Illinois Quick Hits: Unemployment holds at 5.1% in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate was 5.1% in June, unchanged from the revised May number.

Total nonfarm payrolls saw a fourth consecutive over-the-month increase, up 1,500 to 6,164,400.

The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs increases included leisure and hospitality at +3,000, professional and business services at +2,300, and private education and health services at +1,600.

SMALL BIZ OPTIMISM INDEX RISES

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.1 points in June to 97.4, nearing its 52-year average of 98.0.

The Uncertainty Index fell 2 points from May to 89, remaining well above its historical average of 68.

NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said small business owners remain wary of market and policy fluctuations.

LAWSUIT FILED OVER BLOCKED TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION IN ELGIN

A religious group has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Elgin, claiming that a 59-year-old court order is unconstitutionally blocking the construction of a Hindu temple.

Umiya Mataji Sanstha Chicago Midwest filed the complaint on Tuesday. Elgin’s city council gave preliminary approval to the plan but suspended final approval due to the 1967 order that restricts the land for industrial uses.

Plaintiffs say the order is unconstitutional because it violates the free practice of religion under the First Amendment.

CYCLOSPORA CASES

With about 60 cases of cyclospora reported in Chicago this year, city officials are urging residents to take precautions when handling fresh produce.

The Chicago Department of Public Health says people are usually infected with the parasitic illness by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. The agency encourages residents to wash fresh produce under running water, scrub firm fruits and vegetables with a produce brush, remove damaged or bruised areas and wash hands, utensils and surfaces before and after handling food.