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%.
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education for February 19, 2026
County Approves $1.9 Million for Wilmington-Peotone Road Engineering
County Board Authorizes Audit of Homer Glen Policing Contract; Officials Seek ‘True Cost’ of Services
Soltage Drops Battery Storage Plans, Secures Extensions for Two Crete Solar Projects
Scrap Metal Drop-Off Near Mokena Approved by Single Vote
Landscape Business Approved on Cedar Road Despite ‘Dangerous Curve’ Concerns
New Lenox and Manhattan Approve Updated 20-Year Jurisdictional Boundary Agreement
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for February 10, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for February 5, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for February 18, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Executive Committee for February 11, 2026
Advisory Committee Debates Rigor of Online Summer School Options
Group Presents Allegations of 2024 Voter Roll Errors to County Board
New Lenox Injects Over $250,000 into Crossroads Sports Complex Upgrades and Secures Major Tournament Contracts
