Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment up over last year
(The Center Square) – According to preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois’ statewide unemployment rate for December 2025 was 4.8%, up from 4.4% in December 2024.
Over the year, non-farm jobs decreased in nine of the state’s metropolitan areas and increased in three.
The Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg area has reported 18 consecutive months of job growth.
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE
A church official from Illinois is facing a charge of producing child pornography.
Michael William Mohr, 54, is president of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
The affidavit in support of the complaint alleges that searches of residences used by Mohr revealed cameras disguised as electronic devices and videos of juveniles in the bathroom.
STATE AG GRANTS
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced plans to distribute $3.6 million in grants to support local food processing, aggregation and distribution.
Grants will be available for collaborative projects from $1,000 to $250,000 and for individual projects from $1,000 to $75,000. Eligible entities include businesses with fewer than 50 employees, nonprofits and units of local government.
The funds were appropriated in the 2026 state budget.
Latest News Stories
Zinc Leaching and Flooding Concerns Dominate Testimony at Will County Solar Hearing
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Special Planning and Zoning Commission for May 12, 2026
Access Will County Dial-A-Ride Reports Massive Growth After Consolidating Paratransit Services
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Recommends Denial of 6,099-Acre Earthrise Solar Project After Court-Ordered Hearing
Judge sets up high stakes baby formula NEC trial vs Mead Johnson
Illinois Quick Hits: Home insurance regulations approved by Illinois Senate
Illinois Senate passes bill to regulate auto insurance rates
Op-Ed: The FAA’s O’Hare decision is a win for travelers – and for competition
Bill to prevent fraud on elderly, disabled opposed by financial institutions
Legislative Committee Advances Resolution Opposing Kidney Disease Treatment Delegation Act
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas tops $5 a gallon
Commission Approves Massive Lake Michigan Water Infrastructure Project for Troy Township
Committee: Capital Improvements Committee Weighs $300 Million Options for Downtown Joliet Campus