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 then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Judge declines CTU’s motion to dismiss financial audit lawsuit
Illinois pushes rate-hike protections forward despite consumer cost fears
Illinois bill aims to delay 2024 tax sales, protect homeowners’ equity
Illinois Quick Hits: Man on pretrial release charged with fireman’s murder
Manhattan School District 114 Approves $5.75 Million Fund Transfer, Advances Bond Repayment
Will County Targets May Draft for Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Policy
Manhattan Park Board Abates Bond Taxes, Authorizes Legal Intervention in Large Tax Appeals
P&Z Commission Approves Side Yard Setback Variance for Joliet Detached Garage
Executive Committee Advances Sweeping Overhaul of Will County Business Regulations
Manhattan Fire District Fills Full-Time Vacancy, Welcomes Part-Time Members and Interns
Will County Closes Out $16.2 Million Federal Rental Assistance Program, Transitions to Local Funding
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for March 3, 2026
Will County Leaders Debate New Construction to Escape $1.2 Million in Leases
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Fire Protection District for February 17, 2026