Illinois quick hits: Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs; temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers

September 25, 2025/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs

According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois lost 9,900 nonfarm jobs in the year ending August 2025.

The state’s unemployment decreased in six metro areas, increased in four, and remained unchanged in two.

The statewide unemployment rate went from 5.3% in August 2024 to 4.7% in August 2025.

Chicago man allegedly forges judges’ signatures

A Chicago man is charged with forging the signatures of two U.S. district court judges.

Federal prosecutors allege 67-year-old Watler Brzowski forged the signatures of Judges Rebecca Pallmeyer and Virginia Kendall on multiple documents, including one stating his filing restrictions were rescinded.

Each of the 11 counts is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers

The Illinois Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers to take advantage of the 2025 Illinois Tax Amnesty Program, which allows payment of eligible past-due tax liabilities and have penalties and interest forgiven on taxes paid in full during the amnesty period.

Eligible liabilities are taxes due from periods ending after June 30, 2018, and prior to July 1, 2024.

Taxpayers must make full payments Oct. 1, 2025, through Nov. 17, 2025.

Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence; ‘peacekeeper’ arrested for battery

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Guatemalan national guilty of illegal presence A Guatemalan national has pleaded guilty to being illegally present in the United States after...

Frankfort Board Denies Greenhouse and Pool Variances, Citing Zoning Intent and Setback Impact

Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board denied two separate residential zoning variances for a large greenhouse and a swimming pool, signaling a strict interpretation of village code even when faced...

Trump tariffs drugs, furniture, heavy trucks to ‘protect’ U.S. markets

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump announced a fresh wave of tariffs Thursday on imported pharmaceutical drugs, some building supplies and heavy trucks that he said is to...

WATCH: Trump supports expanding Antifa terror designation internationally

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square On the heels of President Donald Trump designating Antifa a domestic terror organization, he said he supports expanding the designation internationally. The Center Square asked...

2022 GOP nominee makes second run for governor

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, is making a second run for Illinois governor. Bailey launched his...

Oklahoma to start Turning Point chapters at all high schools

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Former Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters announced this past week a partnership with Turning Point USA to initiate chapters at every high school in the...

Comey indicted on obstruction charges over Russia-Trump collusion testimony

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Thursday on charges that he lied to Congress when he denied claims that he leaked classified documents to...

California education system support efforts to restrict ICE

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The California education system continues to fight U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement amid new laws claiming protection for students and California residents. With the Trump...

Tariffs, looming government shutdown fuel fears in Colorado

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado Democrats are warning Trump-backed tariffs and a looming federal government shutdown could drive up costs and cause economic insecurity for Coloradans, sparking sharp pushback...

WATCH: Pritzker creates governors group as IL legislators debate increased energy bills

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday announced the creation of a new group of governors impacted by...

Attorneys general file amicus brief supporting DEI policies

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Illinois, California and Massachusetts are co-leading a coalition of Democratic attorneys general from 17 states filing an amicus brief to a lawsuit fighting federal orders...

Illinois lawmaker, physician pushes back on Trump Tylenol announcement

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois health officials push back on new federal guidance, saying Tylenol use in pregnancy does not...

Auto industry’s check engine light flashes as Trump’s tariffs hit

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The stock of the largest seller of used vehicles fell more than 20% on Thursday after the company released lower-than-expected earnings the day after the...