Latest News from Prairie State Wire

Illinois' unemployment dips below 5% but still lags nation

By Robert Hadley | Nov 20, 2017

Illinois’ October unemployment figures show modest year-over-year improvement, but the big news from the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report is that the state’s overall unemployment rate has reached a low it hasn’t seen in a decade.

Illinois manufacturing sector seen as idling as Toyota steers away

By Robert Hadley | Oct 25, 2017

The recent decision by Toyota and Mazda against locating their new factory in the DeKalb area has left frustration if not downright puzzlement in its wake, especially since Illinois ranked fourth among the finalists, according to DeKalb County Board Chairman Mark Pietrowski.

Rauner never wavered on pro-choice stance, study determines

By Robert Hadley | Oct 18, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner angered much of his base by turning Illinois into the first state to force taxpayers to fund abortions, but he never lied about his pro-choice stance, according to a fact-check by the Better Government Association (BGA) and PolitiFact Illinois.

Amazon-type 'sweetheart deals' often lead to kissing cash goodbye, group contends

By Robert Hadley | Oct 17, 2017

Amazon’s recent announcement that it was searching for a new headquarters got interested cities across the country scrambling to put together incentives to lure the retail giant, according to Leanna Garfield’s article in Business Insider.

Dems push Pritzker on Madigan backing, say mum won't cut it

By Robert Hadley | Oct 15, 2017

Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker refused to confirm whether House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) was backing his candidacy during a meeting last week of the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association, according to a press release from the Illinois Republican Party.

GOP: Democratic County Chair group falls in line for Madigan, endorses Pritzker

By Robert Hadley | Oct 15, 2017

House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) continues collecting endorsements for J.B. Pritzker, his gubernatorial pick, according to the Illinois Republican Party.