Quantcast

Prairie State Wire

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

State Government News

State Government

IDNR announces cicada-themed art show for Illinois State Fair

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has announced its plans to host a cicada-themed art show during the Illinois State Fair. The event is set to commemorate the rare double cicada brood emergence this summer, with Illinois serving as the epicenter.

By Prairie State Wire | May 20, 2024

State Government

First two rabid bats of 2024 discovered in Illinois: Public Health Department issues warning

As the weather warms up, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging the public to be cautious of wild animals that may carry rabies, particularly bats. This advisory comes in light of the recent discovery of the first two rabid bats of 2024 in Cook and Will counties. According to IDPH, these bats were found inside homes and subsequently tested positive for rabies.

By Prairie State Wire | May 20, 2024

Latest News

Medium 5uxtv16jsvla9vz0ih7fldf01aza

State Government

Illinois Department of Revenue announces final 2023 multiplier for Cook County

By Prairie State Wire | May 20, 2024

The Illinois Department of Revenue has announced a final 2023 property tax equalization factor of 3.0163 for Cook County. The department is mandated by law to calculate this factor, commonly referred to as the multiplier, in order to maintain uniform property assessment across the state. For more details, refer to our 2023 Cook County Final Multiplier press release.

Medium zaxn9mhw8l7myej5575ll29pc0zu

State Government

2024 June Commission Calendar now available for download

By Prairie State Wire | May 20, 2024

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

Medium 7ux2hct5aq8mae6pfm9zllsdzpf0

State Government

IDNR announces waterfowl blind drawings schedule for Mississippi River Area

By Prairie State Wire | May 17, 2024

Waterfowl hunters are urged to mark Sunday, June 2 on their calendars as the day for waterfowl blind drawings at the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area and Horseshoe Lake State Park in Madison County. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host traditional blind drawings at these sites this year. Participants are recommended to follow any site-specific drawing procedures.

Medium ioly220cmtzl9agsjeluaksimiwz

State Government

Illinois State Fair announces event lineup for The Arena in 2024

By Prairie State Wire | May 17, 2024

The Arena, located in Springfield, Illinois, is set to host a series of family-friendly events during the 2024 Illinois State Fair. Tickets for these popular events are currently available for purchase.

Medium 5uxtv16jsvla9vz0ih7fldf01aza

State Government

First 2024 West Nile virus cases confirmed in Illinois

By Prairie State Wire | May 17, 2024

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first two batches of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in 2024. The findings were made in Hoffman Estates in Cook County and Morgan County. The Northwest Mosquito Abatement District collected the specimen from Hoffman Estates on May 14, while the second batch was found on May 16 in Jacksonville, Morgan County.

Medium rspznu96ejyzg2lc0kxj4yptq699

State Government

HFS and CDB unveil $200 million grant for healthcare transformation projects

By Prairie State Wire | May 17, 2024

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) have announced an unprecedented Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) as part of the Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant program. This initiative aims to provide funding to capital projects that will address health-related social needs and reduce disparities in healthcare in historically underserved communities.

Medium zaxn9mhw8l7myej5575ll29pc0zu

State Government

Local sales tax changes effective from July 1, 2024

By Prairie State Wire | May 16, 2024

Effective from July 1, 2024, certain taxing jurisdictions have implemented a local sales tax or modified their local sales tax rate on general merchandise sales. For further details, refer to the FY 2024-25 Sales Tax Rate Change Summary, which is effective from July 1, 2024.

Medium 5uxtv16jsvla9vz0ih7fldf01aza

State Government

Illinois sees payroll jobs increase while unemployment rate remains stable in April

By Prairie State Wire | May 16, 2024

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced that the state's unemployment rate remained steady at 4.8 percent in April, while nonfarm payrolls saw an increase of 7,300. 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 March was also 4.8 percent, with no change from the preliminary March unemployment rate.

Medium 5uxtv16jsvla9vz0ih7fldf01aza

State Government

Governor Pritzker joins forces with state leaders for Mental Health Awareness Month

By Prairie State Wire | May 15, 2024

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor JB Pritzker has joined forces with state leaders, mental health advocates, and others to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month and discuss ongoing state initiatives aimed at improving services for individuals grappling with mental health issues and their families. The Governor participated in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, May 15, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. This event was organized by the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and also highlighted the success of the Certified Recovery...

Medium rspznu96ejyzg2lc0kxj4yptq699

State Government

Governor Pritzker collaborates with state leaders for Mental Health Awareness Month

By Prairie State Wire | May 15, 2024

Governor JB Pritzker has collaborated with state leaders, mental health advocates, and others to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month and discuss ongoing state initiatives aimed at enhancing services for individuals grappling with mental health issues and their families. This discussion took place on Wednesday, May 15, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, facilitated by the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative.

Medium kcioplw3wystnnizsrwg4uat9qdx

State Government

Governor Pritzker discusses initiatives for Mental Health Awareness Month

By Prairie State Wire | May 15, 2024

Governor JB Pritzker, along with state leaders and mental health advocates, recently marked Mental Health Awareness Month by discussing ongoing initiatives to enhance services for individuals grappling with mental health issues and their families. The discussion took place on Wednesday, May 15, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, an event organized by the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative.

Medium rmpehyqxbbrdoxvnfzytl1s1kugp

State Government

IDNR and IPFC encourage residents to 'map your burn' for annual map

By Prairie State Wire | May 13, 2024

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council (IPFC) are collaborating to urge all prescribed fire practitioners to "map your burn" and contribute to the annual Illinois Prescribed Fires Accomplished Map.

Medium zaxn9mhw8l7myej5575ll29pc0zu

State Government

Illinois Department of Public Health launches 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey

By Prairie State Wire | May 13, 2024

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has commenced the 2024 Healthy Illinois Survey, a comprehensive statewide initiative aimed at gathering crucial data on health and wellness in the region, as well as identifying areas where public health measures can be enhanced.

Medium 5uxtv16jsvla9vz0ih7fldf01aza

State Government

Illinois releases playbook for future public health emergencies

By Prairie State Wire | May 10, 2024

On the eve of the anniversary marking the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) declarations put in place at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Illinois has released a playbook detailing measures to prepare for future public health emergencies and recommendations for future administrations.

Medium ioly220cmtzl9agsjeluaksimiwz

State Government

17th annual Illinois Product Farmers Market to commence on May 16

By Prairie State Wire | May 10, 2024

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced the commencement of its 17th annual Illinois Product Farmers Market on Thursday, May 16. The event will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Medium 7ux2hct5aq8mae6pfm9zllsdzpf0

State Government

Summer Cookouts in Illinois Warned Against Use of Red Swamp Crayfish

By Prairie State Wire | May 8, 2024

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding the public and seafood distributors that importing and possessing live red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), also known as crawfish or Louisiana crawfish, is prohibited by law in Illinois. The crustaceans are a popular choice for live crawfish boils.

Medium b8kbnca3bpxw18wqauzcgcnkoan9

State Government

GRAMMY Award Winner Lil Wayne to Headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand

By Prairie State Wire | May 8, 2024

The Illinois State Fair has announced that five-time GRAMMY award-winning, multiplatinum rap icon Lil Wayne will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Wednesday, August 14.

Medium rmpehyqxbbrdoxvnfzytl1s1kugp

State Government

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Offers Grants for Natural Areas Stewardship

By Prairie State Wire | May 7, 2024

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 14.