Illinois quick hits: Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs; temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers
Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs
According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois lost 9,900 nonfarm jobs in the year ending August 2025.
The state’s unemployment decreased in six metro areas, increased in four, and remained unchanged in two.
The statewide unemployment rate went from 5.3% in August 2024 to 4.7% in August 2025.
Chicago man allegedly forges judges’ signatures
A Chicago man is charged with forging the signatures of two U.S. district court judges.
Federal prosecutors allege 67-year-old Watler Brzowski forged the signatures of Judges Rebecca Pallmeyer and Virginia Kendall on multiple documents, including one stating his filing restrictions were rescinded.
Each of the 11 counts is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
Temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers
The Illinois Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers to take advantage of the 2025 Illinois Tax Amnesty Program, which allows payment of eligible past-due tax liabilities and have penalties and interest forgiven on taxes paid in full during the amnesty period.
Eligible liabilities are taxes due from periods ending after June 30, 2018, and prior to July 1, 2024.
Taxpayers must make full payments Oct. 1, 2025, through Nov. 17, 2025.
Latest News Stories
DEA targets drug smuggling corridors in work with Mexico
Planned restart of California oil production faces legal challenges
Derailment disrupts train service for Chicago, New York, Washington, Miami
Second Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy notably different in tone
Senate pledges economic support for Russia-Ukraine deal as govt funding talks stall
Democratic candidates focus on national politics in campaign for U.S. Senate
Arizona Chamber praises new interstate natural gas pipeline
Dems oppose Trump’s bid to end mail-in ballots, voting machines
After two weeks fleeing Texas, House Democrats return, quorum reached
Trump says court’s tariff decision could lead to ‘catastrophic’ collapse
Trump: Zelenskyy could end Russia-Ukraine war ‘if he wants to’
$750 million facility to protect Texas cattle, wildlife from screwworm threat
Chicago posts fewest homicides since 2016, arrests rate also declines
Three years later, Inflation Reduction Act blamed for higher Medicare costs