Illinois Summary - 7/7/11

Imprisoned Governor Ryan Denied Release

(Springfield, IL)  --  Attorneys for George Ryan say they won't quit trying to get the former governor released from prison.  Their latest attempt, however, failed in a federal appeals court yesterday.  Ryan is 77 years old and has about three years left on a six-and-a-half-year sentence.  His legal team has vowed to pursue the case to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.

Union Gears Up For Legal Battle Against State

(Springfield, IL)  --  The largest employee union in Illinois says they're gearing up for a legal battle against the state.  Andars Lindall with AFSCME says the paperwork should be filed by the end of the week.  The suit comes after Governor Quinn cut out member pay raises for next year.  Quinn says he'll be, quote, "happy to meet them in court."

Standardized Writing Tests No Longer Required

(Springfield, IL)  --  Writing assessment tests are out of the equation for Illinois school children.  Matt Vanover with the Illinois State Board of Education says they'd like to keep the program, but there's no money to do so.  ISBE is expected to save two-point-four-million dollars a year by cutting the writing assessment.

GPS Bracelet Law To Help Protect Disabled

(Springfield, IL)  --  Locating disabled people who wander away from home may be easier thanks to a new law.  Emergency bracelets that automatically alert authorities to the person's location will be available soon.  The bracelets were implemented into state law partly because of a 2007 incident when an autistic child wandered away from home.

Free Groceries For Year Contest

(Springfield, IL)  --  It's not every day that food comes free but two lucky families in Illinois will win free groceries for an entire year.  It's part of the "Farmers Feed Us" sweepstakes contest that runs through October 2nd.  Participants can enter online at farmersfeedus.org for a chance to win.

OutdoorIllinois Hosts Annual Photo Competition

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is hosting its 12th annual photo contest through its OutdoorIllinois monthly magazine.  A new category has been added this year.  Now, contestants have their shot at showing how Illinoisans are returning to the basics and involving the children and families in nature.  The photo contest is open to all Illinois residents.  Entries are due in by 5 p.m. August 5th, less than a month away.

New Environmental License Plate Announced

(Springfield, IL)  --  A new design of the state's Environmental License Plate has been announced.  The backdrop is changed from light blue to green, the "E" that was previously located on the left side will now appear on the right, making it consistent with all specialty plates in Illinois.  The official state bird, the cardinal, will still be featured on the plate.  Currently, 40-thousand drivers in Illinois have the plates.  You can order yours at cyberdriveillinois.com.