Illinois Briefs - 12/29/11

Gas Prices Headed Upward

(Aledo, IL)  --  Illinois drivers could see a big jump in gas prices next week.  The ethanol subsidy expires at the stroke of Midnight on New Year's Eve and that means ethanol blenders will no longer receive a four-point-four cent per gallon tax incentive from the federal government.  Gas stations are likely to pass the difference on to customers.  One Western Illinois gas station owner says E-85 prices are likely to go up about 38-cents a gallon.

Three Charged In MetroEast Craigslist Robberies

(Cahokia, IL)  -- State officials are urging Illinoisans to be careful when it comes to meeting people online.  St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly says you should make sure you do your research and ask the right kinds of questions to protect yourself before interacting with someone in person.  The warning comes after three men allegedly robbed two Cahokia families

after interacting with them on Craigslist.  All three have been arrested and are being held on one million dollars bond.  

Strange Items Found In Capitol Walls

(Springfield, IL)  --  Construction workers are finding strange items tucked into the walls at the state capitol.  Among the items discovered in the basement's nooks and crannies are old beer cans, an empty vodka bottle, and a pair of old black and white wing-tip saddle shoes with a gold metal strip on the toe.  The "Quad City Herald" reports the shoes were found in a semi-secret hangout where lobbyists and politicians once hung out.  The West Wing of the capitol is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation.  Officials aren't sure what will happen with the artifacts found in the walls.

New Year Brings New Cell Phone Ban

(Undated)  --  The new year is bringing a new cell phone ban to Missouri.  Beginning January 3rd, commercial motor vehicle drivers are banned from using hand-held mobile phones while driving.  The new law applies to commercial truck and bus drivers who operate in Missouri, as well as interstate drivers.

Murderer Registry Set To Take Effect January 1st

(Springfield, IL)  -- A new law going into effect in the New Year requires convicted murderers to register with local authorities just as sex and arson offenders do.  The registry will include the ex-convict's picture and address.  It will be accessible on a state run website for ten years after the person is released from prison.  The law is named after Andrea Will, of Batavia, who was strangled by her ex-boyfriend, Justin Boulay.  Boulay was released in 2010 after serving only 12 years of his 24-year sentence.

Taste Of Chicago Being Downsized

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Taste of Chicago is being downsized from ten to five days next year.   The famous food festival draws tourists from all over the world but it hasn't been steady over the last several years.  Organizers say attendance has dropped by more than two-million people.  The Taste typically runs from the end of June through the Fourth of July holiday but next year it will be held from July 11th through the 15th.  It will still be home to some of the city's most popular foods and admission will still be free.