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 Clear
Latest News Stories
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Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Township Board of Trustees for February 12, 2026
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St. Charles East Blanks Lincoln-Way Central 10-0 Behind Dominant Pitching and Majkszak’s Power
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for March 3, 2026
New Lenox District 122 Approves Full-Day Kindergarten for 2027-2028, Extends Teacher Contract
New Lenox Park District Set to Launch Massive ADA Audits Across Dozens of Local Parks
