Illinois quick hits: Unemployment down; Rivian supplier gets tax incentives
Unemployment down
The unemployment rate in Illinois has dropped to its lowest point since July 2023.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced the August rate of 4.4%, based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Total nonfarm payrolls decreased by 13,300 last month. Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll increased by 5,900 jobs.
Rivian supplier gets tax incentives
With support from Illinois tax incentives, OPmobility plans to establish their first Illinois facility in Normal to assemble bumpers for Rivian’s R2.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced the company plans to create 81 new full-time jobs. The Rivian R2 will be available to consumers in 2026.
Bank executive sentenced
A judge has sentenced the former second-in-command of the Bank of O’Fallon to five years and three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges.
Andrew P. Blassie, 70, of St. Louis, was also ordered to pay more than $2.4 million in restitution.
Latest News Stories
Reports: DOJ probing NY AG’s fraud case against Trump
Trump warns of ‘Great Depression’ if appeals court curbs tariff power
Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward
Abbott to call ‘special session after special session’ in response to AWOL Dems
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 8th, 2025
Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes
Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court
WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says
Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment
New poll: 50.2% of Illinois voters view Pritzker unfavorably
WATCH: Pritzker welcomes FBI looking for TX Dems in IL, dismisses bribery question
WATCH: Illinois State Fair: Affordable fun backed by $140M in taxpayer funding