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

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

Spread the love

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

Will County Board Graphic.01

Will County Executive Committee Rejects School Choice Advisory Referendum

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee voted against advancing a resolution that would have placed an advisory referendum...
Screenshot 2025-12-12 at 9.32.57 PM

Frankie’s Pizza Celebrated for 42 Years of Business in Monee

Monee Village Board Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025 Article Summary: The Monee Village Board honored Frank Aprile and Frankie’s Pizza for 42 years of business in the community. Mayor Dr....
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.2

‘Welcome Move’: 815 Mulch-It Granted More Time to Relocate in Homer Glen

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee granted a second extension to a landscape and lawn...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for December 2, 2025

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | December 2, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Will County Board Public Works and Transportation Committee met on December 2, 2025, to address infrastructure contracts,...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.2

Land Use & Development Committee forwards Women’s Residential Recovery Center

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee unanimously recommended approval for a new women-specific residential rehabilitation...
WCO Committee of the Whole

Will County Board Members Question Fairness of New Transit Tax Structure

Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: Will County Board members expressed concerns regarding the funding mechanisms and governance structure of the incoming Northern Illinois...
Screenshot 2025-12-12 at 9.32.51 PM

Iroquois Paving Expands Operations; Tractor Supply Eyeing Spring Opening

Monee Village Board Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025 Article Summary: The Monee Village Board approved land use changes for Iroquois Paving Corporation to allow for outside storage and facility updates...
Congress drags on full year funding bills, risking second govt shutdown

Congress drags on full year funding bills, risking second govt shutdown

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Despite only having until the end of January to pass the remaining nine annual government funding bills, Congress has so far made minimal progress. The...
Exclusive: First Nation reservation grappling with transnational crime

Exclusive: First Nation reservation grappling with transnational crime

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A First Nation reservation located in upstate New York and extends into Canada says it is grappling with transnational and illegal border crosser crime. One...
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning

P&Z Commission Advances Plan for Construction Debris Fill Operation on Brandon Road

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | December 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for a map amendment and special use permit...
WCO Committee of the Whole

Regional Transit Agencies Tout New State Funding, Prepare for Shift to ‘NITA’

Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: Regional transit leaders presented their 2026 budgets to the Will County Board, highlighting that the recent passage of...
Illinois legalizes physician-assisted suicide; critics warn of moral, safety risks

Illinois legalizes physician-assisted suicide; critics warn of moral, safety risks

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950, prompting strong backlash from medical, disability, religious and...
Screenshot 2025-12-12 at 9.32.30 PM

Monee Village Board Approves New Streaming Tax and 2025 Tax Levy

Monee Village Board Meeting | Dec. 10, 2025 Article Summary: The Monee Village Board of Trustees has approved two significant financial ordinances: a new tax on streaming services and the...
IL Dem touts 'great job' on transit, GOP candidate laments 'bailout' for Chicago

IL Dem touts ‘great job’ on transit, GOP candidate laments ‘bailout’ for Chicago

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Taxes and tolls will rise for many Illinoisans in 2026 if Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs legislation to...
Bill designed to protect school kids from sexual misconduct

Bill designed to protect school kids from sexual misconduct

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A new bill meant to protect children was introduced by U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, called the National Educator Safety and Accountability Act of 2025....