Prairie State Wire

State GOP Chairman on Blagojevich commutation: 'Important' that those found guilty serve entire prison sentence

By Glenn Minnis | Aug 20, 2019

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider argues that commuting the sentence of now-jailed former Gov. Rod Blagojevich would send the wrong message in a state still notorious for political corruption.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AND FAMILY SERVICES: State's child support agency launches book drive to promote family togetherness during Child Support Awareness Month

By Press release submission | Aug 20, 2019

HFS employees and Illinois residents asked to donate books and money to encourage reading

Tax proposal, lawmakers to be featured at ICU Grassroots Activist Conference on Saturday

By Glenn Minnis | Aug 19, 2019

A session outlining how to fight an Illinois tax proposal and speeches from lawmakers and candidates will highlight the fourth annual Illinois Conservative Union (ICU) Grassroots Activist Conference, set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

Schneider exhorts people to 'Fight the Machine' at Republican Day

By Glenn Minnis | Aug 19, 2019

Illinois Republican Party chairman Tim Schneider struck a concerned-but-hopeful note for state residents at Thursday’s Republican Day event with his “Fight the Machine” message.

Chicago state senator Sandoval criticized for mock assassination attempt against Trump at fundraising party

By Glenn Minnis | Aug 19, 2019

Illinois Republican Party chairman Tim Schneider blasted state Sen. Martin Sandoval’s apology for allowing a man to point a fake assault rifle at a caricatured image of President Donald Trump at one of his campaign fundraisers as too little, too late.

ILLINOIS EXECUTIVE ETHICS COMMISSION: Gov. Pritzker Announces Two Appointments to the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission

By Press release submission | Aug 19, 2019

Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration:

Hit-and-run driver charged with killing Normal’s Corey Cottrell a step closer to deportation, not prosecution

By W.J. Kennedy | Aug 16, 2019

A McClean County judge increased the likelihood that Jose Rodriguez, 27, the immigrant in the country illegally charged in the June 22 hit-and-run death of Normal’s Corey Cottrell, 39, will be deported before facing prosecution.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS: IDVA-IDPH Respiratory Illness Notification

By Press release submission | Aug 16, 2019

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are investigating 9 confirmed communicable respiratory illnesses and 3 possible illnesses among residents at the Illinois Veterans' Home - Quincy (IVHQ). Symptoms were exhibited by residents during the period of July 24, 2019 - August 10, 2019.

ISRA Director: Restrictive gun laws 'make the bad guys' job easier and safer'

By Glenn Minnis | Aug 16, 2019

Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard A. Pearson says that lawmakers who pass restrictive gun laws "only disarm the law-abiding citizens and make the bad guys’ job easier and safer.”

ILLINOIS GOVERNOR'S OFFICE: Gov. Pritzker Launches Connect Illinois, a $420 Million Statewide Broadband Expansion Under Rebuild Illinois

By Press release submission | Aug 15, 2019

Cross-Agency Effort Hosted Online at www.illinois.gov/ConnectIllinois

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH: Ticks in Illinois Found to Have Heartland Virus

By Press release submission | Aug 14, 2019

Protect yourself from tick bites

From Lake County Gazette

Pritzker signs bill requiring comptroller to maintain online checkbook

By Glenn Minnis | 6 years ago

State Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) is celebrating the enactment of House Bill 313, a bill he sponsored that requires the state comptroller to maintain an online checkbook of the state’s finances.

Thomas More Society seeking clients to fight Illinois’ “exceptionally evil” abortion rights law

By W.J. Kennedy | Aug 13, 2019

The Thomas More Society, a Chicago-based public interest law firm, is looking for clients to challenge Illinois’ Reproductive Health Act, the nation’s most extreme abortion rights law rushed through the General Assembly and signed into law by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 12.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: Employers no longer can ask for past salary information

By Press release submission | Aug 13, 2019

A change in state law effective in September prohibits requesting wage or salary history

ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Announces Additional $2,500 Closing Cost Grant to be Used with Existing Programs

By Press release submission | Aug 12, 2019

First-time and repeat homeowners can now receive up to $12,500 in assistance to purchase a home in Illinois

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH: Number of Hospitalizations Potentially Tied to Vaping Increases

By Press release submission | Aug 9, 2019

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has received reports of six young people experiencing severe breathing problems after vaping, and is investigating five more individuals.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY: Illinois DoIT's Inaugural Year Brings Digital Progress for State

By Press release submission | Aug 8, 2019

Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) observes one year as a state agency, recognizing digital achievements accomplished during the initial year.

Man in country illegally who allegedly struck and killed Normal’s Corey Cottrell could be out on bail Saturday

By W.J. Kennedy | Aug 8, 2019

The family of Normal hit-and-run victim Corey Cottrell, 39, is devastated with McLean County Judge Scott Drazewski’s ruling on Thursday to reduce bond for, Jose Rodriguez, 27, the man who is in the country illegally and charged with driving the van that struck and killed Corey on June 22.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES: Illinois Launches $20 Million Funding Opportunity for 2020 Census

By Press release submission | Aug 7, 2019

IDHS seeks eligible community organizations and local governments to encourage full participation in the 2020 Census in Illinois

IPI analysis suggests Illinois is on financial brink

By Adam Eisenberg | Aug 7, 2019

According to an analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute, the state's' fragile economy could be facing a perfect storm as the 2020 election season approaches.