illinois

Audit Finds Lack of Mine Inspectors in Illinois

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:44:42 +0000

State auditors say the Illinois Department of Natural Resources didn't employ enough mine-safety inspectors the past two years to comply with state law.

An Illinois Auditor General's report released yesterday says the department had 10 inspectors for more than 40 mines. The state Coal Mining Act calls for at least 16 inspectors.

Wet Weather Hampers Controlled Burns in Shawnee Forest

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:43:25 +0000

Wet weather has dampened some under-brush maintenance at the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.

WSIL-TV reports that crews in the sprawling forest haven't been able to do as many controlled burns as they'd like because of wet conditions. Shawnee’s fuel specialist Scott Crist, says the burns help curb the potential spread of any fire that might erupt on the acreage. The controlled fires also help reduce shade that could kill off native grasses and flowers that need sunlight.

Illinois House Adds Phelps Fun-Carry Bill as Amendment

Whitney Jones — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:09:46 +0000

The Illinois House completed seven hours of debate on the contentious issue of public gun possession by adopting a comprehensive plan long pushed by advocates.

The vote in favor of Representative Brandon Phelps' amendment doesn't mean concealed-carry got House approval. Phelps’ plan was one of a dozen amendments to a concealed-carry bill a federal court says Illinois must adopt by June.

IL Officials Warn of Home Warranty Scam

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:14:31 +0000

The Illinois Department of Insurance is warning consumers that a Florida-based company is illegally marketing home warranty services to residents in the state. The agency says Arkidus Home Protection continues to market the warranties despite a previous cease and desist order from the Illinois Insurance Department. They say the state of Florida has taken similar action against Arkidus for illegal activity. The company markets warranties for household appliances via the Internet.

IL Senate Committee Approves Gay Marriage for Second Time

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:21:54 +0000

An Illinois Senate committee has approved legalizing gay marriage for the second time in a month. The Executive Committee voted 9-5 yesterday to move legislation giving marital rights to same sex couples to the Senate floor. The Democrats have a 40-member majority and say they have the votes needed. The same committee OK'd a similar measure just after the New Year in the final days of the last General Assembly. But a floor vote was scuttled because supporters feared they were short of the 30 necessary votes.

Gay Marriage Expected in IL Committee Hearing

Whitney Jones and The Associated Press — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:41:47 +0000

Legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois is expected to come up in a Senate committee meeting today and could see a floor vote on Valentine's Day. Democratic Senator Heather Steans is the bill’s sponsor. She says it's on the executive committee's agenda, and she's confident it has the support to pass the Senate next week.

Illinois Education Funds Likely to Fall Despite Requests for Increase

Shelly Baskin and The Associated Press — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:12:39 +0000

The Illinois State Board of Education wants lawmakers to increase funding for schools by $874 million next year. The board recommended the 13.4 percent increase at their meeting today. Finance Committee Chairman Jim Baumann says 67 percent of school districts are in deficit spending.

Ill Officials to Examine School Safety

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:51:20 +0000

Illinois school administrators, teachers and law enforcement will meet today to discuss how to make Illinois schools safer.

Illinois Politicians Refuse Pension Checks

John Walker and The Associated Press — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:54:36 +0000

Illinois' multibillion dollar pension crisis has prompted a rising number of lawmakers to say they won't accept their legislative pension.

Poverty On The Rise In Illinois

John Walker and The Associated Press — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:29:27 +0000

The number of Illinois residents relying on food stamps and food banks is rising along with the state’s poverty rate.