Prairie State Wire

Illinois October 2023 unemployment: Still an outlier and now creeping upward

By Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner | Nov 30, 2023

The latest labor report for October shows Illinois still has the nation’s 3rd-worst unemployment rate in the country. A 4.6 percent jobless rate means 297,000 Illinoisans are unemployed.

Illinois announces return of fall covers incentive program with pre-enrollment option

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 30, 2023

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is launching the fifth year of its "Fall Covers for Spring Savings" program. This initiative allows participants to pre-enroll by entering and validating their information starting December 4, 2023, at 8:00 A.M. CST. Applications will be accepted from December 15, 2023, at 8:00 A.M. until January 15, 2024, at 11:59 P.M.

Chicago's prepaid wireless surcharge drops to 3% in January

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 30, 2023

Effective January 1, 2024, the surcharge rate for prepaid wireless telecommunications services within Chicago will decrease. The rate will be reduced from 9 percent to 3 percent.

Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board met Sept. 20

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Nov 30, 2023

Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board met Wednesday, Sept. 20

Illinois Mental Health Planning & Advisory Council Development Subcommittee met Oct. 26

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Nov 30, 2023

Illinois Mental Health Planning & Advisory Council Development Subcommittee met Thursday, Oct. 26

Top campaign contribution recipients in Illinois for the week of Oct. 8

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 29, 2023

The following political organizations received the most campaign contributions in Illinois during the week of Oct. 8.

USDA declares disaster in five Illinois counties after severe weather

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 29, 2023

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a disaster declaration for several counties in Illinois following severe weather events that occurred earlier this year. The declaration covers Christian, Hancock, McDonough, Sangamon, and Washington counties due to damages from a derecho and tornadoes on June 29-30, 2023.

Illinois completes I-280 Mississippi River Bridge renovation

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 29, 2023

Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), announced the completion of a significant infrastructure project in Rock Island County. The project involved installing a new deck on the Interstate 280 Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. Mississippi River Bridge, enhancing one of Illinois' key travel corridors for smoother and safer transit.

Illinois State Board of Education met Sept. 19

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Nov 29, 2023

Illinois State Board of Education met Tuesday, Sept. 19

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Institutional Review Board met Oct. 24

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Nov 29, 2023

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Institutional Review Board met Tuesday, Oct. 24

Pritzker celebrates completion of major I-57 upgrades under Rebuild Illinois program

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 28, 2023

Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), marked the completion of significant improvements on Interstate 57 in Chicago and its southern suburbs. This project is part of a broader initiative funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital program, aimed at enhancing infrastructure across the state.

Illinois Product Holiday Market returns with local goods and family activities

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 28, 2023

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is set to host the Illinois Product Holiday Market in downtown Springfield from December 1st to 3rd. The event will take place on the "Y Block" north of the Governor's Mansion.

Disaster unemployment assistance available after Cook County flooding

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 28, 2023

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has announced the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for eligible individuals in Cook County affected by flooding in September. This follows a major disaster declaration issued by President Biden on November 20, 2023. The DUA benefits are funded federally through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Medicaid Advisory Committee, N.B. Stakeholder Subcommittee met October 23

By Corazon L. Gonzales | Nov 28, 2023

Medicaid Advisory Committee, N.B. Stakeholder Subcommittee met 3:30 p.m. Monday, October 23.

Illinois State Board of Education, North Chicago Independent Authority met Oct. 24

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Nov 28, 2023

Illinois State Board of Education, North Chicago Independent Authority met Tuesday, Oct. 24

Illinois State Board of Education Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children met Oct. 24

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Nov 28, 2023

Illinois State Board of Education Advisory Council on the Education of Gifted and Talented Children met Tuesday, Oct. 24

Illinois Department of Revenue issues warning on online threats during holiday shopping

By Prairie State Wire | Nov 27, 2023

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has issued a reminder for taxpayers in the state to stay vigilant against potential online threats as they engage in Black Friday and holiday shopping.

From West Cook News

Dem super PAC tied to Senate President Harmon fined $99,500

By West Cook News | 1 year ago

A politically influential Democratic political action committee, All For Justice, has been fined $99,500 by the Illinois Board of Elections for neglecting to report its spending activities that contributed to the successful election of two Illinois Supreme Court justices. The committee received significant donations from one of the political funds belonging to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, with Luke Casson – an attorney representing Harmon – serving as chairman and treasurer.

East St. Louis School District 189 Financial Oversight Panel met Oct. 23

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Nov 27, 2023

East St. Louis School District 189 Financial Oversight Panel met Monday, Oct. 23

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Springfield Region met Oct. 24

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella | Nov 27, 2023

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Springfield Region met Tuesday, Oct. 24