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%.
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Community Park District for August 2025
Pavlov Media to Bring New Fiber Internet Option to New Lenox
Will County to Pay Enbridge $82,000 to Relocate Pipeline Equipment for Exchange Street Improvements
Laraway Road Widening Project in New Lenox and Frankfort Gets Additional $468,000 for Redesign
“Federal Policy Uncertainty” Blamed for Delay of Peotone Solar Farm; County Grants Second Extension
Will County Grants Extensions to Five Solar Projects Sold to New Developers
Will County Board Approves Controversial Drug Recovery Retreat in Crete Township
Winter Start Unlikely for $4 Million New Lenox Fire Station 62 Remodel
New LWSRA Sensory Bus Hits the Road Thanks to $30,000 Donation
Joliet Junior College Honors Seven Long-Serving Employees Upon Retirement
New Lenox Parent Challenges Busing Fee, Cites Safety Concerns and Budget Surplus
New Lenox Demands Over $422,000 From Developer to Complete Public Improvements