Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment rises again; growth continues in Champaign
(The Center Square) – The unemployment rate in Illinois has risen to 5.2%, according to data released onThursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
The state’s March unemployment rate is up from 5.0% reported for February.
The Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, however, saw its 14th consecutive month of year-over-year job growth.
UTILITY TRANSPARENCY BILL ADVANCES WITH CAVEAT
The Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee has passed a utility charge transparency measure after the bill sponsor in the Senate promised an amendment.
House Bill 5524 requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to maintain a website detailing electric charges and the amounts from those charges that are remitted to the state or retained by the utility.
State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said she would hold the bill on second reading as conversations continue.
TREASURER ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN STATE RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced transition plans for the state’s retirement savings program for private-sector workers.
Frerichs said Illinois Secure Choice will become My Illinois Savings next month and will feature lower fees and technology improvements.
The treasurer’s office said no contributions, withdrawals or transactions will be processed during the transition from 3 p.m. on June 11 through June 14.
STATE FAIR TO HOST FREE CONCERT WITH .38 SPECIAL
The Illinois State Fair has scheduled a free concert with southern rock band .38 Special on Aug. 17. No ticket is required, but attendees must go through security screening before entering the grandstand.
Gates open at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17. The state fair is scheduled from Aug. 13-23.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
U.S. Supreme Court denies Florida request to sue over immigrant CDLs
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for May 21, 2026
Judge says federal rule blocks Illinois from banning ‘swipe fees’
Canadians, Brits stress U.S., Texas are key to shipbuilding
Tariff litigation expands as federal court weighs next move
Democrats dissatisfied by DOJ’s pause on ‘anti-weaponization fund’
Hegseth calls allied defense ‘bad deal for taxpayers’ in budget push
Pritzker touts state spending to cover federal cuts in passed budget
I-95 quintuple fatal: Federal agency subpoenas state of New York
Illinois lawmakers give raises to diversity commissioners they criticized
Report: Credit card debt projected to decrease $61B
Taxpayer risk cited after Bears stadium bill stalls
