Illinois Summary - 7/28/11

GOP Files Lawsuit Over Congressional Map

(Springfield, IL)  --  Republicans sent five new people to the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2010 election, but Democrats are coming back for the seats.  The new congressional lines will reverse the Illinois delegation from eleven Republicans and eight Democrats to 12 Democrats and six Republicans.  That's according to a lawsuit filed yesterday by GOP "Committee for a Fair and Balanced Map."  The group is asking a federal judge to dismantle the map and send Democrats back to the drawing board.  They want a map that will protect their congressional districts and protect the vote of Latino voters.

Statewide Sting Busts Two Men For Child Pornography

(Chicago, IL)  --  Twenty-four people have now been arrested as part of a statewide crackdown on online child pornography.  The attorney general announced yesterday that David Zalewski of Beecher and David Finley of Springfield are the latest offenders caught under "Operation Glass House."  There are more than 21-thousand sex offenders listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.  Eighty-five-percent of those on the list committed a crime against a child.

Semi-Trucks Get Increased Speed On Highways

(Quincy, IL)  --  Semi-trucks are picking up speed on Illinois highways.  Governor Quinn signed a law yesterday that allows the big rigs to travel at 65-miles-per-hour.  That's the same speed as other vehicles on the road.  That law doesn't take effect until January 1st.

New Law Protects Diversity In Public Works Projects

(Springfield, IL)  --  A new law in Illinois is designed to ensure fairness for minorities and women on Public Works Projects.  Governor Quinn signed the bill yesterday, creating a Project Labor Agreement.  It establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a construction project and ensures a level bidding field for businesses owned by women and minorities.  Quinn says the new law underscores his commitment to maintaining a, quote, "diverse, skilled and effective labor force."

Cancer Treatment More Affordable For Illinois Cancer Patients

(Springfield, IL)  --  Cancer patients in Illinois shouldn't have to forego treatment because they can't afford it.  That's according to Governor Pat Quinn, who signed a new law yesterday, which requires private health insurance plans to cover both oral and intravenous chemotherapy at the same benefit level.  These treatment methods usually cost more up front, but Quinn says they could significantly decrease the amount of therapy time and reduce longer-term costs associated with traditional intravenous treatments.

Schools Get Money To Increase Access To Fruits, Veggies

(Springfield, IL)  --  Some students across the state will have access to more fresh fruits and vegetables this year.  Two-hundred-15 schools are in line to receive its share of four-point-seven-million dollars.  It's part of a plan to tackle obesity, especially amongst low-income students.  The "Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program" is designed to expose students to healthier snacking alternatives that they'll turn into lifelong eating habits.  Schools in Decatur, Belleville, Bloomington, Carbondale, and Springfield are among the schools selected to receive the cash.

Danville School Teaches Peer Mediation

(Danville, IL)  --  A Danville school is putting students in charge of solving conflicts among their peers.   Northeast Elementary School is implementing a program called "Behave Excellent Every Day."  It's where fourth- and fifth-grade student are trained with peer mediation techniques.  They then use what they've learned to help other students resolve conflict.  School officials say it's a good way to encourage students to be respectful, responsible, and safe.