Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

January 8, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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%.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

'There is no excuse': air traffic controllers, pilots urge Congress to end shutdown

‘There is no excuse’: air traffic controllers, pilots urge Congress to end shutdown

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As air traffic controllers and other federal workers missed a full paycheck Tuesday, growing numbers of labor unions and advocacy groups are calling on Congress...
IL state rep: Reckless immigration policies led to fatal crash

IL state rep: Reckless immigration policies led to fatal crash

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state lawmaker blames “reckless immigration policies” after a crash killed Coles County Board Member...
WATCH: Primary election petitions filed; redistricting consideration for veto session

WATCH: Primary election petitions filed; redistricting consideration for veto session

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop highlights some of...
Illinois quick hits: Unemployment estimates little changed; State Fair discounted ticket sales

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

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe 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...
Ex-CPS investigator says smeared as ‘racist,’ fired over corruption probes

Ex-CPS investigator says smeared as ‘racist,’ fired over corruption probes

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A Hispanic former deputy corruption investigator has accused the Chicago Public Schools of firing her because she refused to relent in investigating...
Illinois quick hits: Group criticizes elections board vote; charges filed in Clark County crash

Illinois quick hits: Group criticizes elections board vote; charges filed in Clark County crash

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Group criticizes elections board vote A government integrity and accountability group says Democratic members of the Illinois State Board of Elections...
WATCH: Illinois veto session to resume with potential taxes and fees on the table

WATCH: Illinois veto session to resume with potential taxes and fees on the table

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Fall veto session is scheduled to resume Tuesday for lawmakers at the Illinois Capitol. State Rep. Marcus...

WATCH: Illinois Democrats talk redistricting to ‘neutralize’ Republicans

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois lawmakers are having conversations about changing the state’s congressional map. U.S. House...
Screenshot 2025-10-25 at 12.42.59 PM

Will County Committee Grapples with $8.9 Million Budget Gap After Contentious 0% Tax Levy Vote

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | October 21, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Finance Committee held a contentious debate over how to close an $8.9 million budget shortfall...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for October 16, 2025

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 for October 16, 2025

LW210 Board of Education Meeting | October 16, 2025 The Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, was dominated by news that the district's support...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Township Board of Trustees for September Meeting

New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | September 11, 2025 The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees meeting on September 11, 2025, which began with a moment of silence...
Screenshot 2025-10-17 at 11.24.23 AM

Lincoln-Way to Purchase New Buses, Add Smaller Vehicles to Address Driver Shortage

LW210 Board of Education Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 plans to update its transportation fleet by purchasing 28 new gasoline-powered school buses, three activity buses,...
New Lenox Township.2

New Lenox Officials Join Solar Coalition, Explore Potential Resident Rebates

New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | September Article Summary: New Lenox Township is now involved in a local solar power initiative, with a trustee attending the introductory meeting...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees for October 13, 2025

Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | October 13, 2025 The New Lenox Village Board took several actions to advance public safety, community development, and village events at...