Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

Illinois quick hits: US Steel reopening Granite City furnace; unemployment down slightly

December 5, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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.

Community Events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Mokena Village Board for July 14, 2025

The Mokena Village Board on July 14 approved a major overhaul of its zoning code, awarded a contract for a significant storm sewer project, and heard plans for a new...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for July 14, 2025

'Whisk & Flame' Culinary Studio Approved: The board approved "Whisk & Flame," an experiential culinary studio, for 10-12 Elwood Street. The project includes four special use permits for entertainment, liquor sales,...
WCO-Exec-Cmte-July-10.1

County Approves School Resource Officer, Multi-Year Planning Requirements

Will County approved hiring an additional sheriff's deputy for a school resource officer position that will be fully funded by Summit Hill School District 161, while also passing new transparency...
WCO-Exec-Cmte-July-10.2

County Addresses Senior Tax Exemption Processing Error

A processing error that cost County Board member Julie Berkowicz $600 in senior tax exemptions has prompted discussions about improving verification systems for property tax breaks. Will County Chief Assessment...
Meeting-Briefs

Executive Committee Meeting July 10 Meeting Briefs

Liquor License Expansion: The county approved increasing Class C1 liquor licenses from eight to nine to accommodate Lockport Gas and Food LLC at 14747 W. 159th Street in Homer Glen....
frankfort-park-district

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Park District Board for June 10, 2025

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners discussed a legal dispute with the Five Oaks homeowners association over park development rules at its Tuesday meeting. Executive Director Gina Hassett reported...
Will-County-Land-Use-July-3.1

Committee Rejects Troy Township Solar Projects Amid Strong Local Opposition

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee recommended denial for two controversial commercial solar energy projects in Troy Township on Thursday, following a wave of opposition from local municipalities,...
Will-County-Land-Use-July3.2

Controversial DuPage Township Rezoning for Outdoor Storage Advances

A contentious proposal to rezone a 20-acre parcel in DuPage Township from agricultural (A-1) to heavy industrial (I-3) for an outdoor vehicle storage facility narrowly passed the Will County Land...
Will-County-Land-Use-July3.2

Residents Allege Health Crises, Violations from Peotone Grain Facility

Two residents of unincorporated Peotone delivered emotional testimony to the Will County Land Use and Development Committee Thursday, alleging that a neighboring grain facility is causing severe health problems and...
Will-County-Public-Health-Safety-Committee-Meeting-July-3-2025

Health Department May Seek Property Tax Increase to Maintain Critical Services

The Will County Health Department is grappling with significant budget shortfalls as multiple federal grants have been terminated or reduced, potentially forcing the agency to seek additional property tax revenue...
Will-County-Land-Use-July-3.1

Crete Township Solar Project Approved Despite Township Objections

A 21-acre commercial solar project in Crete Township received a favorable recommendation from the Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday, despite an official objection from the township....
Will-County-Public-Health-Safety-Committee-Meeting-July-3-2025

Health Department Opens Second Breast Milk Depot in Bolingbrook

The Will County Health Department has opened its second breast milk depot in partnership with Mother's Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, expanding access to donated breast milk for...
Will-County-Land-Use-July3.2

Lockport Township Solar Farm Gains Committee Approval

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday approved a special use permit for a 25-acre commercial solar energy facility in Lockport Township. The project, proposed by Daniel...
Will-County-Public-Health-Safety-Committee-Meeting-July-3-2025

Health Department Plans Back-to-School Fair July 12

The Will County Health Department will host a Back-to-School Health Fair Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Health Center, 1106 Neal Ave., Joliet. The...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for July 3, 2025

Green Garden Township Rezoning for Future Subdivision ApprovedThe committee recommended approval of a map amendment for an 81-acre property on South 88th Avenue in Green Garden Township. The applicant, represented...