Illinois quick hits: Unemployment down; Rivian supplier gets tax incentives

Illinois quick hits: Unemployment down; Rivian supplier gets tax incentives

Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Judiciary Comm. to take on bill targeting lawsuit investors

Judiciary Comm. to take on bill targeting lawsuit investors

By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The House Judiciary Committee is set to consider action against companies that invest in American lawsuits – an often-lucrative arrangement that encourages...
Trump announces 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran

Trump announces 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump on Monday said any nation that does business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on imports as massive protests in the...
Illinois congressman hails health care win, experts question Senate path, costs

Illinois congressman hails health care win, experts question Senate path, costs

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman praised a bipartisan House vote extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, framing the...
GOP senator wants budget transparency; Dems describe open process

GOP senator wants budget transparency; Dems describe open process

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois state senators return to Springfield, Democrats and Republicans disagree over the level of transparency in...

WATCH: Illinois sues over public safety tactics around immigration enforcement

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois is suing the Trump administration, alleging the tactics being used to enforce public safety around immigration...
Illinois voices collide as Trump’s Maduro arrest fuels war powers debate

Illinois voices collide as Trump’s Maduro arrest fuels war powers debate

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has triggered a constitutional debate over executive power, dividing...
Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire

Illinois Supreme Court justice to retire

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Cetner Square) – Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis has announced her retirement from the Illinois Supreme Court, effective...
Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say

Bridge payment a ‘bandage,’ Illinois farmers say

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois corn grower says the $12 billion taxpayer funded bridge payment the Trump administration announced will...
Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning

Even with new rule, Illinois lawmakers could restrict inmate mail scanning

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has a permanent rule in place for electronic mail processing, but...
WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares recent comments...
Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Child care funding unfozen Federal child care and welfare dollars for Illinois and four other states are unfrozen after a U.S....
Will County Board Graphic.04

Board Members Debate “Commitment to Truth” in Media Resolution

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A proposal to demand the reinstatement of the "Fairness Doctrine" for news media sparked a philosophical debate on...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Executive Committee: Speaker VanDuyne and Member Butler Clash Over Removal of Committee Chair

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: A heated exchange erupted during the January 8 Executive Committee meeting when Member Daniel Butler challenged Speaker Joe...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Board of Education for Jan. 7, 2026

Beecher Board of Education Meeting | Jan. 7, 2026 The Beecher Board of Education convened for a special meeting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Beecher High School Library....
Will County Finance Logo

Finance Committee: County Appropriates Fees from $25 Million Wilmington Warehouse Project

Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Finance Committee approved the appropriation of an administrative fee tied to a major industrial renovation in Wilmington....