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.
⚠️ Flood Watch issued June 17 at 2:20AM CDT until June 17 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 16
73° 59°
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for January 7, 2026
Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | January 7, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Health and Safety Committee met on Wednesday, January 7, 2026,...
Supreme Court ruling allows Bost to challenge Illinois election law
By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. Supreme Court ruling clears the way for U.S. Rep. Mike Bost to challenge Illinois’...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois auto insurance rates dropping
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois auto insurance rates dropping A new report says Illinois auto insurers are lowering premiums by 4.26% in 2026 while providers...
SCOTUS rules on warrantless searches, double convictions and election suits
By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court decided three cases Wednesday about political candidates' standing to sue, warrantless searches, and...
WATCH: Legislator raises red flag over Illinois tax funds for group encouraging ICE protests
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator is raising concerns about state taxpayer funds going to an organization he says is...
Bill filed to address loss of homes, equity over property tax debt
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic state lawmaker has filed a bill to address the Illinois practice of county governments seizing...
Illinois congresswoman files impeachment articles against Noem
By Catrina Baker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Politicians around the country are backing calls to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as Congresswoman...
U.S. Supreme Court allows IL rep to sue over late ballots
By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, said an Illinois congressman has the right to sue...
IL advocates warn permanent mail-in ballots could be exploited
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois election integrity advocates are raising concerns about the state’s permanent mail-in ballot program in the...
Illinois Quick Hits: State spends $87M on ISU fine arts project
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined officials at Illinois State University on Tuesday to break ground on the...
Executive Committee: Relaxes Rules for Retiring Employee Proclamations
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: The Executive Committee voted to amend county board rules to allow proclamations honoring retiring county employees to pass...
Lobbyist Updates: State Session Resumes; Transit Safety Concerns Raised
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: State lobbyists briefed the Will County Legislative Committee on the upcoming General Assembly session, noting a likely focus...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for January 6, 2026
Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Finance Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to handle a light agenda of routine...
Watershed Committee Vows Litigation if County Approves Massive Earthrise Solar Project
Green Garden Township Board Meeting | January 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Green Garden Township Board received a stark warning regarding the proposed Earthrise solar facility, with the Watershed Committee...
Capital Imp Committee: Facilities Director Reports on VAC Progress and Critical Health Department Elevator Repairs
Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary:Facilities Director Bill Fern provided updates on major renovation projects, including the completion of the Court Annex and the...