The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were down -3,400 while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The October monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -2,400 to +8,400, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, unchanged from the preliminary October unemployment rate. The November payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved Commonwealth Edison’s refiled multi-year grid plan (2024-2027) with modifications. The Commission approved $1.5 billion in investments and system improvements needed to strengthen power grid reliability and support the ongoing electrification of the state’s power system. The decision cut the utility’s proposed $2.0 billion in spending by approximately 25 percent.

As part of continuing its mission to capture accurate and consistent court data from all 102 counties, the Illinois Supreme Court announced the creation of a Data Task Force (Task Force). Data is crucial to state courts for effective case management, court performance, allocating resources efficiently, making informed decisions, understanding the communities the courts serve, and maintaining public trust through transparency and accountability.

With 25 crashes related to violations, 12 state troopers have been injured, and Chicagoland remains a hotspot for these dangerous incidents. Scott’s Law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching any vehicle with flashing emergency lights. Violators face serious consequences, including hefty fines, license suspensions, and possible jail time for severe offenses. In the past eight weeks alone, six crashes tied to Scott’s Law violations occurred in the Chicago area, with three state troopers injured badly enough to require hospitalization. State Police say these incidents highlight the ongoing risks they face daily.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Minimum wage workers will see an increase on their paystubs in 2025. Minimum wage workers are not the only ones who can see an increase on their wages. “So for tipped workers you know, it goes up to $9 dollars an hour. It was set at 8 dollars and 40 cents, so it goes up to nine. And, for those child workers or those under the age of 18, it will go up to $13 dollars," explained Jason Keller, the Assistant Director for the Illinois Department of Labor. . This is the 7th and final minimum wage increase, with the first one being in January of 2020.