July 23, 2026/

Illinois news in brief: Year-over-year unemployment rates rise; Judge gives Rockford woman six months for stealing from booster club; Chicago Fed’s National Activity index rises

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Year-over-year unemployment rates rise

According to data released on Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security for the year ending on June 30, 2026, the unemployment rate increased in 78 Illinois counties, decreased in 13 and was unchanged in 11. Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the state’s twelve metro areas included government in ten areas, and private education and health services in eight areas.

Judge gives Rockford woman six months for stealing from booster club

A former booster club treasurer in Rockford has been sentenced to six months in prison for embezzling more than $44,000. Prosecutors said Shondra McLarty, 55, of Rockton embezzled and stole money from the Tumbling and Acro Boosters club from 2023 to 2024. McLarty was ordered to pay full restitution.

Chicago Fed’s National Activity index rises

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s National Activity Index climbed to –0.02 in June from –0.19 in May, suggesting economic growth increased. The index is a weighted average of 85 indicators of growth in national economic activity.

Governor signs Emmett Till Day legislation

July 25 is now Emmett Till Day in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 4323 on Thursday at the Chicago church where Till’s funeral was held in 1955. Till was born in Chicago in 1941 and grew up in Summit, but he was lynched and killed in Mississippi. State Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet, D-Chicago, said the day is bittersweet because of Till’s unjust murder and the justice system’s failure to hold those responsible accountable but hopeful because future generations will learn Till’s story.

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