states that the four restaurants — Charlie Parker’s Diner, D&J Cafe, Sweet Basil Cafe and […]