(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced yesterday that the state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.1% in May. The number is seven-tenths of a percentage point (0.7%) higher than it was one year ago in May 2025. Total non-farm payrolls say a third consecutive over-the-month increase last month, up 6,000 to 6.2 million. The nation’s joblessness rate for May came in at 4.3%, unchanged from the month earlier in April.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation elevating the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission to the cabinet-level Illinois Department of Disability Advocacy and Guardianship. Among other things, House Bill 862 creates a new advisory council within the department, joining the current Division of Legal Advocacy and Division of Disability Rights and Protections. The new department will begin operations next year, on July 1st, 2027.
(MARION) Federal agents have charged eight people, who were in America illegally, with using stolen Social Security numbers to work at a window supply business just across the Illinois state line in Paducah, Kentucky. Authorities arrested a total of thirteen foreign nationals during the operation, which occurred between June 2021 and August 2025. Those not charged criminally in the sting will be held in custody, pending removal proceedings and potential deportation.
(EDWARDSVILLE) Illinois State Senator Jason Plummer will host two upcoming I-Cash events the first of next week to help statewide residents reclaim unclaimed property. Since 2015, more than $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans with the unclaimed property including everything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payments, stocks, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes. In partnership with the State Treasurer’s Office, no reservations are needed, just show up property identification. That’s this Monday from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Constitution Bank in Troy and Tuesday from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Constitution Bank in Carlyle. For more information check the Senator’s website at senatorjasonplummer.com.