Illinois Summary - 7/18/11

Governor Pat Quinn Is On His Way To Israel

(Springfield, IL)  --  Governor Pat Quinn is heading to Israel today.  His weeklong trip includes a visit to the Motorola Headquarters as well as a company called "Better Place."  They specialize in developing battery charging and swapping locations for electric vehicles.  Quinn will also be on hand for an agreement that promotes faculty and student exchange between Ben-Gurion University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.  The governor says he's looking forward to learning what efforts the country is taking to improve education, green technologies, and the environment.

Extreme Heat Returns

(Springfield, IL)  --  It's going to be another scorching hot week with weather topping 90 degrees just about every day this week.  Illinois residents are urged to take steps to keep safe during the hot weather.  For starters, people should stay indoors,in an air conditioned environment as much as possible.  Wear light colored clothing, and most importantly, keep your body hydrated with lots of water.  Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the hot weather, so be sure to check up on your friends, neighbors and loved ones often.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin On Debt Ceiling

(Springfield, IL)  --  It looks like the nation could have an additional one-point-three-trillion dollars in debt on its hands.  That's according to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, who says that's the cost we'll pay if the debt ceiling isn't raised.  He says members of Congress are ,quote, "shifting the political burden."  Durbin says the people who voted for wars and spending money on highways are turning their backs now and refusing to pay for the very things they've been in favor of.

DCEO Governor's Home Town Award

(Springfield, IL)  --  Who is the one person who makes a big difference in your community?  Well, that person could be honored by Governor Pat Quinn this fall.  The Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity is now accepting applications for the Governor's Hometown Award.  There are six different categories to choose from.  The deadline is August 15th.  You can get information on the DECO website at ildceo.net.

Illinois Hospitals Report Fewer Infections

(Springfield, IL)  --  Hospitals in Illinois are improving when it comes to health care-associated infections.  That's according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, which reports more than 75-percent of Illinois hospitals had the same number, or fewer, bloodstream infection cases in 2010.  Only 282 bloodstream infections were reported in adult intensive care units last year.  That's compared to 383 in 2009.

Hunting Classes Offered Through Department Of Natural Resources

(Newton, IL)  --  It's time to start planning for hunting seasons in Illinois.  Sportsmen are urged to check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for educational safety classes.  The classes do fill up quickly, so people should register as soon as possible.  Hunter Safety Courses help youngsters prepare for their first chance of hunting and using a firearm.  They're also popular among women as they become more and more interested in the outdoors.