Breathe a sigh of relief, unemployed Chicagoans, officials at the U.S. Census Bureau's office in Chicago have reported that they are indeed hiring for the 2010 Census. The office says it needs 100,000 people across Illinois to work as census takers for the 2010 Census between December of this year and June of 2010. The temporary positions pay between $11.50 and $18.50 an hour and most of the jobs require applicants to be U.S. citizens, have a driver's license, and have access to a vehicle. Applicants also must take a basic skills test and undergo a background check. For more information, call (866) 861-2010 or visit 2010censusjobs.gov. [Chicago Sun-Times] more ›

While forms for the 2010 U.S. Census don't go out for almost another year, that didn't stop local officials, including Mayor Daley, from starting the campaign to encourage participation. Playing up the fact that results help determine how much money local governments receive, Daley said, "If we shortchange any part of the area, you're really shortchanging yourself. Everyone's reluctant to tell the government anything ... We have to reassure people that it is confidential." more ›