Sangamon Sun

Illinois' unemployment rate rose to 5.2 percent in July, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The increase of 0.2 percentage points comes as nonfarm payrolls grew by 12,900 during the same period, based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised unemployment rate for June remained at 5.0 percent, while the change in payrolls was adjusted from an initial increase of 10,400 jobs to a decrease of 4,300 jobs.

The sectors with significant job gains in July included Government (+11,400), Private Education and Health Services (+3,400), and Other Services (+2,300). Conversely, Manufacturing (-2,500), Leisure and Hospitality (-1,500), and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-800) saw declines.

"Businesses are fleeing Illinois due to high taxes, unnecessary regulations, and corruption," said one small businessman who supports policies aimed at fostering business growth in the state.

Illinois' unemployment rate was higher than the national average of 4.3 percent for July. Compared to last year’s rate of 4.4 percent for Illinois, this marks an increase of 0.8 percentage points.

Morton Salt announced its relocation from Illinois to Overland Park, Kansas. The company cited a more favorable tax environment as a primary reason for the move after over a century headquartered in Chicago.

In education news, safety concerns rise as children return to school. According to the State Board of Education and Illinois State Police, bus stops pose significant risks for young students boarding or alighting buses due to motorists illegally passing stopped school buses.

Some school districts have implemented new policies restricting student cellphone use on school properties for the upcoming academic year. These measures aim to reduce distractions among students diagnosed with attention-span disorders like ADHD.

The USDA forecasts record yields for corn and soybeans in Illinois this year. Corn yields are predicted at 227 bushels per acre and soybean yields at 70 bushels per acre. However, increased yields may not translate into higher profits due to lower market prices and rising costs for fuel and agricultural inputs.

Legislation introduced by State Representative Jeff Keicher has been signed into law by the Governor to support child victims of human trafficking by facilitating the expungement or sealing of their juvenile records related to involuntary criminal acts committed during their exploitation.

"Victims of human trafficking are vulnerable to committing involuntary crimes and should be protected from criminal charges," said another supporter of Keicher's legislation.

State Senator Erica Harriss emphasized bipartisan cooperation on this issue: "It’s extremely important that we work together to strengthen legislation so that our children are even better protected."

Keicher also urged public awareness regarding human trafficking through resources such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888).