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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Inflation rises to 3.8%, driven by energy prices
New congressional map expected for Alabama in wake of high court ruling
Manhattan District 114 Explores Joint Community Survey for Fall Strategic Plan
State Legislative Update: Housing Mandates, Mega Projects, and Data Centers Prompt Local Control Concerns
Data center regs proposed as $20 billion, 795-acre Joliet project advances
Labor stats offer mixed bag for Illinois
Lawsuit: IL state VRA unconstitutionally lets Dems divide voters by race
Illinois Quick Hits: State grants offered to tackle ‘challenging’ properties
Officers mourn fallen Chicago cop as policy debate grows
Trump accuses Schumer of election ‘interference’ with New York task force
Poll site gun ban proposal draws pushback
Trump confirms gas tax suspension push as prices hit $4.52
Trump says Iranian ceasefire on ‘life support’
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for May 5, 2026
