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%.

Latest News Stories

Will County Animal Protection Services Advises Against Multi-Campus Shelter Model

Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | April 2, 2026 Article Summary: Following a request for research, the Will County Animal Protection Services administrator reported that Will County...

Executive Committee Advances $15,000 Strategic Plan Initiative

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee unanimously approved a $15,000 agreement with Leap HR Consulting to develop the...

Rich States Poor States: Tax policy largely determines states’ economic competitiveness

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square No matter what a state offers in terms of natural beauty, work and social opportunities, tax and economic policy — as unglamorous as they sound...

P&Z Commission Overrides Staff Denials, Rescuing Special Use Permits for Joliet Wedding Venue and Romeoville Barge Terminal

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to overturn administrative denials for two delayed commercial projects—a...

Will County P&Z Commission Grants Extensions for Joliet Township Solar Farm Ground Cover

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously granted a final deadline extension for a commercial solar...

P&Z Approves Lockport Bounce House Business Expansion

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | April 7, 2026 The commission unanimously approved Zoning Case #ZC-25-137 for Victor H. Lule Huerta, owner of 3262 S. State Street in...

78 pro-life orgs ask DOJ to stop undermining state laws by favoring aborting drug industry

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America led 77 of its pro-life organization colleagues in sending the acting U.S. attorney general a letter asking the Department of...

Illinois Quick Hits: Two of ComEd four released; new trial expected

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...

Will County Treasurer Seeks Policy on Cash Payments as U.S. Mint Discontinues the Penny

Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: With the U.S. Mint ceasing production of the penny, the Will County Treasurer's Office is asking the...

Lend a hand this spring at Volunteer Morning programs

Volunteers are being sought for spring programs that help spruce up the preserves by removing invasive species, controlling brush and planting native plants. Here are the spring Volunteer Morning programs....

Lincoln-Way East Boys Outpace West and Stagg to Claim SWSC Triangular Victory

The Lincoln-Way East Griffins showcased their formidable depth Tuesday afternoon, securing a first-place finish at the boys SouthWest Suburban Conference (SWSC) triangular meet hosted by Lincoln-Way West. The Griffins compiled...

Lincoln-Way East Girls Track Dominates Triangular Meet Against West and Stagg

The Lincoln-Way East Griffins girls track and field team delivered a commanding performance on their home turf Tuesday, April 14, 2026, easily outdistancing Lincoln-Way West and Stagg in a triangular...

Proposed State Legislation Sparks Debate Over Will County Veterans Assistance Commission Budget Control

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: State legislation aimed at granting county boards ultimate approval power over Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) budgets sparked debate...

Chicago suit vs oil cos. may yet survive SCOTUS ruling, judge hints

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Even as the Supreme Court considers a Colorado case that oil companies believe will decide if city and state governments can sue...

Two of ComEd Four released. new trial pending