The Flash Index was down in October, as Illinois follows the national pattern of a slowing economic recovery

URBANA – Illinois’ economic growth slowed down in October, according to the University of Illinois Flash Index. The Flash Index reading for October is 105.4, down from the September reading of 106.0. This puts the Flash Index’s measure of the Illinois economy at its lowest point since six-tenths of a point from September, sending the […]
Illinois Flash Index Continues To Rise

URBANA – The Illinois economy is growing at its highest rate since 2015. That’s according to the latest University of Illinois Flash Index. Listen to this story here. The Flash Index measured the state’s economy at 106.0 for June, well above the 100-level that divides growth and decline. The June reading is higher than May’s […]
Illinois Economy Rebounding, According To Flash Index

URBANA – The Illinois economy has been in growth mode for two months in a row, according to the University of Illinois Flash Index. Any reading above 100 on the Flash Index means economic growth. The May reading was at 105.3. That’s up from April’s 101.5, and almost as high as the February 2020 reading […]
Flash Index Continues Slow, Steady Recovery

URBANA – The Illinois economy continued its slow recovery in January, according to the University of Illinois Flash Index. Listen to this story here. The Flash Index measured the state’s economy at 96.3 for the first month of 2021. That’s up from 95.9 the month before. Any Flash Index reading below 100 indicates economic contraction. […]
December Flash Index Shows Slow, Steady Recovery For Illinois Economy

URBANA – The Illinois economy continued its slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in December, according to the University of Illinois Flash Index. The monthly report measured the state’s economy at 95.9 in December, up from 95.6 in October and November. The number shows an improvement in the state economy since the Flash Index dropped […]
Report: Teaching In Illinois ‘Not Sustainable’ During COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD – The COVID-19 pandemic will likely worsen Illinois’ teacher shortage. Educators who were already in short supply in the state face increased challenges on the job, according to a new report from the University of Illinois’ Institute of Government and Public Affairs. Meghan A. Kessler, who authored the report and is an assistant professor […]
Affordable Child Care Critical To Recovery, Women’s Economic Prospects, Says U Of I Economist

CHAMPAIGN – The child care industry, like many others, has been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many day care centers and home-based child care providers were forced to either close or reduce their capacity as states implemented stay-home orders to slow the spread of the virus. As businesses slowly reopen, lack of access to […]
Flash Index: Illinois’ Growing Economy Continues, But Potential Impact Of Coronavirus Unknown

Concern about the coronavirus has affected the stock market. But so far, it hasn’t impacted Illinois’ economy, as measured by the University of Illinois Flash Index. The Flash Index was up by three tenths of a point in February, to 105.7, its highest rating in over four years. Any reading over 100 reflects economic growth […]
Fretwell Wilson Discusses New Leadership Post At IGPA

URBANA – The University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs has a new director. Robin Fretwell Wilson begins her new role leading the U of I system’s public policy research institute in a designate capacity on Feb. 16, and the Board of Trustees will vote on her appointment at its March 12th meeting.