September 18, 2025/
Illinois quick hits: Unemployment down; Rivian supplier gets tax incentives
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.
Thu Jun 18
79° 62°
Sunny
Latest News Stories
College Offers Temporary Kitchen Lease to Deb’s Catering Following Fire
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: To support a local business and community services after a fire, the board approved a temporary lease allowing...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Clark County Board for November 2025
Clark County Board Regular Meeting | November 2025 The Clark County Board met on Friday, November 21, 2025, to finalize the county's financial plans for the upcoming year. The primary...
County Highway Department Secures Funding for Hogue Town Project, Completes Building Upgrades
Clark County Board Regular Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: County Engineer Dallas Richardson reported on the approval of state funding for road work, the completion of a new facility,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for December 15, 2025
Casey City Council Meeting | December 15, 2025 The Casey City Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, marking the final session for retiring Utility Superintendent...
Board Reviews Proposed Tax Levy with Slight Increase Expected
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: Lake Land College administrators presented a proposed aggregate tax levy for 2025 that includes a marginal increase over...
County Freezes Employee Health Insurance Costs for FY 2026
Clark County Board Regular Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: To maintain stability for county employees, the board voted to freeze the current cost of family health insurance plans and...
Police Department Adds New Officer, Introduces Another
Casey City Council Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The City Council approved the hiring of Daniel Martinez to fill the police department's ninth position and formally welcomed recently...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey Township Library Board for Nov. 2025
Casey Township Library Board Meeting | Nov. 2025 The Casey Township Library Board convened twice in November 2025 to manage regular business and advance a major building expansion project. During...
Lake Land College Board Awards $2.5 Million Contract for Front Entrance Improvements
Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved a multi-million dollar contract to overhaul the campus entrances, including...
County Board Approves Proposal for New Rural-Focused Ambulance Support
Clark County Board Regular Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Clark County Board authorized a proposal from H&H EMS Solutions to provide support services for the county's ambulance operations,...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board for December 15, 2025
Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board Meeting | December 15, 2025 The Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District C-4 Board of Education met on Monday, December 15, 2025, to address financial planning and...
Council Hires EJ Water for Certified Operator Services
Casey City Council Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The Council approved agreements with EJ Water to provide certified oversight for the city's water and wastewater systems while the...
Library Highlights Fundraising Success and Holiday Event Plans
Casey Township Library Board Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board received updates on recent fundraising efforts and youth programming participation. Officials noted the receipt of...
Clark County Board Adopts Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Tax Levies
Clark County Board Regular Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Clark County Board formally approved the county's operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year and adopted a comprehensive series...
Casey-Westfield Students Earn Drone Certifications and Ag Awards; Elementary Raises $6,500
Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: Administrator reports presented to the School Board highlighted hands-on learning achievements, including drone certifications for aerospace students and top...