Illinois quick hits: Unemployment down; Rivian supplier gets tax incentives
September 18, 2025/
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.
Latest News Stories
Beecher Board Considers $100,000 Offer Tied to Plum Valley Solar Project
Article Summary: A developer planning a 260-megawatt solar facility near Beecher has offered the village a $100,000 community benefit donation in exchange for a resolution of non-objection for the project....
Will County Board Committee Passes Contentious ‘Live and Work Without Fear’ Resolution on 4-3 Vote
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday narrowly passed a controversial resolution affirming the county's commitment to ensuring all residents...
Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening in Homer Glen Area
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday confirmed the award of a $10.4 million...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, approved a major construction contract and reviewed extensive plans for both county and state transportation initiatives. The...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, held a contentious meeting centered on the county’s finances, narrowly approving a preliminary $161.6 million county-wide tax levy on a...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for October 7, 2025
The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee spent the bulk of its meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, discussing the county’s long-term facilities master plan. Faced with an aging...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for October 2, 2025
The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop...
Will County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for October 9, 2025
The Will County Board’s Executive Committee held a contentious meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, dominated by debates over public access and a controversial resolution concerning immigrant rights. A proposal...
Renovations at Veterans Assistance Commission and Court Annex on Track for Winter Completion
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: Will County's new Veterans Assistance Commission facility in Joliet is projected to be completed by December, while...
Will County Considers First Update to Wastewater Ordinance Since 2016
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: Will County is preparing to update its ordinance governing private wastewater systems, with proposed changes including the...
IDOT Plans to Invest Over $1.3 Billion in Will County Roads Through 2031
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has allocated over $1.3 billion for road and bridge projects in...
Committee Advances 50% Increase in Mental Health Levy on 4-3 Vote
Will County Finance Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday narrowly approved a proposed $12 million levy for the Community Mental Health Board,...
