The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, down -1,100 (0.0%), while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent in January, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The December monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +8,800 to +12,200 while the revised unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, -0.3 percentage point lower than the preliminary December unemployment rate of 5.2 percent. The January payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

American rapper, singer and songwriter Snoop Dogg will perform at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Wednesday, August 13. Snoop Dogg has reigned for nearly three decades as an unparalleled force who has raised the bar as a globally recognized innovator. Along with being a rapper, Snoop is an actor, record producer, DJ, media personality, businessman and icon.

Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Jerry Costello II, along with key stakeholders representing farmers, research institutions, and food banks, appeared before the General Assembly's House Agriculture & Conservation Committee hearing to discuss federal funding cuts and tariffs – which amount to taxes on working farmers.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced the investment of more than $112 million through water infrastructure loans to local governments and water districts for the first half of Fiscal Year 2025 (July – December 2024). The Illinois EPA State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program provides low-interest loans which fund wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water projects. Included in these investments is more than $9.9 million in loan forgiveness, provided to those recipients meeting the loan rules for either the Small Community Rate or Hardship Rate.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs will host a celebration on Tuesday, March 4 in honor of Women’s History Month. This event is an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of women in Illinois and present awards to active leaders in the community. The media is invited to attend. The program will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at noon in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL.