Sangamon Sun

The Illinois unemployment rate increased in August, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Nonfarm payrolls rose by 800 jobs, while the unemployment rate climbed by 0.1 percentage point to 5.3 percent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provided the preliminary data released by IDES. July's payroll change was revised from an initial increase of 12,900 jobs to 10,300 jobs, with the unemployment rate remaining at 5.2 percent.

In August, job gains were most notable in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,300), Construction (+2,200), and Financial Activities (+1,600). Conversely, Leisure and Hospitality (-2,900), Professional and Business Services (-1,600), and Other Services (-1,500) saw declines.

The state's unemployment rate was higher than the national rate of 4.2 percent for August. Compared to a year ago when it was 4.6 percent, Illinois' current rate is up by 0.7 percentage points.

Over the past year, nonfarm payroll jobs in Illinois increased by 36,300 positions. Significant job growth occurred in Government (+35,600), Private Education and Health Services (+26,100), and Other Services (+11,200). However, Professional and Business Services (-27,800), Financial Activities (-5,400), and Information (-4,400) experienced declines.

The number of unemployed workers rose to 343,100 in August—up by 0.4 percent from July and by 15.7 percent from a year earlier.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced changes to operating hours for many DMV offices across Illinois starting September 23. Offices will now open at 7:30 a.m., half an hour earlier than before but will close at 5:00 p.m., half an hour earlier as well.

Giannoulias stated that this adjustment responds to customer demand: "Most Illinois residents who are eligible for DMV visits related to drivers’ licenses are strongly encouraged to make reservations ahead of time."

The Illinois State Fair set a new attendance record this year with 773,000 visitors between August 8 and August 18. This surpasses last year's attendance of 708,000. The event featured performances by Keith Urban, the Jonas Brothers, and the Smashing Pumpkins.

Warm weather has accelerated harvesting activities across Illinois fields this season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that corn maturity reached 63% as of mid-September—significantly higher than the average maturity condition of around 40%. Seventy-seven percent of corn crops were rated as “good” or “excellent.” Soybean conditions mirrored these results with similar ratings for quality and progress in leaf drop.