Illinois quick hits: Illinois unemployment rate rises to 5.2%

Illinois unemployment rate rises to 5.2%

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that the state's unemployment rate increased to 5.2%, while nonfarm payrolls increased nearly 13,000 in July.

The national unemployment rate was 4.3% in July, up from the previous month. Based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.

Comptroller susends payments to Dolton

Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza is immediately suspending all “offset” funds to the Village of Dolton. “Offset” refers to money collected from state payments the comptroller withholds from people who owe traffic tickets or other money to municipalities such as Dolton.

Mendoza’s office said the suspension is because for about two years now, the administration of Mayor Tiffany Henyard has refused to turn over the annual reports all municipalities are required to file with the Illinois Office of Comptroller, including an annual financial report, a financial audit, and three Tax Increment Financing District reports.

Lil Wayne draws record crowd

Lil Wayne brought big numbers to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand Wednesday night.

Illinois State Fair officials announced that 15,427 people attended the show, surpassing previous records set in 2011.

The top ticket seller was previously Jason Aldean, who filled 15,329 seats in 2011, followed by Florida Georgia Line in 2014.