Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment up over last year

Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment up over last year

January 30, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents

Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the...
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms

Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a cannabis company subjected female workers at...
Chimney Fire

Manhattan Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on South Egyptian Trail

Article Summary: A chimney fire that extended into the roof of a single-story home in a rural area of Manhattan was quickly brought under control Sunday morning, with no injuries reported...
Police Crime

One Dead, Two Hospitalized Following Overnight Shooting at Crete Family Party

Article Summary: One person was killed and two others were injured early Sunday morning after an isolated, domestic-related shooting erupted during a large family gathering in Crete. Crete Shooting Key Points:...
Phoenix renames Cesar Chavez Day, imposes limits on ICE

Phoenix renames Cesar Chavez Day, imposes limits on ICE

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated with the Phoenix City Council vote on U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement activities. The Phoenix City Council voted...
Gas prices approach $4 a gallon in U.S., $6 in California

Gas prices approach $4 a gallon in U.S., $6 in California

By Liam HibbertThe Center Square The average U.S. gallon of gas neared $4 on Wednesday as California closed in on $6, with prices fueled by the uncertainty around the U.S.-Israel...
Rep: $111 million for community violence intervention is out of touch

Rep: $111 million for community violence intervention is out of touch

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state lawmaker says Gov. J.B. Pritzker is out of touch for spending major tax dollars...
Congress requests documents after reports on California hospice fraud

Congress requests documents after reports on California hospice fraud

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square A California legislator’s investigation into hospice fraud in the Los Angeles area shows that almost 300 licensed hospice providers are tied to a small number...
California, Arizona work on removing Cesar Chavez's name

California, Arizona work on removing Cesar Chavez’s name

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a Phoenix City Council vote. California and Arizona are moving quickly with bipartisan, widespread and emotional...
Maryland climate ruling tees up U.S. Supreme Court case

Maryland climate ruling tees up U.S. Supreme Court case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Maryland Supreme Court, in a 3-2 decision, rejected a lawsuit on Tuesday by climate activists seeking damages from energy companies over their perceived contributions...
IL committee advances speaker’s bill to restrict federal detention centers

IL committee advances speaker’s bill to restrict federal detention centers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House Executive Committee has advanced legislation that would place restrictions on where federal detention facilities...
Poll: 70% of Americans support in-person requirement for abortion pills

Poll: 70% of Americans support in-person requirement for abortion pills

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A new national survey finds widespread support for requiring women to see a doctor in person before receiving abortion pills. The poll, conducted by CRC...
Trump admin says Iran peace talks 'ongoing' as ground forces head to region

Trump admin says Iran peace talks ‘ongoing’ as ground forces head to region

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Mixed signals are being sent on the direction of the conflict with Iran as multiple reports claim ground forces are on their way to the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Report shows governor, comptroller differ on tax credit scholarships

Illinois Quick Hits: Report shows governor, comptroller differ on tax credit scholarships

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has indicated that he might not support a federal tax credit scholarship program that...
Illinois school cell phone ban progresses as many districts already enforce policies

Illinois school cell phone ban progresses as many districts already enforce policies

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A bill banning students from using cell phones during the school day was unanimously recommended to be...