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 Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
U.S. companies dodge global tax in OECD deal
Trump frets over looming Supreme Court decision on tariffs
Greene posts about burgers, appropriation bill on final day in office
In wake of Minnesota fraud, Abbott directs investigation into childcare programs
Illinois quick hits: Fatal police-involved shooting investigated
Report: More people continue leaving Illinois than arriving
Trump on alleged fraud: ‘Not gonna pay Illinois’
Trump admin signals possible shift as Myanmar election takes place
Illinois paid nursing break now law, divides lawmakers
Maduro, wife plead not guilty in first court appearance
Trump’s capture of Maduro unlikely to slow U.S. overdose deaths
Illinois quick hits: Leaders take credit for lower Chicago crime
