Illinois Summary - 9/19/11

Cantaloupes Recalled

(Springfield, IL)  --  Cantaloupes distribute in at least 17 states, including Illinois are being recalled.  Rocky Ford melons marketed by Jensen Farms are being linked to a serious bacterial infection that's already killed two people.  Twenty other people have been reported sick.  Anyone who purchased Rocky Ford cantaloupes are encouraged to seal them in a plastic bag and throw them away.  Health officials say elderly people and pregnant women should be cautious of eating the fruit.  People who have eaten cantaloupes recently and felt sick afterward should see a doctor immediate.  Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, convulsions and a loss of balance.

Third Democrat Eyes 13th Congressional Seat

(SPringfield, IL)  --  A third Democrat says he wants to represent Illinois' 13th Congressional district.  James Gray is collecting signatures to determine if he'll join the race.  He's a retired educator from Litchfield who says he's tired of seeing the same old thing in Washington.  Bloomington doctor David Gill and former state representative Jay Hoffman are the other Democrats who want the seat.  On the Republican side, Congressman Tim Johnson is squaring off with Sam Spradlin in the March primary.  All of the candidates must collect enough valid signatures in order to get their name on the ballot.  The 13th Congressional District includes portions of Bloomington, Champaign, Springfield, and Edwardsville.

Rainbow PUSH Dismination Suit

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. is accused of discriminating against a former gay employee.  Tommy Bennett claims he was harassed by co-workers when he worked for Jackson at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition from 2007 through 2009.  Bennett filed a lawsuit against Jackson and the organization last week, claiming he was laid off because of his sexual orientation.  He's asking for nearly 100-thousand dollars in lost income and 350-thousand dollars for emotional distress.  Bennett originally filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights in 2010, but the agency didn't bring any formal charges against anyone.  Jackson and the PUSH organization deny the allegations against them.

Professionals Wanted For High School Career Fair

(Danville, IL)  --  The Danville school district is calling all business professionals.  The district is holding a career fair for incoming freshman next month, and they need professionals to be a part of the big day.  Vermilion Advantage is co-hosting the "Passport to the Future" fair, which is designed to give the freshman a look at different career options.  Fair organizers want people who are willing to share their stories, talk to the students about their career backgrounds and even provide demonstrations of their work.  The fair is scheduled for October 17th from 8 a.m. until 2:40 p.m. at Danville High School.  Professionals who'd like to participate can call (217) 442-6201 for details.

Gas Prices Falling

(Springfield, IL)  --  Gas prices are falling across the state, and some experts say drivers should get used to the lower prices.  Patrick DeHaan with gasbuddy.com says thanks to the winter season, drivers will catch a break at the pump for the next few months.  The average price in Illinois is three dollars and 77-cents, that's about a dime more than the national average.

SIU Faculty Considers Strike

(Springfield, IL)  --  Failed contract negotiations may send faculty at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to the picket line.  The "Southern Illinoisan" reports that The Departmental Representatives Council of the SIUC Faculty Association will consult with their members about getting a strike authorization.  The group represents tenured and tenured-track faculty at the university.  Members are expected to vote September 28th.