Illinois Briefs - 1/16/13

Gun Sales Heating Up Across IL

(Quincy, IL)  --  Gun sales are red hot in Illinois in preparation of a possible federal ban.  Gun shops across Illinois are reporting brisk sales and some retailers say they've actually sold out of their firearms inventory.  The sales come as President Obama prepares to introduce legislation to change some firearms laws today.

Employment Dept. Closes Seven IL Offices

(Springfield, IL)  --  The state of Illinois is closing seven employment services offices.  Those offices include locations in Centralia, DeKalb, East Saint Louis, Galesburg, Jacksonville, Mattoon and Murphysboro.  The department is also cutting back on staff.  

Student Body Prez Wants To Keep 'Fighting Illini'

(Champaign, IL)  --  New legislation to preserve the legacy of "Fighting Illini" will be introduced at the University of Illinois.  Student Body president Brock Gebhardt said his "forever preserve" legislation would keep the

school's identify as the "Fighting Illini."  The school has made overtures to change its nickname out of respect to Native Americans.

Fee Increase Sought For Two Popular Attractions

(Chicago, IL)  --  It could soon cost you more to get into two popular attractions in Chicago. Officials want to raise rates at the Art Institute of Chicago by as much as five-dollars, while rates at the Museum of Science and Industry would go up by as much as three-dollars.  The Chicago Park District's board of commissioners is expected to consider the fee increase at tonight's meeting.