Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

December 5, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

US Steel reopening Granite City furnace

U.S. Steel says customer demand has driven the company to begin the process of restarting one of two blast furnaces at Granite City Works.

U.S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt said in a statement that the company is confident in its ability to safely and profitably operate the mill to meet 2026 demand.

The Granite City reopening comes after President Donald Trump’s administration agreed to a merger deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon earlier this year.

Unemployment down slightly

The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate in August was 4.7%, down slightly from July but higher than the national rate of 4.5%.

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, only 5,900 jobs were created in Illinois from August 2024 to August 2025.

The biggest gains came from private education and health services, which added 18,600 positions.

State Museum reaccredited

The Illinois State Museum has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

ISM said it conducted a year of self-study and hosted a site visit by peer reviewers to earn the accreditation.

Established in 1877, the Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities in Lewistown and Lockport.

Christen Smith contributed to this report.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

will-county-board.2

Will County expands safety initiatives across facilities

Will County has implemented new safety protocols and training programs across its facilities, including the selection of department safety monitors and participation in community health education events. Each county department...
will-county-board.3

Leglislative Committee Meeting Briefs

Federal Grant Deadline Extended: The Surface Transportation Reauthorization deadline has been extended to May 30 for policy submissions, with both House and Senate committees actively seeking stakeholder input ahead of...
will-county-board.3

Speed Limits Reduced on Two Township Roads

The committee approved new speed zones for two township roads based on engineering studies showing current limits exceed safe driving speeds. Offner Road in Green Garden Township will have a...
will-county-board.2

Will County Finance Committee Approves Juvenile Detention Center Upgrades

Committee votes to keep facility operational, moves forward with compliance modifications Will County Finance Committee members voted unanimously Monday to recommend keeping the River Valley Detention Center operational and making...
will-county-board.2

Major Grade Separation Projects Advance with Engineering Contracts

The committee approved two significant engineering agreements for major railroad overpass projects totaling over $4 million. TranSystems Corporation received a $4,003,256 contract for construction engineering services on the Lorenzo Road...
County-Board-Room

County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project

The committee authorized the State's Attorney's Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80. Eight property parcels are...
will-county-board

Solar Farm Access Approved for Manhattan-Arsenal Road

The committee granted access approval for a solar farm development on Manhattan-Arsenal Road approximately 1,000 feet east of Cherry Hill Road. The MCH Solar 1 project, developed by Soltage LLC,...
will-county-board.3

Will County Finance Committee Meeting Briefs

Budget Transfers Approved: The Finance Committee approved transferring $18,643 within the Supervisor of Assessments budget to move funds from software licensing to computer hardware purchases. Animal Protection Services Funding: Committee...
will-county-board.2

Public Works Committee Briefs

Major Projects Update: Construction continues on several major projects including the 80th Avenue expressway overpass, Laraway Road widening near Cedar Road, and Bell Road improvements. The Bell Road project at...
will-county-board

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Briefs

Bed donation program: Will County donated old beds from Sunny Hill Nursing Home to Joliet Junior College and Project Cure after the nursing home received all new beds for residents....
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Frankfort Board Approves New Wendy’s on Route 30 With Numerous Modifications

A new Wendy's restaurant is set to be built at the northwest corner of U.S. Route 30 and Frankfort Square Road after the Frankfort Village Board unanimously approved the project...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Historic Downtown Frankfort Property Granted Deck and Patio Variances

The owners of a historic mixed-use building in downtown Frankfort have received approval for six zoning variances to construct a new paver patio and a second-floor rear deck. The Frankfort...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Frankfort Approves $1.3 Million in Bills, Including Annual Insurance Payment

The Frankfort Village Board authorized over $1.3 million in payments at its meeting Monday, with nearly half of the total amount covering the village's annual insurance premiums. Trustees unanimously approved...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for June 2, 2025

Wendy's Project Approved with Multiple Variances: The Village Board gave final approval for a new Wendy's restaurant at U.S. Route 30 and Frankfort Square Road. The project required a major change...
frankfort-park-district.1

Frankfort Park Board Holds Closed-Door Talks on Five Oaks HOA Dispute

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners entered into a closed executive session on Tuesday, May 27, to discuss pending litigation concerning the Five Oaks Park parcel, signaling a deepening...