(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s joblessness rate in August was 4.7%, down slightly from July, but still higher than the national rate of 4.5%. While the biggest gains came from private education and health services, the Illinois Policy Institute said only 5,900 jobs were created in Illinois from August 2024 to August 2025.
(GRANITE CITY) U.S. Steel says customer demand has driven the company to begin the process of restarting one of its two blast furnaces at Granite City Works. Company officials say it is confident in its ability to safely and profitably operate the mill to meet 2026 needs while putting hundreds of employees back to work. Officials accredit the Granite City reopening to President Trump’s merger deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon earlier this year.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Museum has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Established in 1877 and headquartered in Springfield, with branch facilities in both Lewistown and Lockport, conducted a year of self-study before hosting a site visit by peers.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2025 Gold Star Christmas tree lighting is set for this afternoon at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum & Library in Springfield. The tree, dedicated to Illinois heroes who lost their lives in combat, will be decorated by Gold Star families in attendance, which is scheduled to begin at 1:00 later today.