Prairie State Wire

Comptroller Susana Mendoza expressed her gratitude to the Governor for proposing reforms aimed at preventing insurers from denying and delaying physician-ordered treatments. She emphasized the importance of removing prior authorization requirements for in-patient mental health care.

Illinois offers free agrichemical disposal in select counties this summer

Residents in 11 counties across Illinois will have the opportunity to dispose of unwanted agrichemicals without charge, courtesy of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's (IDOA) "Clean Sweep" program. The scheduled collection will take place in late summer and includes Bureau, Carroll, Henry, JoDaviess, Lasalle, Lee, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago Counties.

FERC releases commissioners' hearing schedules for 2024

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has released its commissioners' calendars for the year 2024. The calendars provide a detailed schedule of hearings and meetings that are set to take place throughout the year. This release includes specific dates for each month, beginning with January and extending through May.

Illinois orders Sigue Corp. to stop money transmission services

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has ordered Sigue Corp. to halt its money transmission services in Illinois. This decision follows the company's inability to responsibly serve customers due to its worsening financial situation. Illinois joins 38 other states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia in this consent order after Sigue failed to meet outstanding money transmission liabilities, violating state law.

Top campaign contribution recipients in Illinois for the week of Feb. 25

The following political organizations received the most campaign contributions in Illinois during the week of Feb. 25.

Cannabis sales rise steadily through first quarter of 2024

Adult-use cannabis sales in March 2024 reached significant figures, according to the latest data. The total sales for the month amounted to $148,872,065.12. This includes $114,458,207.57 from in-state residents and $34,413,857.54 from out-of-state residents.

Forest Park increases motor fuel tax rate effective July 2024

Forest Park, located in Cook County, will see an increase in its Municipal Motor Fuel Tax rate starting July 1, 2024. This change is permitted under the Municipal Motor Fuel Tax Law and applies to sales of motor fuel at retail within the municipality.

IDOT engineer Porsha Key discusses career journey and community involvement

Porsha Key began her journey with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in 2011 through the rotation program. In 2015, she took on the role of a project studies engineer for District 8 in Collinsville.

Lewis & Clark State Historic Site commemorates expedition's start with weekend events

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford will host the annual Point of Departure Commemoration on May 11 and 12, marking the 220th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The event is free to attend and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

March sees rise in adult-use cannabis sales compared to last year

The latest figures for adult-use cannabis sales in March 2024 have been released, showing a significant increase compared to the same period last year. In March 2024, a total of 4,048,897 items were sold, generating $114,458,207.57 from in-state residents and $34,413,857.54 from out-of-state residents. This brought the total sales for the month to $148,872,065.12.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources hosts webinar on OSLAD grant submissions

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is set to conduct a webinar on May 15 at 11 a.m. for those interested in the Open Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) matching grant program. This initiative provides financial support to local government agencies for acquiring and developing land for public parks and open spaces. The OSLAD program, administered by IDNR, supports projects ranging from small neighborhood parks to large community parks and nature areas.

IDOT portable scales team enhances road safety through truck weight enforcement

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Portable Scales Detail plays a crucial role in maintaining road safety and enforcing weight regulations for commercial vehicles. The team, comprising 12 two-person units, collaborates with the Illinois State Police (ISP) to monitor truck weights across northern, central, and western Illinois.

Cannabis tax rate changes set for July in some jurisdictions

By Prairie State Wire | Apr 16, 2024

Certain taxing jurisdictions will implement changes to their Municipal or County Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax on adult-use cannabis sales starting July 1, 2024. These adjustments have been made through ordinances.

Youth turkey hunters set new record in Illinois

By Prairie State Wire | Apr 16, 2024

Illinois youth turkey hunters achieved a new record during the 2024 season, harvesting a preliminary total of 2,006 birds. This surpasses the previous record of 1,733 set in 2020. The season took place over two weekends: March 30-31 and April 6-7.

Electronic Payments Coalition Chair: Durbin ‘weaponizing the federal government’ as retribution for opposition to credit card regulations

By Prairie State Wire News Service | Apr 15, 2024

Richard Hunt, executive chairman of the Electronic Payment Coalition (EPC), said yesterday that U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has requested a federal hearing on airline credit card and rewards programs as “retribution” for the airline industry’s opposition to Durbin’s proposed credit card regulations.

VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Illinois average $291,027 for Q1

The VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Illinois for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 averaged $291,027, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Number of VA loans issued in Illinois decreased by 20.3% from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued 1,793 home loans totaling $506.8 million in Illinois during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

VA Purchase Loans in Illinois average $288,352 for Q1

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for Illinois in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $288,352, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Illinois honors telecommunicators during statewide Telecommunications Week