Prairie State Wire

Stephanie J. Jasik passed away on Oct. 6. Below is the obituary.

Kevin Phillip Makowan, 35, Remembered for his Adventurous Spirit and Love for Family

Kevin Phillip Makowan passed away on Oct. 6. Below is the obituary.

Officials highlight free Chicago area smoke alarm installation program

State and local fire safety officials gathered at the Lansing Fire Department to emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms and promote a no-cost installation program for residents in the Chicago area. Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera highlighted the state's commitment to community safety through programs like "Be Alarmed!" He noted, "Sadly, in 2023 there were 89 residential fire deaths in Illinois with the majority of these deaths occurring in homes without working smoke detectors."

Youth wingshooting clinics and pheasant hunts open for application in Illinois

Young hunters aged 10 to 17 are invited to apply for wingshooting clinics and pheasant hunts scheduled for October. The events will be held on October 19 at Edward R. Madigan State Park in Logan County and on October 26 at Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in DeWitt County.

VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Illinois average $324,756 for Q3

The VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Illinois for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024 averaged $324,756, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Daniel B. Kosiek, US Marine Corps Veteran, Remembered as Loving Husband and Father

Daniel B. Kosiek passed away on Oct. 5. Below is the obituary.

Johanna Becker Remembered as a Beloved Mother and Nana

Johanna Becker passed away on Oct. 5. Below is the obituary.

Illinois emphasizes fire prevention week with focus on working smoke alarms

Governor JB Pritzker has declared October 6-12 as Fire Prevention Week in Illinois. This announcement comes as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that working smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half. Alarmingly, three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

Illinoisans urged to vaccinate as respiratory virus season begins

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is advising residents to take preventive measures as the respiratory virus season begins with the onset of fall. The department emphasizes the importance of vaccinations against COVID-19, flu, and RSV for those eligible.

Average Illinois household has spent $30,683 in extra inflation costs since 2021

As of August 2024, Illinois experienced a 20.5% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.3% increase.

Illinois' Battle with 2024 Measles Outbreak: Numbers climb as of week ending Oct. 5

By F. K. Mccarthy | Oct 6, 2024

Latest CDC data shows measles cases in Illinois for 2024 are now estimated within the range of 50-99, marking no change compared to the previous figures updated as of week ending Sept. 28.

Who made the biggest political contributions in Illinois during week ending Aug. 17?

The top 100 political contributions made during the week ending Aug. 17 found here.

Top campaign contribution recipients in Illinois as of week ending Oct. 5

The following political organizations received the most campaign contributions in Illinois as of week ending Oct. 5.

Analysis: Illinois one of 25 states allowing boys to play girls’ high school sports

An analysis by Prairie State Wire shows that, following President Biden's new Title IX protections in April 2024, which redefined “sex” to include “gender-identity,” Illinois is one of 25 states that allow boys to play in girls' high school sports.

Mary K. Schwarz, Former Owner of Weddings & Whirls, Passes Away at 90

Mary K. Schwarz passed away on Oct. 4. Below is the obituary.

Linda M. Dolmer, Beloved Wife and Mother, Passes Away at 79