Prairie State Wire

Illinois Supreme Court hears food truck ordinance arguments

By Kyla Asbury | Jan 28, 2019

The Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments Jan. 23 in a case challenging the constitutionality of Chicago laws that regulate food trucks.

Wirepoints: Rauner's exit no cause for celebration now that Pritzker is in

By Glenn Minnis | Jan 28, 2019

Illinois residents may soon come to realize a change of scenery in the Governor’s Mansion may not be enough to give the state a different look.

From North Cook News

ISRA director expects new legislature to introduce multiple anti-gun measures

By Glenn Minnis | 6 years ago

Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association, is warning members that he believes Senate Bill 107, aimed at banning “assault weapons,” will not be the last attack on legal gun owners.

McGlasson discouraged by lack of response to meeting request

By W.J. Kennedy | Jan 25, 2019

All Republican Committeeman John McGlasson says he is likely to get out of his call for a special meeting of the state GOP after the shellacking the party took in November is a chance to speak his mind at the party’s regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 9 in Bolingbrook. If he can make his way onto the agenda.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES: IDNR Announces 2019 State Pheasant Fund Project Grants

By Press release submission | Jan 25, 2019

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced the approval of $241,533 in grants for two wildlife pheasant habitat projects through the Illinois State Pheasant Fund Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: Public Hearing set for proposed Industrial HEMP Regulations

By Press release submission | Jan 25, 2019

Written public comment period open through February 11

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY: Most Metro Areas Continue Adding Jobs

By Press release submission | Jan 25, 2019

Unemployment rates increased over-the-year in December in thirteen of Illinois's metropolitan areas, and decreased in one, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Energy Assistance Available

By Press release submission | Jan 25, 2019

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that income qualified households can apply for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Illinois to offer federal workers affordable loans

By Kyla Asbury | Jan 24, 2019

Illinois will offer $100 million in state funds to help federal government workers affected by the partial shutdown in the form of low-interest or interest-free loans.

GOP chair Schneider holding Pritzker to redistricting promise

By Glenn Minnis | Jan 24, 2019

The pressure is building on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to make good on his campaign promise of implementing a fair and balanced redistricting map.

ILLINOIS GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER: Treasurer Frerichs Lead $100 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown

By Press release submission | Jan 23, 2019

Gov. Encourages Illinois Banks and Credit Unions to Support Furloughed Federal Workers; IL Dept. of Commerce to Offer Winter Heating Assistance to Impacted Federal Workers

LEEF: Should the recreational use of marijuana be legalized now?

By Jeffrey Leef | Jan 21, 2019

The tens upon tens of people who voted for me and have read my commentaries know I am an enemy of hypocrisy and can be, at times, a tad bit sarcastic; however, today I attempt to set aside most of the snark and sticks with the relevant facts regarding marijuana.

Wheatland trustee: AG Madigan failed to go after Blagojevich

By Karen Kidd | Jan 21, 2019

Former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan deferred to her father, powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and the Democratic Party by not going after Gov. Rod Blagojevich a decade ago, a Wheatland Township Board trustee said during a recent interview.

Heartland Institute Fellow disputes Pritzker, others on climate change

By Kyla Asbury | Jan 21, 2019

A senior fellow at the Heartland Institute believes Gov. J.B. Pritzker used debunked climate-change claims in his inaugural address to Illinois.

West Loop Ventures partner applauds university insuring against loss of Chinese students

By Glenn Minnis | Jan 21, 2019

Jeff Carter really doesn’t see many losers in schools such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looking to protect their rapidly growing international student base.

GOP chair Schneider not reassured after Pritzker inaugural speech

By Glenn Minnis | Jan 21, 2019

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider says he walked away from new Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s inaugural address feeling more fearful for the state than ever.

Former Kendall County GOP chair: AG Madigan should have done more

By Karen Kidd | Jan 21, 2019

Former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan could have done far more to root out public corruption, including going after Gov. Rod Blagojevich a decade ago, a prominent Kendall County Republican said during a recent interview.

Wirepoints president says Pritzker can't keep campaign promises

By Kyla Asbury | Jan 18, 2019

Ted Dabrowski, president of the website Wirepoints, says Gov. J.B. Pritzker's first act as governor of Illinois confirms what Wirepoints predicted before he took office: He will not keep promises he made while campaigning.

Morrison: Public colleges should make local, not Chinese, students a priority

By Glenn Minnis | Jan 18, 2019

A growing trend that has international students pouring onto college campuses here in the United States has Illinois state Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) worried about the futures of students here at home.

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Snow, plummeting temps, strong winds bring challenging travel conditions this weekend

By Press release submission | Jan 18, 2019

IDOT prepared for winter storm, urges public to avoid unnecessary trips