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%.
Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
No-knock warrant legislation brings Chicago victim, Illinois gun group together
Trump promises ‘complete demolition’ in Iran as deadline looms
‘We leave no American behind’: President Trump details Easter rescue of downed airman
Michigan charges dentist in alleged ‘massive’ Medicaid fraud scheme
Illinois bill sparks debate over police privacy vs. public access
Signature process begins to ban large data centers in Ohio
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran’s benefits challenge
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban
Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’
Tiffany vows to end subsidies for data centers in Wisconsin
Firefighter age bill stalled despite union backing
Early Offensive Surge Powers Barrington Past Lincoln-Way Central 10-1
JJC Trustee Alleges Board Exclusion, Discriminatory Policies During Tense Meeting
