Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

December 5, 2025/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

US Steel reopening Granite City furnace

U.S. Steel says customer demand has driven the company to begin the process of restarting one of two blast furnaces at Granite City Works.

U.S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt said in a statement that the company is confident in its ability to safely and profitably operate the mill to meet 2026 demand.

The Granite City reopening comes after President Donald Trump’s administration agreed to a merger deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon earlier this year.

Unemployment down slightly

The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate in August was 4.7%, down slightly from July but higher than the national rate of 4.5%.

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, only 5,900 jobs were created in Illinois from August 2024 to August 2025.

The biggest gains came from private education and health services, which added 18,600 positions.

State Museum reaccredited

The Illinois State Museum has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

ISM said it conducted a year of self-study and hosted a site visit by peer reviewers to earn the accreditation.

Established in 1877, the Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities in Lewistown and Lockport.

Christen Smith contributed to this report.

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