May 21, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate still more than 5%

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate was unchanged last month at 5.1%, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The number of unemployed persons in April was up 0.8% from March, and up 12.7% over the same month one year ago.

The national unemployment rate for April was 4.3%.

HIGHER SUMMER ELECTRIC PRICES START JUNE 1

The Citizens Utility Board says Ameren and ComEd customers can expect higher electricity bills after summer supply rates kick in next month.

CUB said Ameren’s summer rate is more than 29% higher than its current price, and ComEd’s summer price represents a roughly 50% increase over two years ago.

ComEd said customers could pay an average of 12% more on their monthly bills.

MIDWAY BLITZ INDICTMENT

A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Chicago man with using his vehicle to assault a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during Operation Midway Blitz last October.

Diego Emmanuel Reyes, 21, is accused of ramming his SUV into the ICE officer’s vehicle and pushing the vehicle forward.

If convicted, Reyes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

LANES TO REOPEN FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

The Illinois Department of Transportation says lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen where possible for Memorial Day weekend.

IDOT says non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. on Friday, to 11:59 p.m. Monday,

LINCOLN LOG CABIN SITE TO WELCOME VINTAGE BASEBALL

The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Coles County is hosting a 19th century-style baseball game and picnic on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Admission is free.

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