Illinois quick hits: Unemployment estimates little changed; State Fair discounted ticket sales

October 28, 2025/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Unemployment estimates little changed

The Chicago Fed Real-Time Unemployment Rate Forecast estimates the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly unemployment rate at 4.35% for October, little changed from its last reported value for August.

The report indicators include layoffs and other separations, a hiring rate for unemployed workers and a forecast of the monthly BLS unemployment rate.

Arrest made after fatal crash

Illinois State Police say they have arrested a Calumet Park woman in connection with a fatal crash on I-57 earlier this month.

The incident was reported around 4:38 a.m. on Oct. 12, when two vehicles collided near 112th Street. ISP says Antonio Antenez-Espinoza, 42, exited his vehicle and was fatally struck by an SUV that did not stop after the collision.

Qyeenie E. Neal, 25, was identified as the driver and is charged with failure to report a fatal accident.

State Fair discounted ticket sales

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be offering discounted Illinois State Fair passes next month.

From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, Mega Passes will be available for $70 and Mega Passes for $80.

IDOA will also offer discounts on 11-Day Adult and Senior Admission Books.

The 2026 Illinois State Fair is scheduled from Aug. 13 to Aug. 23, 2026.

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