Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly
US Steel reopening Granite City furnace
U.S. Steel says customer demand has driven the company to begin the process of restarting one of two blast furnaces at Granite City Works.
U.S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt said in a statement that the company is confident in its ability to safely and profitably operate the mill to meet 2026 demand.
The Granite City reopening comes after President Donald Trump’s administration agreed to a merger deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon earlier this year.
Unemployment down slightly
The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate in August was 4.7%, down slightly from July but higher than the national rate of 4.5%.
According to the Illinois Policy Institute, only 5,900 jobs were created in Illinois from August 2024 to August 2025.
The biggest gains came from private education and health services, which added 18,600 positions.
State Museum reaccredited
The Illinois State Museum has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
ISM said it conducted a year of self-study and hosted a site visit by peer reviewers to earn the accreditation.
Established in 1877, the Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities in Lewistown and Lockport.
Christen Smith contributed to this report.
Mostly Clear
Latest News Stories
Capital Imp Committee: Begins Drafting Policy to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in County Government
Public Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee
Public Works Committee Considers Taking Over Kankakee County Line Road to Expedite Bridge Repairs
Peotone Man Charged With Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage at New Lenox Target
Executive Committee: Update to Land Resource Management Plan; Solar Farms and Rural Zoning Dominate Discussion
Will County Committee Adds Path to Citizenship Support to Federal Agenda
Health Department Outlines Major Reduction in Consensus Vaccine Schedule
Public Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements
Mokena Village Board Appoints New Capital Engineer and Police Staff
Finance Committee: Scholarship Tax Credit Discussion Halts
Will County Health Department Reports Rise in Respiratory Illnesses, Updates on Facility Issues
Public Works Committee Delays Vote on State Police License Plate Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns
