Prairie State Wire

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville will host Nature-Culture Day on Saturday, Sept. 28 to introduce visitors to the natural environment of the site and its influence on Mississippian culture.

Illinois State Museum's 'Growing Up X' exhibit receives award for excellence

The Illinois State Museum has been awarded a 2024 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for its "Growing Up X" exhibition, which explores the childhood experiences of Generation X.

President Biden approves Illinois disaster declaration for severe weather

Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed a federal Major Disaster Declaration authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program for Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties.

Bishop Hill to host Jordbruksdagarna harvest festival on Sept. 28-29

Bishop Hill will host Jordbruksdagarna, a 19th-century harvest festival, on September 28-29. Visitors are invited to partake in various activities, demonstrations, entertainment, vendors, and food throughout the village, including at Bishop Hill state historic sites.

Illinois receives $88.8 million in VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans during Q2

The VA issued 316 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Illinois during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Illinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education met Sept. 18

Illinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education met Wednesday, Sept. 18

Illinois State Board of Education Finance and Audit Committee of the Whole met Sept. 18

Illinois State Board of Education Finance and Audit Committee of the Whole met Wednesday, Sept. 18

Illinois State Board of Education, Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole met Sept. 18

Illinois State Board of Education, Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole met Wednesday, Sept. 18

Illinois State Board of Education met Sept. 18

Illinois State Board of Education met Wednesday, Sept. 18

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Peoria Region met Sept. 18

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Peoria Region met Wednesday, Sept. 18

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Egyptian Region met Sept. 18

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Human Rights Authority Egyptian Region met Wednesday, Sept. 18

Illinois agencies launch campaign against unlicensed dental practices

In response to a rise in reported unlicensed dental practices across Illinois, the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) have launched a campaign urging the public to seek dental care only from licensed dentists.

Illinois sees rise in payrolls but also higher unemployment rate

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported an increase in nonfarm payrolls by 800 jobs in August, while the unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage point to 5.3 percent. This data, based on preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), also included a revision for July's job growth from an initial estimate of 12,900 to 10,300 jobs.

IDNR announces nearly $1 million in grants for natural area stewardship

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced nearly $1 million in grants to support 14 stewardship programs managed by land trusts on land protected by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC). These grants are part of the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grant program, which aims to enhance land and water stewardship activities in natural areas permanently protected within the INPC system. The program addresses the growing stewardship needs of natural areas throughout Illinois by funding projects that help land trusts expand staff and purchase...

Illinois sees slight rise in unemployment despite job gains

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls increased by 800 jobs, while the unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage point to 5.3 percent in August. This data is based on preliminary figures provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The July payroll change was revised from an initial report of 12,900 jobs to 10,300 jobs, with the unemployment rate remaining at 5.2 percent.

Chicago increases prepaid wireless E911 surcharge to 9% starting November

Effective November 1, 2024, the Prepaid Wireless E911 Surcharge rate imposed in the city of Chicago on sales of prepaid wireless telecommunications service will increase from zero percent (.00) to nine percent (.09).

Cannabis sales show steady growth in July and August 2024