Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

January 8, 2026/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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%.

Latest News Stories

Plastics industry applauds Trump’s focus on strengthening manufacturing

By Tate MillerThe Center Square The plastics industry is pleased by President Donald Trump’s mention at the State of the Union of strengthening manufacturing in the nation, with an industry...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for February 5, 2026

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 The Will County Land Use and Development Committee met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to deliberate on several...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for February 18, 2026

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | February 18, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, for a regular meeting dominated...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Executive Committee for February 11, 2026

Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Executive Committee met on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, tackling a heavy agenda focused on economic development...

Group Presents Allegations of 2024 Voter Roll Errors to County Board

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a resolution calling for the review of election systems and integrity, following public comments alleging inaccuracies...

Trump: Iran operations to continue until objectives achieved

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Combat operations will continue in Iran at “full force” until American “objectives are achieved,” President Donald Trump said during his second address to the nation...

Everyday Economics: The Fed’s labor-market reality check

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Last week wasn’t about a single data point. It was about a shift in tone from policymakers: the labor market may be weaker than the...

Trump: Nine Iranian ships destroyed; Iran wants to talk

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Nine Iranian ships have been “destroyed and sunk” by U.S. forces as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to President Donald Trump. The president’s announcement...

Supreme Court to hear gun possession for drug users case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Monday in a consequential case over whether regular drug users can possess firearms. The case, U.S. v....

CENTCOM quashes Iranian claims of missile strikes on Lincoln

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square U.S. Central Command is calling claims by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard that it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln a “lie.” The IRGC said that it...

CENTCOM: Three U.S. service members killed; first casualties of Operation Epic Fury

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Three U.S. service members have been killed in action by Iranian strikes as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to U.S. Central Command. In addition...

Ahead of Iran strikes, CBP, DOJ taking action against Iranian influence in US

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Ahead of the U.S. strikes against Iranian leaders on Saturday, federal agents had already been addressing Iranian threats in the U.S. and on the high...

Will County Board Advised on Strict “Judicial” Role Ahead of Landfill Expansion Application

Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: During a detailed legal briefing on Tuesday, the Will County Landfill Committee received strict instructions regarding their conduct during...

Ad-Hoc Committee: Bath House Regulations Updated; Removes 60-Day Licensing Window

Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to the regulations governing bath houses and...

Land Use Committee Rejects Shorewood Solar Farm Despite 25-Year Lease Offer

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee voted against recommending a controversial solar farm proposal...

« Previous
1
…
46
47
48
49
50
…
165
Next »