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
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Latest News Stories
Senate confirms Warsh on narrow partisan lines
Illinois Senate passes bill to regulate auto insurance rates
Exclusive: GOP defends report, points to Walz administration failures on fraud
Op-Ed: The FAA’s O’Hare decision is a win for travelers – and for competition
Bill to prevent fraud on elderly, disabled opposed by financial institutions
Legislative Committee Advances Resolution Opposing Kidney Disease Treatment Delegation Act
Cooper gets $31.4M share of $111.2M spend
Appeals court freezes tariff ruling, businesses keep paying
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas tops $5 a gallon
Pretrial Fairness Act invoked as Illinois Supreme Court hears detention case
Border crisis fallout: Midwest prosecutions of SATG crime ongoing
EXCLUSIVE: Medical watchdog urges social work accreditor to remove DEI requirements
Commission Approves Massive Lake Michigan Water Infrastructure Project for Troy Township
