Tagged: Tamms Correctional Center

A southern Illinois judge is temporarily prohibiting Gov. Pat Quinn from closing state correctional facilities. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says Circuit Judge Charles Cavaness in Alexander County granted the union's request for a temporary restraining order. The order keeps Quinn from closing prisons in Tamms and Dwight, and three halfway houses and youth detention centers in Joliet and Murphysboro.

Today on NPR: The U.S. government has been tightening the screws on Americans who hide money in offshore accounts, putting pressure on overseas banks, and joining forces with European and Japanese regulators.

Prisoners at the Tamms Correctional Center in southern Illinois will remain at the facility until Corrections Department union employees have a say in the closure process. Governor Pat Quinn ordered Tamms and other prisons closed in June to save the state money. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has asked for transfers to stop while state and union officials discuss safety measures for the closings. AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall says the two sides will meet an arbitrator Tuesday.

Today on NPR: In Connecticut, the birth of what's thought to be a rare white bison is drawing Native Americans to a sacred ceremony.

The Illinois Department of Corrections has transferred thirty more minimum-security inmates yesterday from the Tamms Prison to a work camp in Hardin County. The prison has been marked for closure August 31st.  Shutting it down is projected to save the state an estimated $48 million.