Latest News from Prairie State Wire

Metropolitan Pier Exposition Authority met June 18

By Philip Gonzales | Jun 21, 2024

Metropolitan Pier Exposition Authority met Tuesday, June 18

Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board met June 18

By Philip Gonzales | Jun 21, 2024

Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board met Tuesday, June 18

Illinois Labor Relations Board Local Panel met June 13

By Philip Gonzales | Jun 21, 2024

Illinois Labor Relations Board Local Panel met Thursday, June 13

Free camping offered for those buying tickets for Illinois State Fair

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 21, 2024

The Stay and Play promotion will be available June 26 through July 3.

US Supreme Court affirms due process in ruling on firearm restrictions

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 21, 2024

On June 21, 2024, the US Supreme Court ruled in US v. Rahimi that temporarily restricting a dangerous individual's ability to possess a firearm aligns with the history of the Second Amendment. The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) highlighted that this decision underscores the necessity of due process in matters concerning Second Amendment rights.

Illinois sees slight rise in unemployment rate amid steady job growth

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 21, 2024

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the state's unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage point to 4.9 percent in May, while nonfarm payrolls rose by 12,700. This data is based on preliminary information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The revised unemployment rate for April remained at 4.8 percent, unchanged from the preliminary figure. The monthly change in payrolls for April was also revised from an initial report of a 7,300 job increase to a more modest gain of 1,900 jobs.

Illinois sees slight rise in unemployment despite payroll growth

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 21, 2024

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has reported a slight increase in the state's unemployment rate for May, which rose by 0.1 percentage point to 4.9 percent. This change comes alongside an increase of 12,700 nonfarm payroll jobs during the same period, based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Analysis: Illinois among 24 states affiliated with 'hyper-partisan' voter data group

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 20, 2024

Illinois is among 24 states that are members of a national voter data group accused of partisanship in its work to expand voter rolls and lacking in transparency, an analysis by the Prairie State Wire found.

IDNR allocates $2.6M for flood-damaged property buyouts in East St. Louis

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 20, 2024

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has agreed to provide nearly $2.6 million to the City of East St. Louis to buy out 39 properties that have experienced repeated flooding and flood damage.

August Commission calendar for 2024 now available

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 20, 2024

The 2024 August Commission Calendar is now available for download and viewing.

Average VA purchase loan amount in Illinois increases from 2022 to 2023

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 20, 2024

The average VA purchase loan amount for Illinois in the fiscal year 2023 was $288,295, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Average VA purchase loan amount in Illinois increases from 2021 to 2022

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 19, 2024

The average VA purchase loan amount for Illinois in the fiscal year 2022 was $283,154, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Illinois reports West Nile virus presence in mosquitos across multiple counties

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 18, 2024

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a reminder to the public as mosquito season begins, highlighting the risk of West Nile virus (WNV). The virus has been detected in 13 counties across Illinois. This warning coincides with National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, running from June 16-22.

Illinois Department of Public Health issues warnings amid forecasted high temperatures

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 18, 2024

CHICAGO – With dangerously high levels of heat forecast across Illinois in the coming days, including heat index forecasts approaching 100 degrees, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is warning residents to take preventive actions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

OPINION: George H. W. Bush, Donald Trump have more in common than birthdays

By Richard W. Porter | Jun 17, 2024

George Herbert Walker Bush’s 100th birthday was Wednesday and Donald J. Trump’s 78th is today, a coincidence that invites a comparison between the two men.

Earnings on Illinois' public pension investments increase to $2.6 million in 2022

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 17, 2024

The earnings on investments for Illinois public pensions went up from $2.3 million in 2021 to $2.6 million in 2022, according to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Public Pensions.

Illinois Department of Agriculture unveils new master plan for state fairgrounds

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 17, 2024

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), in collaboration with the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, has unveiled a new master plan for the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The plan aims to maintain the core functions of the Fairgrounds while increasing year-round events, attendance, and revenue.

Who contributed the most in Illinois during week ending April 27?

By Prairie State Wire | Jun 16, 2024

The top 100 political contributions made during the week ending April 27 found here.

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America on abortion pill phone app: ‘Planned Parenthood is enabling abusers to poison or coerce women and girls’

By Prairie State Wire reports | Jun 14, 2024

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has voiced strong opposition to an abortion pill delivery application launched by Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region.