Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025
Primary election ballot certified
The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the March 2026 primary ballot this week, removing several Republican candidates for governor after upholding petition challenges.
Remaining on the GOP gubernatorial ballot is Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, James Mendrick and Rick Heidner. Gov. J.B. Pritzker will be unchallenged in the Democrats’ primary March 17.
For U.S. Senate Candidates, Democrats will have 10 to choose from, Republicans six.
Indictments increased in 2025
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois says it cracked down on crime and implemented new policies in 2025.
Statistics the office released show indictments were up 34% compared to the previous year.
The office also touts more focus on mass transit safety, health care fraud investigations and immigration enforcement efforts.
Unemployment rate forecast
The Chicago Fed Real-Time Unemployment Rate Forecast is estimating the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly unemployment rate at 4.56% for December, matching the actual BLS unemployment rate for November.
The December 2024 unemployment rate was 4.09%.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Judge: SCOTUS ruling doesn’t necessarily end block on Trump DEI orders
Illinois quick hits: Man charged with threatening Trump; judge grants injunction in shelter funding case
WATCH: IL GOP Rep: Sanctuary expansion bill may expose many to civil lawsuits
WATCH: Family, friends remember Bailey family at celebration of life
WATCH: Amid criticism, Pritzker defends using expletive to tell Trump where to go
New Lenox Fire District to Hire EMTs to Combat Paramedic Shortage
Election integrity advocates urge reform after Illinois scores low in global survey
WATCH: Pritzker’s rhetoric criticized; tax amnesty program; status of Guard lawsuit
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union; Paprocki reacts to assisted suicide bill
New Lenox D122 Board Approves $74.1M Budget for 2025-26 School Year
New Lenox Park District Advances $1.5 Million Bond Plan for Playground Overhauls and Future Projects
Appeals court: IT firm can’t make insurer foot bill for $28M face scan deal
