September 18, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Unemployment down; Rivian supplier gets tax incentives

Spread the love

By The Center Square
The Center Square

Unemployment down

The unemployment rate in Illinois has dropped to its lowest point since July 2023.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced the August rate of 4.4%, based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Total nonfarm payrolls decreased by 13,300 last month. Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll increased by 5,900 jobs.

Rivian supplier gets tax incentives

With support from Illinois tax incentives, OPmobility plans to establish their first Illinois facility in Normal to assemble bumpers for Rivian’s R2.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced the company plans to create 81 new full-time jobs. The Rivian R2 will be available to consumers in 2026.

Bank executive sentenced

A judge has sentenced the former second-in-command of the Bank of O’Fallon to five years and three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges.

Andrew P. Blassie, 70, of St. Louis, was also ordered to pay more than $2.4 million in restitution.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Ava Goble’s Complete-Game Shutout Powers Casey-Westfield Past Richland County 8-0

Senior Ava Goble delivered a masterclass on the mound and at the plate, leading the Casey-Westfield varsity softball team to a commanding 8-0 home conference victory over Richland County on...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Blanks Richland County 2-0 Behind Masterful One-Hit Shutout

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team leaned on a flawless defensive effort and a dominant pitching performance to earn a 2-0 home conference victory over Richland County on Monday. Casey-Westfield pitchers...
U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship

U.S. Navy intercepts, seizes Iranian cargo ship

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square A U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday, President Donald Trump said. The ship named Touska was intercepted in the...

Everyday Economics: Retail sales and housing suggest a resilient consumer

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week, the focus shifts to the consumer, with March retail sales and the National Association of Realtors’ pending home sales report. Both reports are...
Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

Authorities: 8 children killed in domestic shootings in NW Louisiana

By Dan McCaleb and Darren SvanThe Center Square Eight children were killed early Sunday in domestic-related shootings at three Shreveport homes, authorities said. Shreveport Police Department spokesman and public affairs...
Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

Reentry housing bill draws support from advocates; debate centers on cost, public safety

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of Illinois’ proposed “Homes for Good Act” say the measure could reduce recidivism and improve...
Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday

Supreme Court to hear migrant parole case Wednesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court will begin its final oral arguments sitting of the current term on Monday. The justices will hear several high profile arguments...
U.S., Iran to resume talks; Trump issues dire threat

U.S., Iran to resume talks; Trump issues dire threat

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Talks to strike a deal with Iran will reconvene this week ahead of Wednesday’s ceasefire expiration as President Donald Trump issued fresh threats Sunday on...
Trump admin seeks health-care price transparency

Trump admin seeks health-care price transparency

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Taxpayer advocates are applauding the Trump administration over its efforts calling for medical price transparency in federal employee health-care plans while health-care industry leaders are...
Energy industry celebrates Supreme Court ruling in favor of Chevron

Energy industry celebrates Supreme Court ruling in favor of Chevron

By Nolan MckendryThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Chevron is being celebrated by the energy industry, but it does not end Louisiana’s coastal litigation. The...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Massive Fourth Inning Powers Casey-Westfield Past North Central 13-4

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team utilized an eight-run explosion in the fourth inning to break open a tightly contested game, ultimately cruising to a 13-4 non-conference road victory over North...
Illinois proposal aims to improve detection of potentially staged deaths

Illinois proposal aims to improve detection of potentially staged deaths

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Sen. Craig Wilcox, R-Woodstock, says too many deaths initially ruled as suicides may actually be...
Analysis: Homelessness predicted to rise despite policy efforts

Analysis: Homelessness predicted to rise despite policy efforts

By Emily RodriguezThe Center Square Homelessness is predicted to rise, while policies predicted to lower the homeless numbers only address part of the cause, according to analysts. The annual Point-In-Time...
Bachelor’s at Illinois community colleges may widen access, affordability

Bachelor’s at Illinois community colleges may widen access, affordability

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Community colleges in Illinois could soon offer Bachelor’s degree programs to Illinois residents. Officials, lawmakers and students...
Iran reverses course, closes Strait of Hormuz

Iran reverses course, closes Strait of Hormuz

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Less than 24 hours after Iran and President Donald Trump touted the Strait of Hormuz open, the Islamic Republic has reportedly reversed course, closing the...