Illinois quick hits: Nearly 10,000 fewer jobs; temporary amnesty for delinquent taxpayers
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Judges Rebecca Pallmeyer and Virginia Kendall on multiple documents, including one stating his filing restrictions were rescinded.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
Lincoln-Way East Cheerleaders Honored for 8th State Championship
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
District 210 Reports Insurance Deficit Amid National Healthcare Cost Spikes; Finances Remain Stable
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending
Lincoln-Way Board Ratifies Three-Year Support Staff Contract with Significant Hourly Raises
Frankfort Seeks Public Vision for Downtown Urban Design
Green Garden Residents Seek Frankfort’s Support in Opposing 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
State of the College: Local Legislators Bolster Student Support Services
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for February 5, 2026
State of the College: Dual Credit Program Enrollment Hits 6,000 Students
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Finance Committee for February 3, 2026
Fairmont Neighborhood Plan Update Prioritizes Infrastructure and Beautification Following Demographic Shift