Articles filed under Illinois

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High crop prices entice farms to expand planting May 21, 2013 12:00 AM
Clark Kelly plans to spend a lot of time on the links this spring. The Illinois farmer is plowing the Hend-Co-Hills Golf Course near tiny Biggsville into a cornfield. He's not the only one turning over soil in unlikely places. Across the Midwest, farmers are planting crops on almost any scrap of available land to take advantage of consistently high corn and soybean prices. Growers are knocking down old barns, tearing out fencerows and digging up land that had once been preserved for wildlife. Some are even suspected of tearing into pioneer cemeteries.
Illinois hunters take 14,133 turkeys May 21, 2013 12:00 AM
Illinois hunters harvested fewer wild turkey during this spring season compared with last year. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said Monday that hunters took a preliminary total of 14,133 turkeys during the spring season. That's fewer than the 15.941 turkeys that hunters took last year. State Wild Turkey Project Manager Paul Brewer says hunters cited cold and wet weather this year and breeding activity was delayed.
Clinton says Illinois should legalize gay marriage May 21, 2013 12:00 AM
Former President Bill Clinton is calling on Illinois lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage. In a statement Tuesday, Clinton says Illinois “has stood for the proposition that all citizens should be treated equally under the law” since the days of Abraham Lincoln.
Illinois Senate overrides ‘Smart Grid’ veto May 21, 2013 12:00 AM
The Senate has again approved a plan to address so-called Smart Grid technology over the objection of Gov. Pat Quinn. Senators voted 44-11 Tuesday to override Quinn’s veto earlier this month. Quinn claimed the bill undermined oversight and would force automatic rate hikes.
Lang takes name off gambling legislation May 21, 2013 12:00 AM
The longtime backer of a push to expand gambling in Illinois has dropped his name from a pending bill over “perceived conflict of interest” with a law firm where he’s counsel. For years state Rep. Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat, sponsored gambling legislation proposing more casinos in areas including Rockford, citing revenue for the state and more jobs.
Analysis: Pension cuts might save less than thoughtMay 21, 2013 12:00 AM
Number crunchers at the Illinois pension funds say a union-backed plan to cut public employee benefits might not save the cash-strapped state as much money as previously believed.
$In this June 25, 2012 file photo, a crew works on a gas drilling rig at a well site for shale based natural gas in Zelienople, Pa., the oil and gas drilling method known as hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.”$
Ill. House committee OKs fracking regulatory bill May 21, 2013 12:00 AM
An Illinois House committee has OK’d a measure to regulate high-volume oil and gas drilling in the state. The House Executive Committee voted 11-0 Tuesday to move to the full House a bill meant to kick-start hydraulic fracturing, “or fracking” in southern Illinois.
Woman on Trump: ‘Somebody had to stand up to him’ May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
An 87-year-old woman who alleges Donald Trump cheated her in a bait-and-switch scheme has told jurors she had qualms about suing the developer-turned-TV star given his power and influence. But during testimony Monday, when she was asked why she nonetheless took Trump to court, Jacqueline Goldberg replied firmly, "Somebody had to stand up to him."
Motorola’s longest employee part of legendary products May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Kukec's People features 91-year-old Chester Matusek, a 57-year employee at Motorola Inc. and now Motorola Solutions. He's survived massive layoffs, technology evolutions, and multiple CEOs. Over the years, he has worked on metals and molds to help shape some of the company's legendary devices, from the first cell phone to other products. He's now repairing devices, such as World War II walkie talkies for the company's museum. And he plans to continue working.
Push to insure student athletes goes to governor May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
A bill that former Rolling Meadows High School football player Rob Komosa pushed for before his death that would requrie Illinois high schools carry catastrophic accident insurance goes to Gov. Pat Quinn.
Illinois headed to limiting high-capacity ammo magazines?May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Following the pleas of parents whose children were killed during the Sandy Hook school shooting last year, an Illinois Senate panel agreed to move forward with state Sen. Dan Kotowski's plan to restrict the sale of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
Quinn says Illinois has chance to make history May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage. The Chicago Democrat said both issues, along with a gun control measure restricting high capacity ammunition magazines, are among his top priorities before lawmakers' scheduled May 31 adjournment.
Smokers adapting to ban at ISU May 20, 2013 12:00 AM
School officials and some students say a ban on smoking in high traffic areas at Illinois State University is going smoothly so far. It was started by a student initiative. Earlier this month, the Illinois Senate passed a ban on smoking at all state-supported colleges and universities. The measure is pending in the House.
State workers anxious as lawmakers debate pensions May 19, 2013 12:00 AM
Anxiety and anger are growing among state employees and retirees who wonder what will happen to their pocketbooks if lawmakers make expected changes to the state's pension systems that could require workers to pay even more toward retirement, increase the retirement age and cut annual increases in benefits.
Illinois cracks down on social media ‘flash mobs’ May 18, 2013 12:00 AM
Illinois toughened penalties Saturday for those who use social media and text messaging to organize violent "flash mobs" like those that have occurred on Chicago's Michigan Avenue and in other tourist areas. Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation doubling the maximum prison term for offenders to six years. The legislation was in direct response to recent incidents in downtown Chicago that left business owners fearful that tourists and other visitors would be scared off.
Weighing in on medical marijuana May 17, 2013 12:00 AM
MedicalMarijuanaWeb...6-8 inches. The Illinois Senate votes on medical marijuana.
Illinois extends deadline for health guide grants May 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Community groups in Illinois have been given more time to apply for $28 million in grants to help consumers learn how to shop for health insurance that will be available under President Barack Obama's health overhaul law.
Simon promotes college scorecard measure May 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon wants to see all colleges and universities in Illinois feature a link to the federal College Scorecard on their websites. She's encouraging the Illinois House to pass a joint resolution to encourage institutions in Illinois to link to the scorecard.
Union ratifies three-year deal with state May 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Illinois' largest union has given the final go ahead on a three-year contract with the state. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 announced Friday that a second ratification is complete.
‘Moral character’ provision out of concealed-carry billMay 17, 2013 12:00 AM
An Illinois senator seeking restrictions on how people may carry concealed guns softened the bill's rules Friday but decided against a floor vote before later disparaging unnamed "extremists" he described as using "intimidation" to oppose the measure.