Illinois quick hits: Criminal justice grants announced; unemployment rate unchanged
Criminal justice grants announced
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority has announced $50 million in taxpayer-funded grants for historically underserved communities.
ICJIA says it will allocate $35 million to support community reentry from the criminal legal system, economic development, and civil legal aid programs, with another $15 million slotted for youth development and violence prevention initiatives.
The state budget for fiscal year 2026 appropriates a total of $180 million in taxpayer funds for ICJIA.
DCFS scholarship applications open
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is accepting applications for the 2026 DCFS Scholarship Program until March 31.
Scholarship recipients receive up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers if they attend a public university or community college, a monthly grant of $1,577 to offset other expenses and a medical card.
In 2025, DCFS awarded scholarships to 334 college-bound youth. Applications are available online.
Unemployment rate unchanged
The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Tuesday that the state’s unemployment rate was 4.4% in November, unchanged from September.
November’s rate was down -0.5 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Total nonfarm payrolls were down 0.2% in November.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Lawmaker criticizes surplus spending bill
Monee Updates Dumpster Ordinance to Include ‘Bagsters,’ Issues Code Compliance Reminders
Township Approves $4,000 in Scholarship Funding for Local Organizations
Salvation Army rehab ‘enrollees’ who work at thrift stores aren’t ‘employees’
Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge
Will County Kicks Off Comprehensive Land Resource Management Plan Update with Focus on Proactive Zoning and Environmental Justice
Infighting and Calls for Resignation Disrupt Will County Board Meeting
Board Cautious on Abating $53,448 from 2025 Tax Levy
