Illinois Briefs - 1/2/13

State Senate In Session

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state Senate is back in session today.  They're expected to deal with issues ranging from pension reform to gay marriage while they're in Springfield.  The House won't return to Springfield until Sunday.

Northern Illinois Falls In Orange Bowl

(Miami, FL)  --  Northern Illinois falls short in their quest to win the 79 annual Orange Bowl, losing to Florida State by a score of 31-to-10.  Quarterback Jordan Lynch threw for 176 yards with a touchdown and an interception, but struggled to complete just 15-of-41 passes.  The 12 and 2 Huskies were the first member of the Mid-American Conference to earn a BCS bowl bid.  They were coached last night by offensive coordinator Rod Carey, as former coach Dave Doeren took over the head coaching job at NC State.

Modern Family" Actor Stumps For Gay Marriage

(Chicago, IL)  --  A well-known actor is stumping for gay marriage today.  "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson will be making the rounds with Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, urging people to contact their lawmakers about supporting a proposal to legalize same sex marriage.  Ferguson and his fiancé, Justin Mikita, recently launched a not-for-profit

organization raising money for charitable organizations working for marriage equality throughout the country.  The Senate is expected to pass the measure this week.

2012 Drought Could Impact 2013 Crops

(Bloomington, IL)  --  The Midwest is recovering from a massive drought in 2012, which could impact Illinois crops this year.  Executive Director of the Illinois Corn Growers Association Rodney Weinzierl says the biggest concern is getting ready for planting.  He says subsoil moisture is dry more than six inches below the surface in northern Illinois and more than two feet below in the central part of the state.   Weinzierl says crops and trees will suffer if there's no rain for two or three weeks, because the soil hasn't been replenished yet from the 2012 drought.

Police Dogs Sniff Out Pizza Robber

(Cahokia, IL)  --  Police dogs in Cahokia busted five pizza thieves last week.  Four adults and one juvenile allegedly robbed the pizza delivery man on December 27th, telling him they had a gun.  The delivery man turned the pizza over, left the scene, and called the cops.  Police went to the home where the robbery allegedly happened but the dogs followed the suspects' scents and led them to another home, down the street.  All five were arrested and charged with aggravated robbery.

Losing Holiday Pounds

(Westmont, IL)  --  The holidays are over and that means plenty of people will be trying to take off the extra weight.  Eric Bassett, owner of EB30x Fitness in Westmont, says a little motivation can go a long way.  He says having the support of others who are also looking to drop a few pounds is a vital part to weight loss success.  But, Bassett says the most important thing is "clean eating," which starts with breakfast 30 minutes after you wake up, cutting out fried foods, and eating five to six small meals a day.  Bassett says you may not see results right away but he urges you to be patient and keep pushing.