By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs

According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois lost 9,900 nonfarm jobs in the year ending August 2025.

The state’s unemployment decreased in six metro areas, increased in four, and remained unchanged in two.

The statewide unemployment rate went from 5.3% in August 2024 to 4.7% in August 2025.

Chicago man allegedly forges judges’ signatures

A Chicago man is charged with forging the signatures of two U.S. district court judges.

Federal prosecutors allege 67-year-old Watler Brzowski forged the signatures of Judges Rebecca Pallmeyer and Virginia Kendall on multiple documents, including one stating his filing restrictions were rescinded.

Each of the 11 counts is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers

The Illinois Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers to take advantage of the 2025 Illinois Tax Amnesty Program, which allows payment of eligible past-due tax liabilities and have penalties and interest forgiven on taxes paid in full during the amnesty period.

Eligible liabilities are taxes due from periods ending after June 30, 2018, and prior to July 1, 2024.

Taxpayers must make full payments Oct. 1, 2025, through Nov. 17, 2025.