Illinois quick hits: Unemployment down; Rivian supplier gets tax incentives
September 18, 2025/
Unemployment down
The unemployment rate in Illinois has dropped to its lowest point since July 2023.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced the August rate of 4.4%, based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Total nonfarm payrolls decreased by 13,300 last month. Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll increased by 5,900 jobs.
Rivian supplier gets tax incentives
With support from Illinois tax incentives, OPmobility plans to establish their first Illinois facility in Normal to assemble bumpers for Rivian’s R2.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced the company plans to create 81 new full-time jobs. The Rivian R2 will be available to consumers in 2026.
Bank executive sentenced
A judge has sentenced the former second-in-command of the Bank of O’Fallon to five years and three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges.
Andrew P. Blassie, 70, of St. Louis, was also ordered to pay more than $2.4 million in restitution.
Today Jun 18
59°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
County Authorizes Financial Study of Homer Glen Law Enforcement Contract
Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Finance Committee voted to authorize a professional study to evaluate the true cost of providing law enforcement services to the...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Workshop for January 28, 2026
JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026 The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees convened for a workshop session on Wednesday to discuss the institution's long-term financial health and...
Will County Public Works Debates Future Bridge Needs as 159th Street Closure Looms
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: A discussion regarding the future deck repair of the 159th Street bridge in Lockport sparked a debate about...
Capital Imp Committee: Health Dept Elevator Repair Costs Significantly Lower Than Estimates
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: A malfunctioning elevator at the Will County Health Department has been repaired for approximately $18,000 to...
Capital Imp Committee: Veterans Assistance Commission Set to Move into New Facility
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) is scheduled to move into its new headquarters at...
Legislative Committee Adopts 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda
Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee finalized and approved the 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, outlining the county's top priorities for Congress. The...
Will County Treasurer’s Investment Strategy Yields $6 Million in Income
Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: County Treasurer Tim Brophy and investment managers from Stifel presented a detailed review of the county’s investment portfolio to the Finance...
Lobbyists Outline Strategy for Federal Funding and Grundy County Expansion
JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026 Article Summary: Representatives from Point of Difference Strategies updated the JJC Board on efforts to secure state and federal funding for key...
Capital Imp Committee Debates ‘Human Factor’ in Drafting New Artificial Intelligence Policy
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee launched a comprehensive discussion on creating a...
HBO Max Orders Cop Drama Pilot ‘American Blue’ to Film in Joliet
Article Summary: HBO Max has ordered a pilot for a new police drama titled "American Blue," with production scheduled to begin in Joliet and Chicago this April. Starring Milo Ventimiglia...
Peotone 207U weighs school consolidation, finances, and next steps with public input front and center
By Andrea Arens The Peotone Community Unit School District 207U Board of Education’s Committee of the Whole spent almost three hours discussing short-term consolidation plans, financial realities, and long-range facility...
JJC Administration Proposes Tuition Increase Amidst Future Budget Concerns
JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026 Article Summary: Joliet Junior College (JJC) administration presented a three-year financial plan that relies on a proposed $3 per credit hour tuition...
Will County Public Works Advances $1.9 Million Improvement for Wilmington-Peotone Road
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has authorized a nearly $2 million contract for Phase I...
Will County Public Works: Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Expands to All 24 Townships, Eliminating Borders
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary:In a major overhaul of county transit, officials presented a quarterly report confirming that the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride...
