Latest News from Prairie State Wire

Auditors recommend Secretary of State’s office create procedures to avoid misstatements

By Robert Hadley | Apr 23, 2018

The Illinois Auditor General has released its compliance examination for the Office of the Secretary of State for the fiscal year ending June 30. The report was released March 6.

Report: Half of Treasurer's Office monthly appropriation status reports missing documentation

By Robert Hadley | Apr 23, 2018

The Illinois Auditor General's office has released the Office of the Treasurer Nonfiscal Officer Responsibilities Compliance Examination for the two-year period ending June 30. The report was released to the House on Feb. 27.

This week in Illinois history: April 30-May 6

By Robert Hadley | Apr 16, 2018

A Mormon settlement started, the completion of the Sears Tower, and Abraham Lincoln's (arguably) most significant jury trial all happened this week in Illinois history.

This week in Illinois history: April 23-29

By Robert Hadley | Apr 9, 2018

For this week in history, read about the nation's first African-American Catholic priest, the discovery of DNA and hoops great Harry Gallatin.

This week in Illinois history: April 16-22

By Robert Hadley | Apr 2, 2018

The opening of a national nuclear lab, the source of the name of Starving Rock State park, and the Blackhawks capture of their third Stanley Cup took place this week in Illinois history.

This week in Illinois history: April 9-16

By Robert Hadley | Mar 28, 2018

Engineering fraternity launches, first McDonald's franchise opens and historic flood shuts down the Loop this week in Illinois history.

Tight GOP races show Illinois voter frustration

By Robert Hadley | Mar 21, 2018

Although Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) was all but knighted as the Republican heir apparent in the governor’s race, she failed in her bid to topple incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner – but only by 3 percentage points.

This week in Illinois history: April 2-8

By Robert Hadley | Mar 19, 2018

A fictional town launches two actresses' careers, Daley wins first election and one of the most unusual campaign speeches in history is delivered on this day in Illinois history.

Democrats trade barbs during gubernatorial debate

By Robert Hadley | Mar 16, 2018

Just days before the Tuesday primary that will decide who goes on the ballot for governor, three Democratic candidates sparred during an open forum that featured some tense exchanges.

Illinois comes in last in WalletHub tax ranking

By Robert Hadley | Mar 16, 2018

In the wake of the 2017 Illinois budget crisis that left a 32 percent income tax hike in place over Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto, a report has ranked Illinois last in terms of bang for its buck.

Pritzker ties to Blagojevich go back to 1998, Illinois GOP says

By Robert Hadley | Mar 14, 2018

In 1998, then Gov. Rod Blagojevich compared Hyatt Hotel heir J.B Pritzker, who is now vying to be governor, to the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln, a recent Illinois Republican Party release said.

This week in Illinois history: March 26-April 1

By Robert Hadley | Mar 14, 2018

A presidential critic was born, a school band begins journey to nationwide fame, and a tragic Civil War riot broke out, all this week in Illinois' history.

This week in Illinois history: March 19-25

By Robert Hadley | Mar 5, 2018

This week commemorates the first Chicago Auto Show, an infamous teacher strike and a tragic mine accident.

Medium the famed wrigley field marquee. (29988370643)

This week in Illinois history: March 12-18.

By Robert Hadley | Feb 26, 2018

The opening of Wrigley Field, establishment of first blood bank, and deadliest tornado on record all happened this week in Illinois history.

This week in Illinois history: March 5-11

By Robert Hadley | Feb 19, 2018

An Alton activist slams the Equal Rights Amendment, a new Capitol is built and Abraham Lincoln sets his sights on the statehouse in this week in history.

Proposal could threaten private-school funding, Catholic Conference of Illinois director says

By Robert Hadley | Feb 16, 2018

A plan by Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Plainfield) to tie continuation of the Invest in Kids Act, a private-school scholarship program, contingent upon the General Assembly satisfying a minimum funding level for all schools each year, according to a report from the Illinois News Network.