Prairie State Wire

As of July 2024, Illinois experienced a 20.5% increase in prices of goods and services since January 2021, compared to the nationwide trend of a 20.2% increase.

Illinois reports first West Nile virus death of 2024

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the first 2024 death of an Illinois resident due to West Nile virus (WNV). The individual, in their 80s and residing in Lake County, experienced the onset of WNV symptoms in mid-August and died shortly thereafter. In addition to this fatality, IDPH has confirmed nine non-fatal cases of WNV so far this year.

Illinois awards $1.5M grants for teacher apprenticeship program

Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), has announced $1.5 million in grants awarded to three universities through the Job Training and...

VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Illinois average $280,933 for Q2

The VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Illinois for the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024 averaged $280,933, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Illinois Department of Revenue reminds taxpayers of back-to-school tax benefits

By Prairie State Wire | Aug 26, 2024

As the new school year begins, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding eligible taxpayers that they may claim back-to-school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2024 Illinois individual income tax returns.

Who contributed the most in Illinois during week ending July 6?

By Prairie State Wire | Aug 26, 2024

The top 100 political contributions made during the week ending July 6 found here.

Top campaign contribution recipients in Illinois as of week ending Aug. 24

By Prairie State Wire | Aug 25, 2024

The following political organizations received the most campaign contributions in Illinois as of week ending Aug. 24.

Illinois Family Institute’s Smith: ‘Pritzker and Johnson have a proven track record of supporting policies that are not simply anti-business, but anti-family’

By Prairie State Wire reports | Aug 23, 2024

As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) unfolds at Chicago's United Center, David E. Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute (IFI), has sharply criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for their policies, accusing them of being "anti-family" and "anti-business."

Illinois DCFS promotes foster care at Du Quoin State Fair

By Prairie State Wire | Aug 23, 2024

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (Illinois DCFS) will host a tent at the 2024 Du Quoin State Fair, aiming to engage families and share information about its programs and services. The tent, located on the Midway, will provide visitors with insights into transforming children's lives through foster care, adoption, or guardianship. Agency recruiters will be available to discuss employment opportunities and accept applications for positions within DCFS. Additionally, free gun locks will be distributed to promote child safety in homes with firearms.

Nonfarm jobs rise in nine Illinois metro areas as unemployment rates increase statewide

Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in nine metropolitan areas, decreased in three, and remained unchanged in two for the year ending July 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all fourteen metropolitan areas.

Du Quoin State Fair reveals free beer tent entertainment schedule

Du Quoin, IL - The Du Quoin State Fair has unveiled its lineup of free entertainment at the RollnUp beer tent for the 2024 fair. This event will run from August 23 to September 2 and will feature a variety of performances across different days.

Illinois sees mixed trends in metro area employment changes

Over the past year, total nonfarm jobs increased in nine metropolitan areas, decreased in three, and remained unchanged in two for the period ending July 2024. This information was released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). During this time, the unemployment rate rose across all fourteen metropolitan areas.

Illinois Department of Public Health offers services at DuQuoin State Fair

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will provide a variety of public health information and services at the DuQuoin State Fair, beginning Friday, August 23, 2024, and running through Monday, September 2.

Du Quoin State Fair announces theme days for upcoming event

Du Quoin, IL - The Du Quoin State Fair has announced its theme days for 2024.

IDPH posts second quarter nursing home violations for 2024

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the release of the 2024 Second Quarterly Report of Nursing Home Violations. The report, detailing 268 violation reports completed in the second quarter of 2024, is available on the IDPH website.

New sales tax exemption for home-delivered meals effective July

Effective July 1, 2024, purchases of home-delivered meals provided to Medicare or Medicaid recipients where payment is made by an intermediary, such as a Medicare Administrative Contractor, a Managed Care Organization, or a Medicare Advantage Organization, pursuant to a government contract, are exempt from the Retailers’ Occupation Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, the Use Tax Act, and the Service Use Tax Act. This exemption is codified under 35 ILCS 120/2-5(49); 35 ILCS 115/3-5(36); 35 ILCS 110/3-5(35); and 35 ILCS 105/3-5(44).

Veterans invited to DuQuoin State Fair for free event