January 30, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment up over last year

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – According to preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois’ statewide unemployment rate for December 2025 was 4.8%, up from 4.4% in December 2024.

Over the year, non-farm jobs decreased in nine of the state’s metropolitan areas and increased in three.

The Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg area has reported 18 consecutive months of job growth.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE

A church official from Illinois is facing a charge of producing child pornography.

Michael William Mohr, 54, is president of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

The affidavit in support of the complaint alleges that searches of residences used by Mohr revealed cameras disguised as electronic devices and videos of juveniles in the bathroom.

STATE AG GRANTS

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced plans to distribute $3.6 million in grants to support local food processing, aggregation and distribution.

Grants will be available for collaborative projects from $1,000 to $250,000 and for individual projects from $1,000 to $75,000. Eligible entities include businesses with fewer than 50 employees, nonprofits and units of local government.

The funds were appropriated in the 2026 state budget.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

TCS stories about Illinois' diversity agency prompts call for audit

TCS stories about Illinois’ diversity agency prompts call for audit

By Jared StrongThe Center Square Illinois diversity commissioners are paid tens of thousands more than other state boards but aren't required to work full time, allowing them to run a...
DOE issues emergency orders to mitigate blackouts in New England, Texas

DOE issues emergency orders to mitigate blackouts in New England, Texas

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued emergency orders to mitigate blackouts in New England and Texas as 24 states have declared an emergency due to...
lake land college.4

First Annual Laker Academic Invitational to be Held for Local High School Students

On Friday, February 6, Lake Land will host local high school students for the first-ever Laker Academic Invitational, a competitive event designed to challenge and recognize academic excellence. During the...
Clark County Graphic.5

Government Shutdown Causing Ambulance Billing Delays

Article Summary: The Clark County Ambulance Service is experiencing delays in Medicare and Medicaid billing due to the federal government shutdown.Ambulance Service Key Points: Billing for Medicare and Medicaid has been...
Everyday Economics: Fiscal reality meets Central Bank caution in week ahead

Everyday Economics: Fiscal reality meets Central Bank caution in week ahead

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square At Davos, Citadel CEO Ken Griffin pointed to Japan's bond selloff – where super-long yields surged and 40-year yields hit record highs – as an...
Tariff uncertainty here to stay regardless of Supreme Court ruling

Tariff uncertainty here to stay regardless of Supreme Court ruling

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Even as small businesses wait for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on President Donald Trump's tariff authority, a supply chain expert says uncertainty around...
Nearly 1M without power as massive winter storm rages

Nearly 1M without power as massive winter storm rages

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Nearly a million American homes are without power as a massive winter storm sweeps the country. According to poweroutage.com, the most impacted areas are...
Walz deploys 1,500 National Guard troops in Twin Cities

Walz deploys 1,500 National Guard troops in Twin Cities

By J.D. DavidsonThe Center Square About 1,500 Minnesota National Guard troops went from standby to active following the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. Gov. Tim...
Lake Land College.6

Epsilon Sigma Alpha Approved as New Student Organization

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025 Article Summary: The board officially recognized Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) as a new student organization on campus. The group...
GOP looks to hold, expand U.S. House majority

GOP looks to hold, expand U.S. House majority

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Republican leadership have approved a rule change to allow the party to hold a midterm election convention. While plans for the midterm convention are not...
Noem defends fatal shooting of armed man in DHS confrontation

Noem defends fatal shooting of armed man in DHS confrontation

By Hayley FelandThe Center Square Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by a Border Patrol agent as an act of self-defense...
Govt. funding process close to finish line as Senate preps for final vote

Govt. funding process close to finish line as Senate preps for final vote

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The ball is in the U.S. Senate’s court to avert a government shutdown Jan. 30, with six fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills signed into law...
Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canada over China deal

Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canada over China deal

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump warned Canada that all its exports to the U.S. could face 100% tariffs if Canada finalizes a deal with China. Trump slammed...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey for January 19, 2026

City of Casey Meeting | January 19, 2026 The Casey City Council met on Monday, January 19, 2026, to address a variety of community and administrative issues. Aside from banning...
Attorneys review Chicago Teachers Union audits following congressional request

Attorneys review Chicago Teachers Union audits following congressional request

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago Teachers Union says it has complied with a U.S. House committee’s request to release financial...