Prairie State Wire

Richard Charles Ware passed away on Oct. 16. Below is the obituary.

Illinois sees rise in payroll jobs; unemployment remains stable

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has reported an increase in nonfarm payrolls by 7,100 jobs for September, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 5.3 percent. This data is based on preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and was released by IDES.

First EME-positive tick found in Lake County prompts health advisory

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the discovery of a tick in Lake County that tested positive for Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (EME), marking the first such case in the state. EME is a bacterium transmitted through blacklegged tick bites, potentially causing human ehrlichiosis—a serious disease that requires prompt treatment to avoid complications. The IDPH's Vector Control Program has alerted healthcare providers in Northern Illinois to remain vigilant for signs of ehrlichiosis.

First case of rare bacterial infection from ticks found in Lake County

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced the discovery of the first tick in Illinois testing positive for Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (EME), a bacteria that can lead to human ehrlichiosis.

Illinois sees rise in payroll jobs but stable unemployment rate

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported an increase in nonfarm payrolls by 7,100 jobs in September, while the unemployment rate remained stable at 5.3 percent. This data was based on preliminary information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and released by IDES. A revision to August's figures showed an increase from 800 to 6,700 jobs, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 5.3 percent.

Shawna Lynn Cuddy, 44, Remembered for Love of Family, Animals, and Enthusiasm for Life

Shawna Lynn Cuddy passed away on Oct. 15. Below is the obituary.

Sharon A. Geisler Remembered for Her Kindness and Love of Family

Sharon A. Geisler passed away on Oct. 15. Below is the obituary.

Illinois State Board of Elections met Oct. 16

By Philip Gonzales | Oct 17, 2024

Illinois State Board of Elections met Wednesday, Oct. 16

Illinois Liquor Control Commission met Oct. 16

By Philip Gonzales | Oct 17, 2024

Illinois Liquor Control Commission met Wednesday, Oct. 16

Illinois seeks sign language interpreter for mental health center

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health (IDHS/DMH) is currently looking to hire a Human Services Sign Language Interpreter. The position is based at the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center in Chicago, Illinois. The role involves interpreting for civil and forensic psychiatric inpatient consumers who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Deaf-Blind.

Stink bugs move indoors as temperatures drop

Falling temperatures bring the usual signs of autumn, but they also herald the arrival of stink bugs. These pests, officially known as brown marmorated stink bugs, are native to China and have been in the United States since the late 1990s. They pose a threat to various plants, from residential landscaping to agricultural crops like soybeans, apples, and pears.

Illinois receives $60.4 million in VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans during Q3

The VA issued 186 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Illinois during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Illinois experiences lower inflation rate than national average as of September 2024

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

Jeanne Ives:'Does Martha Raddatz want to comment?'

In an October 15 post on X, Jeanne Ives challenged ABC News host Martha Raddatz by quoting an article that said, "Yes, gangs did take control of our apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado, and the government did nothing."

Elaine Mary Knowles, 94, Remembered for Dedication to Family and Love of Reading

Elaine M. Knowles passed away on Oct. 14. Below is the obituary.

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Chicago Region met Oct. 15

By Philip Gonzales | Oct 16, 2024

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Chicago Region met Tuesday, Oct. 15

Illinois State Board of Education met Oct. 16

By Philip Gonzales | Oct 16, 2024

Illinois State Board of Education met Wednesday, Oct. 16

Illinois State Board of Education, Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole met Oct. 15

By Philip Gonzales | Oct 16, 2024

Illinois State Board of Education, Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole met Tuesday, Oct. 15

State releases cannabis sales figures for September 2024

The state has released the adult-use cannabis sales figures for September 2024. The report shows that a total of 3,999,904 items were sold during the month. In-state residents accounted for $106,079,925.08 in sales, while out-of-state residents contributed $30,428,941.70. This brings the total sales for September to $136,508,866.78.

Pritzker suspends fuel tax requirements for hurricane relief efforts