Illinois Summary - 10/06/11

Opening Statements Begin In Cellini Trial

(Chicago, IL)  --  Prosecutors say the case against power broker Bill Cellini is about extortion and an abuse of power.  They say Cellini was on the inside of scandals during the Rod Blagojevich administration.  In fact, he's accused of trying to force a Hollywood producer to contribute more than one-million dollars to Blagojevich's campaign.  Cellini's attorneys say the shakedown never happened.

AG, Lawmakers Push For Continued Block On Pseudoephedrine Sales

(Quincy, IL)  --  There's a new item on the long list of issues lawmakers will deal with at the end of the month.  Attorney General Lisa Madigan wants them to extend a bill that will track and block the sales of pseudoephedrine, a key

ingredient for producing methamphetamine, which is found in cold medicines.  She says a 2006 pilot program is set to expire at the end of the year.  If lawmakers fail to act, Madigan says Illinois will become a, quote, "pill-shopper's paradise."

Lawmakers Call For Regional Superintendent Salaries To Be Reinstated

(Quincy, IL)  --  State Senator John Sullivan says salaries for regional superintendents should be reinstated.  He says he intends to vote for an override of Governor Quinn's veto but he's also open to looking at other ways to pay the elected officials who've been working for free since July 1st.  Quinn suggests passing a bill that allows the regional supes to be paid out of local funds instead of the state's operating budget.

Springfield Is Third Most Violent City In America

(Springfield, IL)  --  Springfield is the third most violent city in America according to a recent "Forbes" magazine article.  The magazine compiled statistics from the FBI Crime Report which shows Springfield had 855 violent crimes for every 100-thousand residents.  Springfield Mayor Mike Houston adamantly disputes "Forbes'" claim, but he says it may be too late.  Damage has already been done.

IDOT Seeks Public Input On Road Projects

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Department of Transportation is giving Central Illinois residents and businesses a chance to weigh in on highway improvements and priorities.  The public is invited to an informational meeting in Springfield today at the Lincoln Public Library at 4 p.m.  Highway priorities will be based on the amount of state and federal money available over the next five to seven years.  Acting IDOT Secretary Ann Schneider says getting public input is a vital part of creating the multi-year plan for highway improvements.

Quinn Approval Ratings Drop

(Chicago, IL)  --  Less than 50-percent of Illinois' registered voters approve of Governor Quinn's performance, according to the "FOX Chicago, We Ask America Poll."  Quinn is in his first full term and he's struggled keeping some of his campaign promises.  For example, he's raised the income tax, repealed the death penalty, and reneged on several promises with unions.  Quinn says his approval ratings were low last year around this time, but it didn't stop voters from putting him in office.

Quinn Announces Advantage Illinois Program

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn says Illinois banks are using 78-million dollars in federal funding to help small businesses.  The money allows current businesses to expand or provides startups with the capital they need to get off the ground.  It's called the Advantage Illinois initiative.  The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity enrolls banks into the program.  The banks in turn finance businesses through one of three loan programs.

Domestic Problems Won't Keep State Senator From Seeking Re-election

(Chicago, IL)  --  State Senator Suzi Schmidt says she's in counseling after several 9-1-1 calls revealed she's having problems at home.  The tapes expose Schmidt trying to use her political connections to keep police dispatchers from responding to a call placed by her husband.  She says she's seeking counseling to help resolve the issues in her personal life, but those problems won't keep her from running for re-election or serving the people in her district.

One In Custody For Alleged Attempt To Kidnap Child

(Champaign, IL)  --  One man is in custody in connection with one of nine attempted child abductions in Champaign.  Billy Mullins was arrested yesterday as he rode his bike near Dobbins Downs playground.  Mullins is accused of trying to lure one girl back to his home late last month.   He is a convicted felon with a record that dates back to 1992.  Police say there are at least two other suspects still on the loose so parents should keep a close watch out for suspicious activity.

Illinois EPA Giving Away 19 Grants

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is giving away 19 grants to local governments across the state.  The money can be used to conduct inspections at permitted pollution control facilities, such as landfills, and to investigate citizen complaints about illegal dumping.  Local governments must enter into a delegation agreement with the EPA in order to qualify for one of the grants.  That means they must agree to hire and train landfill inspectors under the state's certification.