Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025
Primary election ballot certified
The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the March 2026 primary ballot this week, removing several Republican candidates for governor after upholding petition challenges.
Remaining on the GOP gubernatorial ballot is Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, James Mendrick and Rick Heidner. Gov. J.B. Pritzker will be unchallenged in the Democrats’ primary March 17.
For U.S. Senate Candidates, Democrats will have 10 to choose from, Republicans six.
Indictments increased in 2025
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois says it cracked down on crime and implemented new policies in 2025.
Statistics the office released show indictments were up 34% compared to the previous year.
The office also touts more focus on mass transit safety, health care fraud investigations and immigration enforcement efforts.
Unemployment rate forecast
The Chicago Fed Real-Time Unemployment Rate Forecast is estimating the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly unemployment rate at 4.56% for December, matching the actual BLS unemployment rate for November.
The December 2024 unemployment rate was 4.09%.
Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Facing Budget Crisis, Peotone Committee Questions Athletic Field Project
Committee Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education Committee of the Whole
Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis
Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting
WATCH: Dems, GOP battle over CA redistricting
