Illinois Summary - 8/13/11

Electric Companies Look To Override Governor's Veto

(Springfield, IL)  --  Lobbyists for ComEd and Ameren aren't giving up on their plan to raise rates on their customers.  They're asking lawmakers to overrule Governor Quinn's decision to kill the bill yesterday.  Quinn has been an outspoken opponent of the measure, saying he won't allow ComEd and Ameren to make up for their service shortfalls by raising rates on customers.  He isn't alone in his opposition.  Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon say the plan would, quote, "erode consumer protections."  She's asking lawmakers to uphold Quinn's veto.  And Attorney General Lisa Madigan says the bill would've given the electric companies legal authority to pick pocket their customers.  While customers would pay for infrastructure upgrades and a new smart grid, state officials say the utility companies would've lined their own pockets with a near ten-percent profit.

Group Supports Democrat Drawn Redistricting Maps

(Chicago, IL)  --  The African-Americans for Legislative Redistricting says new legislative lines aren't all that bad.  The group has asked to be a co-defendent in the Republican case against the Democrat-drawn maps.  The group says Democrats helped draft the new lines for the 59 Senate and 118 House districts in the state.  Republicans filed a lawsuit, asking a three-judge panel to throw the maps out, claiming they suppress the minority voting voice.  The map has been highly publicized as one of the most gerrymandered in Illinois history.  The African-Americans for Legislative Redistricting say otherwise, though.  They say the maps satisfy voting rights laws and give African-American voters the ability to elect candidates of their choice.

Experts Warn Of Possible Field Fires Because Of Dry Conditions

(Springfield, IL)  --  The threat of field fires is up in Western Illinois as dry conditions continue.  Fall field and yard work is set to get underway and Dan Ferry with the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities says people need to use extreme caution when burning any type of debris.  He says the dry conditions could cause the fire on burning leaves to spread rapidly to nearby fields.  This week's weather won't help the situation.  It's expected to be another dry week in Western Illinois.

Health Insurance Industry Donations In Run-up To Health Insurance Exchange

(Springfield, IL)  --  One Illinois political scientist says lobbyists for the health care insurance industry is buying access to lawmakers.  Alton Senator William Haine, Bloomington Senator Dan Brady, Spring Valley Representative Frank Mautino and Antioch Representative JoAnn Osmond have each allegedly received a share of 70-thousand dollars.  They're the co-chairs of the committee that will determine which providers can participate in a new health exchange.  The exchange is meant to provide consumer protections and increased access to healthcare.

State Rep Petitions To Keep Mental Facility Open

(Chester, IL)  --  State Representative Jerry Costello the Second is leading the effort to save a mental health facility in his district.  He's collecting signatures to save the facility in Chester, Illinois, which is on the chopping block if lawmakers don't give governor Quinn more money.  Quinn has threatened to close seven facilities across the state because he says there's not enough money in the budget to keep them running.  Costello has started a petition.  He's collecting signatures from local residents with the hopes of convincing the governor to keep the facility open.  Costello is asking people to circulate copies of the petition to friends and family.  To pick up a blank copy of the petition, call Costello's office at (618) 443-5757.

Flights Available On WWII Bomber

(Danville, IL)  --  If you've ever wanted to fly in a war plane, this may be your lucky chance.  A B-17 bomber that was used in World War Two will be on display today and tomorrow the Vermillion Regional Airport.  Visitors can walk through the plane, and some may even have a chance to fly in it.  There are five different flight times each day but going up will cost a few hundred dollars.

Walmart Bomb Scare

(Wood River, IL)  --  A bomb scare forced an evacuation at a Walmart store in Wood River yesterday.  Authorities say a man called the store at about 9:30 yesterday morning and said a bomb would go off within two hours.  Police evacuated the building and shut down the store for the day.  They brought in the dogs and did a walk-through but didn't find anything unusual.  There is no word yet on when the store will reopen
to the public.

Chicago Man Charged With Making Bomb Threat To SIU Carbondale

(Carbondale, IL)  --  A Chicago man is charged with willfully making a bomb threat to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  According to the indictment, Maurice Wiggins accessed the SIU crime watch page on the Internet using his cell phone.  He submitted a message on the page, saying that he planned to kill four-thousand students and staff by bombing three dorms and a student center between September and November of this year.  Wiggins faces up to ten years in prison and a 250-thousand-dollar fine for making the threat.

Antique Car Show Makes Lineup At German Festival

(Godfrey, IL)  --  A custom antique car show has been added to the lineup of events at the Oktoberfest German Festival in Godfrey this Saturday.  Organizers say it gives people in the area a chance to show off some of their most prized collections.  It's the tenth year the the festival is being held.  It's primary purpose is to raise money for several different charities, including the Crisis Food Center in Alton.  The car show will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. this Friday and Saturday.  Other events include live music, wine tastings, an arts and crafts fair.  Those who come out will also have a shot at taking home a raffle prize.  Tickets to attend the fair are nine dollars for adults and four dollars for children ages four through 12.  For information, contact Resurrection Lutheran Church at (618) 466-2788.