Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

Illinois quick hits: Primary election ballot certified; indictments increased in 2025

January 8, 2026/

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Primary election ballot certified

The Illinois State Board of Elections certified the March 2026 primary ballot this week, removing several Republican candidates for governor after upholding petition challenges.

Remaining on the GOP gubernatorial ballot is Darren Bailey, Ted Dabrowski, James Mendrick and Rick Heidner. Gov. J.B. Pritzker will be unchallenged in the Democrats’ primary March 17.

For U.S. Senate Candidates, Democrats will have 10 to choose from, Republicans six.

Indictments increased in 2025

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois says it cracked down on crime and implemented new policies in 2025.

Statistics the office released show indictments were up 34% compared to the previous year.

The office also touts more focus on mass transit safety, health care fraud investigations and immigration enforcement efforts.

Unemployment rate forecast

The Chicago Fed Real-Time Unemployment Rate Forecast is estimating the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly unemployment rate at 4.56% for December, matching the actual BLS unemployment rate for November.

The December 2024 unemployment rate was 4.09%.

Event Calendar

[pdem_events format="calendar" size="xlarge" layout="stacked" exclude_category="sports,library" limit="22" debug="no"]

Events

No events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Litchfield Logo Graphic.4

City Approves 24-Hour Ice Vending Machine and Kayak Kiosk for Lake Lou Yaeger

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: To improve visitor amenities and operational efficiency, the Litchfield City Council approved the purchase of a self-serve ice vending machine...
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.5

Emergency Funds Authorized for Middle School/High School Water Heater Replacement

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education authorized the use of Health Life Safety funds to replace a failed water heater at the...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

City Updates School Resource Officer Agreement to Comply with New State Laws

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Litchfield School District to align with new...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Board Updates School Resource Officer Agreement to Comply with State Law

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Litchfield regarding the School Resource Officer...
snacking

Extension to Host “Smart Snacking” Class at JCH Wellness Center

Article Summary: Local Extension services are partnering with the JCH Wellness Center to host a workshop on Friday, Jan. 30, focused on healthy snacking habits and preparation. Smart Snacking Class...
Screenshot 2026-01-23 at 9.14.13 AM

Water Quality Returning to Normal Following Chlorine Maintenance

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: A representative from CMP reported that the city’s water treatment process has returned to using chloramines, resolving the temporary "chlorine...
montgomery county Graphic Logo.2

Report Warns of “Credible Risk” of Power Shortages in Ameren Territory by 2031

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Montgomery County Coordinating Committee reviewed a state-mandated report warning of electricity shortages starting later this decade. The shortages are driven by rapid data...
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.2

Litchfield Board Approves 2026-2027 Calendar, Opts to Hold School on Casimir Pulaski Day

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education on Tuesday approved a new school calendar that includes...
Montgomery County Highway Committee

Highway Department to Purchase Two Trucks for $615,000

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: Committees approved the purchase of two new Western Star tandem dump trucks for the Highway Department to replace aging vehicles. The total cost for...
Screenshot 2026-01-23 at 9.13.47 AM

Council Rejects Sale of American Legion Building, Plans Future Improvements

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council voted unanimously against declaring the American Legion building as surplus property, effectively halting plans to sell...
Montgomery County Personnel Committee

County Advances Solar Agreement Benefiting Litchfield SCI Center

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Development and Personnel Committee recommended approval of a Community Benefits Agreement with Summit Ridge Energy. The deal includes a direct financial donation to...
Montgomery County Finance Committee

Finance Committee Recommends $30,000 for Fairgrounds Electrical Upgrades

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee voted to recommend a $30,000 donation to the Montgomery County Fair Board to assist with critical electrical...
IL Republicans call for growing tax base, not raising taxes

IL Republicans call for growing tax base, not raising taxes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Statehouse Republicans say it is time for Illinois Democrats to focus on growing the tax base instead...
DHS funding bill teeters as Democrats balk over ICE concerns

DHS funding bill teeters as Democrats balk over ICE concerns

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Congress is racing to advance the last four federal spending bills through the House Rules Committee in time for a floor vote Thursday. But Democratic...
House hearing: Fraud goes far beyond Minnesota

House hearing: Fraud goes far beyond Minnesota

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance heard Wednesday from witnesses on the ongoing Minnesota fraud scandal. Republicans and Democrats on...