Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

January 8, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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%.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Michael Farrell

Homer Glen Man Charged with Reckless Discharge, Battery to Deputy Following Standoff

Article Summary: Michael Farrell, 52, was arrested after firing over a dozen shots from his home, triggering a SWAT response and a shelter-in-place order for neighbors on December 28. Deputies...
Monee Township Graphic.3

Township Board Approves $445,358 for Food Pantry Construction

Monee Township Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary:The Monee Township Board approved a significant capital expenditure to fund the construction of a new food pantry. The decision follows...
CTA must pay $3M to woman convicted of killing, dismembering landlord

CTA must pay $3M to woman convicted of killing, dismembering landlord

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The Chicago Transit Authority must pay nearly $3 million to a woman who was struck by a bus, even though jurors were...
Trump: 'Illinois is worse' as HHS enforces verification for child care funding

Trump: ‘Illinois is worse’ as HHS enforces verification for child care funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says states will not receive matching child-care funds until...
Illinois quick hits: 700,000 customers' health information potentially exposed

Illinois quick hits: 700,000 customers’ health information potentially exposed

By The Center SquareThe Center Square IDHS announces health information potentially exposed Protected health information for more than 700,000 customers of rehabilitation services and Medicaid and Medicare savings programs may...
As Illinois ends grocery tax locals can replace, food inflation debate continues

As Illinois ends grocery tax locals can replace, food inflation debate continues

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman’s warning that Americans are paying more for groceries is drawing pushback from economists...
Chief Lemming

Beecher bids farewell to Chief Lemming following retirement

BEECHER – The Village of Beecher is officially bidding farewell to Police Chief Lemming, who retired effective New Year’s Eve following four and a half years of service to the community....
Monee Truck Damaged

Monee Fire Truck Damaged

The Monee Fire Protection District was working at a rollover accident on I-57 on January 1st about 1:30 pm. The fire engine was positioned at an angle to provide protection...
Monee Township Logo.1

Monee Township Approves 2025 Tax Levies Following Truth in Taxation Hearing

Monee Township Board Meeting | Nov. 20, 2025 Article Summary:The Monee Township Board of Trustees adopted tax levies for both the township and the road district following a public hearing....
Will County Board Graphic.03

Homer Glen Landscape Business Granted Extension Due to Utility Delays

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a second extension for a special use permit for a landscaping business in Homer Glen....
Will County Board Graphic.01

New Lenox Used Car Dealership Approved with Conditions

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a special use permit allowing a used car dealership to operate in an industrial park...
Will County Board Graphic.02

County Board Approves Women’s Residential Treatment Center in Joliet

Will County Board Meeting | December 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved zoning changes to allow the Existential Counselor Society to open a women’s residential treatment...
Everyday Economics: Housing takes center stage as we ring in the new year

Everyday Economics: Housing takes center stage as we ring in the new year

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square As we step into a new year, housing data takes center stage. After the Christmas holiday, markets are shifting from reflection to recalibration – and...
White business owners are biggest share of Illinois' diversity-preferred contract group

White business owners are biggest share of Illinois’ diversity-preferred contract group

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' initiative to boost the amount of state contract money it awards to businesses owned by racial...
Illegal entries into Arizona plummet, 60% fewer gotaways than in Biden years

Illegal entries into Arizona plummet, 60% fewer gotaways than in Biden years

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square In President Donald Trump’s first year in office, illegal border crossings in Arizona plummeted to record lows. They represent roughly a 92% drop from illegal...