Illinois Summary - 11/23/11

Police Crack Down On Illegal Parking

(Springfield, IL)  --  Police are cracking down on people who illegally park in handicapped spaces.  Secretary of State Jesse White says police will be out in full force to catch those who violate parking laws over the holidays.  Fines for parking in the space without proper license plates or a placard start at 350-dollars.  White says the mission is not to make money or give tickets but to make sure those who are disabled have access to designated parking spaces.

Rezko Sorry For Pain He Caused

(Chicago, IL)  --  A convicted political insider says there are no words to describe the pain and regret he's suffered for his crimes.  Tony Rezko was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison yesterday for crimes connected to former Governor Rod Blagojevich.  He was convicted in 2008 for fraud, money laundering, and

bribery.  Prosecutors say his time may have been cut shorter had he provided valuable information during trials of others involved in the schemes.

Black Friday Good For All Retailers

(Springfield, IL)  --  Small businesses don't necessarily get the short end of the stick on Black Friday, despite major ad campaigns by large retailers.  Peter Gill, with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, says deals advertised by big stores will invariably lead traffic to surrounding independent businesses.  He says people will find great deals and even unique gifts in small stores on Black Friday.  Gill says small stores may even have an advantage considering lines will be shorter than those in big stores.

Champaign Officer Acted Accordingly

(Champaign, IL)  --  A Champaign police officer did not use excessive force when he arrested a man in June.  A review conducted by the Illinois State Police determined the officer acted within department guidelines when he used mace on a young man who appeared to be cooperating.  They say the spray is intended to be used against unarmed subjects who officers believe intend to resist arrest or assault an officer.  Champaign City officials disagree with the ISP ruling.  They will have the FBI and an independent agency investigate the matter further.

Congressional Filing Date Pushed Back

(Chicago, IL)  --  Congressional candidates have a few more weeks to collect signatures and file for office.  A federal court in Chicago pushed the date from December 5th to December 23rd while it considers whether the Democrat backed redistricting map needs to be redrawn.  Republicans filed a lawsuit against the map claiming it dilutes Latino voting power and pits too many GOP candidates against each other.

State Officials Urge People To Give Back

(Chicago, IL)  --  State officials are urging you to give back this holiday season.  There are nearly two million people in Illinois who don't know where their next meal is coming from.  They depend on food from soup kitchens, shelters and food banks.  Both Governor Pat Quinn and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon spent time volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository this week.  They say everyone can step up and help, even if it means volunteering for a few hours, donating a can of food, or donating money to one of the state's eight food banks.