Illinois Summary - 7/4/11

FOID Card Holder Names To Remain Sealed

(Springfield, IL)  --  The names of Illinoisans who own guns will remain sealed.  The issue caused quite a stir after the Attorney General said the names must be released under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.  But Governor Quinn signed a bill over the weekend that makes the names and personal information exempt from inspection under the FOIA Act.  Quinn says keeping the records private will protect public safety.

Governor Quinn Will Spend The Morning In DesPlaines

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn is spending his holiday morning in DesPlaines.  He's expected to sign a bill that will give people more options to participate in state government.  The bill signing will start at 9:30 on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Center St.   Then, Quinn will march in the parade which starts at 10:00a.m.

Governor Quinn Signs Three Bills To Protect Veterans

(Springfield, IL)  --  Military men and women protect the freedoms of Illinoisans everyday and now Governor Pat Quinn is protecting them.  He's signed three bills that may make life a bit smoother for the servicemen.  The first prohibits utility companies from cutting off their heat during winter months.  Another gives servicemen 120 days to renew their driver's licenses upon returning to the US.  Current law only gives them 90 days to do so.  And, the final bill creates a fund designed to inform them about available treatment options for brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Gas Prices May Start To Go Back Up

(Springfield, IL)  --  Drivers have had some relief at the pump but some experts say prices may be heading back up.  Beth Mosher with Triple-A says a refinery problem has caused gas to go up in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.  She says it may not be too long before Illinois sees a spike.  The Illinois average today is three-eighty-one, that's about a quarter more than the national average.

Cheap Laptops Available To Some College Students

(Springfield, IL)  --  College students who need a laptop may be in for a good deal.  David Fowler with ComputerBanc says his organization is providing 600 laptops to low income students.  The refurbished laptops cost 135-dollars each and are only available to students who are recipients of Federal Pell grants. More information can be found at ComputerBanc.org-that is banc spelled B-A-N-C.

Southern Illinois Residents Have Option To Sell Flood Damaged Homes

(Springfield, IL)  --  Some Southern Illinois residents may be able to sell their home to the government.  It's part of a plan to prevent floods from displacing residents in the future.  No one will be forced to sell but those who might be interested can attend an informational meeting tomorrow.  It will be at the Egyptian School cafeteria at 6pm in Tamms.

Elder Abuse Prevention

(Springfield, IL)  --  It's time to break the silence on elder abuse in Illinois.  About 80-thousand elderly people are abused every year.  Most of those cases go unreported.  Charles Johnson with the Illinois Department of Aging says there are certain signs to look for to determine elder abuse.  That includes sudden changes in behavior and financial situations, unusual weight loss, and untreated bruises, burns, and sprains.  If you suspect that an elder is being taken advantage of, you can call the elder abuse hotline at 866-800-1409.