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%.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Trump issues executive order to expedite rebuilding after Los Angeles County wildfires
Illinois Quick Hits: Illinois gains population for third straight year
Chicago mayor calls for local government ‘process’ to prosecute feds
U.S. population growth slows after Trump border policies enacted
Maryland joins mid-decade redistricting fight
Democrats call for Noem’s removal after second fatal shooting by DHS agent
Illinois cannabis industry cautious on child-safety bill, questions focus on regulated products
87 indicted in TdA, Colombian, Venezuelan ATM jackpotting scheme in Nebraska
States, caregivers can now view key metrics for state child welfare systems
More Illinois Catholic schools close; candidates call for change
U.S. effort to limit China’s influence reaches Latin America
Govt. shutdown risk spikes as Senate Democrats vow to tank funding package
