Latest News from Prairie State Wire

Contribution to Raoul's attorney general bid may pose a conflict

By Robert Hadley | Jan 29, 2018

News that Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), part of a crowded field of Democrats vying for the attorney general seat Lisa Madigan is vacating, received a six-figure donation to his war chest might have raised fewer eyebrows if a couple of facts had been left out of the story.

GOP lawmakers move to block Rauner’s “Sanctuary State” plan

By Robert Hadley | Jan 29, 2018

Six Illinois Republican lawmakers have moved to block a bill Gov. Bruce Rauner signed in August exempting illegal immigrants from being deported if local authorities apprehend them on unrelated matters.

This week in Illinois history: Feb. 5-11

By Robert Hadley | Jan 22, 2018

Featured this week are President Ronald Reagan's birthday, a law approving riverboat gambling and the launch of the Boy Scouts of America.

This week in Illinois history: Jan. 22-28

By Robert Hadley | Jan 8, 2018

A blizzard and railyard explosion occur, two historic figures and an All-Star baseball player.

PILF spokesman says automatic voter registration policy isn't being looked at from all angles

By Robert Hadley | Jan 5, 2018

Although Gov. Bruce Rauner’s approval of a bill in August to create an automatic voter registration program in Illinois was largely met with media praise, it stunned some critics – especially since he had vetoed a similar measure a year ago.

Illinois leads nation in out-migration, study finds

By Robert Hadley | Jan 4, 2018

Although Illinois ranks first in the nation on a list recently compiled by United Van Lines, the top position isn’t necessarily good news.

This week in Illinois history: Jan. 8-14.

By Robert Hadley | Jan 1, 2018

Two opera singers, infamous ex-governor and snowstorm lead list of famous Illinois events this week.

This Week in Illinois History: Jan. 15-21

By Robert Hadley | Dec 28, 2017

Chicago's first railroad, birth of Emmy-winning actress and first African-American First Lady

State's rollback on business fees hailed as pro-growth move

By Robert Hadley | Dec 27, 2017

In a move Gov. Bruce Rauner claims will ease the regulatory burden on small businesses, he approved a bill on Dec. 20 that reduces the fees limited liability companies (LLCs) must pay to conduct business in the state.

New ethics inspector set to investigate only 10 of 27 backlogged complaints

By Robert Hadley | Dec 22, 2017

Approximately a month after assuming her role, Special Legislative Inspector General (LIG) Julie Porter said only about a third of the nearly 30 ethics complaints she inherited are worthy of investigation, according to a Dec. 20 memo from the Legislative Ethics Commission.

Helland critical of incumbent secretary of state’s endorsement of Berrios

By Robert Hadley | Dec 22, 2017

Despite corruption accusations against Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, current Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has nonetheless endorsed him, raising concerns with Republican Jason Helland, his opponent in next year's race.

This week in Illinois History: Dec. 18-24

By Robert Hadley | Dec 18, 2017

SCOTUS judge, toy industry pioneer and famed hoops coach among famous citizens with ties to holiday week

State partners with Pepsi to design bicentennial soft drink can

By Robert Hadley | Dec 17, 2017

As part of the yearlong celebration of Illinois’ bicentennial, the state has partnered with Pepsi MidAmerica to release a limited edition soft drink can commemorating the state’s birthday.

Rauner joins farmers in Carmi to talk about industry advances, concerns

By Robert Hadley | Dec 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner visited Big Prairie Farms in southeastern Illinois to hear from the state’s farmers about industry concerns, including how public policy impacts their business, according to a recent press release from the governor’s office.

White House sides with Rauner in union fight

By Robert Hadley | Dec 13, 2017

A 40-year-old policy requiring nonmembers of government employee unions to pay union agency fees may come to an end, as a lawsuit Gov. Bruce Rauner filed challenging the rule heads to the Supreme Court with the Trump administration's blessing.

Bush's attorney general urges caution in reacting to Flynn plea

By Robert Hadley | Dec 6, 2017

In the wake of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's recent guilty plea in the Mueller investigation, Chicago’s Morning Answer hosts Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson pondered the implications with guest Alberto Gonzolaz, former attorney general in the Bush administration.