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CLOSINGS & CANCELLATIONS

MetroSource News 03/03/2010 00:59:56
Illinois Summary (1st)

>>The Latest

(Undated) -- Here's the latest on stories making news at this hour: A Senate committee stalled two bills that would allow some residents to carry concealed weapons. Lawmakers will look to compromise on how they will change the way red light cameras to work in the state. The U of I's President warns a big tuition increase could be on the horizon. And, the State's Emergency Management Agency wants residents to be ready for rough spring weather.

>>Senate Committee Refers Concealed Carry 'Test' Bill; S.A. Gun Bill

(Springfield, IL) -- A pair of 'concealed carry' bills were considered by a Senate Committee today, and were sent to a subcomitee on special issues. The bills likely won't be considered again during this legislative session. One of the bills would allow a test pilot program in the city of Peoria. The program would allow the city to issue permits for people to carry guns within city limits. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis says this would make the city safer because would-be criminals would have to think twice before committing a violent crime. The other bill would allow State's attorney's in Illinois to carry guns after receiving special training and certification to do so. Shelby County State's Attorney Allan Lolie says State's Attorney are often targeted by people they've prosecuted. He says allowing them to carry guns would protect them since many don't have extensive security at their disposal. A separate concealed carry bill passed out of a House committee today as well and would allow all Illinoisans to carry guns with proper training. That bill now moves to the full House for further consideration. Illinois along with Wisconsin, are currently the only two state's that do not currently allow concealed carry.

>>Bevy Of Red Light Camera Reforms Bills Presented Before Subcommittee

(Springfield, IL) -- Lawmakers that want to reform the way red light cameras in the state of Illinois work to varying degrees shopped their ideas before a special Senate Transportation Subcommittee last night. Republican Senator Dan Duffy is suggesting the most drastic change, wanting to do away with them altogether. He says one of the reasons is that under the current system, ticketed drivers have no right to appeal their citations before a jury. Other bills introduced included increasing signage identifying the camera. Some want to ensure a police officer reviews the captured violation before it is issued. The committee did not vote on any of the bills, but Democratic Transportation Committee Chair Martin Sandoval indicated he wanted legislators to negotiate the ideas into one bill. He indicated if they were willing to do that, he would allow it to be passed out of the committee. Red light cameras are used primarily in Chicago and surrounding areas, but some downstate communities have indicating an interest in using them.

>>Ikenberry: U of I Tuition Could Go Up 20-Percent

(Urbana, IL) -- The University of Illinois Interim President said this week that the Urbana-Champaign school may raise next year's tuition for incoming freshman by up to 20-percent. Interim President Stanley Ikenberry told the Champaign "News-Gazette' the school may also need to borrow and make cuts to shore up its financial status. The state is now nearly 500-million-dollars behind on aid payments to the university. The schools unpaid bills could top out to 550-million dollars by the end of the fiscal year. Ikenberry said the school will look to other public and private midwest universities to determine the extent of the hike. While 20-percent is the ceiling, Ikenberry thinks the increase will likely be in the 'mid-teens.'

>>Police: Three Family Members Killed In Darien Home Invasion

(Darien, IL) -- Three members of a Chicago-area family are dead following an early morning home invasion robbery yesterday. Darien Police say 50-year-old Jeffrey Kramer, his wife Lori Kramer and their adult son Michael Kramer were found shot to death in their Kilkenny Drive home. The couple's daughter apparently called 911 shortly after 3 a.m., telling police about the incident. Police are also talking to the couple's eldest son who climbed out of a basement window when officers arrived. A second woman is also being questioned. No weapon has been found in the house and the attack is not believed to be random. No suspects have been arrested.

>>Oak Lawn War Vet Charged With Murder In Wife's Death

(Oak Lawn, IL) -- A 23-year-old Afghanistan war veteran has been charged with murder for the weekend death of his wife. Joseph Jesk was arrested Saturday night after Heather Jesk was found shot in the face in their home in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Police Division Chief Michael Kaufmann says he can't confirm reports that Joseph Jesk had been behaving erratically since his discharge from the Army in January. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the shooting. The family's two young children were not at home during the incident. Bond has been set at one-million dollars. Oak Lawn Police Division Chief Michael Kaufmann says officers used Joseph Jesk's cell phone to track him down near a train station.

>>Caterpillar Bans Subsidiaries From Selling To Iran

(Peoria, IL) -- Caterpillar Incorporated is plugging some holes in its policy of not doing business with Iran. The Peoria-based manufacturer of construction and mining equipment already banned direct sales to the Islamic Republic. But some of its offshore subsidiaries sold equipment to independent middlemen, who in turn resold the equipment to Iran. Sales to Iran are subject to stiff trade sanctions by the U.S. government. Caterpillar said in a statement that it's now banning non-U.S. subsidiaries from accepting orders if the subsidiary knows the ultimate destination is Iran.

>>Resources Available To Help Ready Illinoisans For Rough Spring Weather

(Springfield, IL) -- The Illinois Emergency Management Agency wants people across the state to be prepared when severe weather hits this spring. IEMA Director Andrew Valasquez the state has set up a web site to help people stay safe. At www.ready.illinois.gov you will find information on what to do if a tornado, severe thunderstorm or flood occurs. The National Weather Service says flooding could be of particular concern this year, especially along the Mississippi, Rock and Fox rivers. February 28th through March 6th has been designated "Severe Weather Preparedness Week." Valasquez says IEMA will continue highlighting severe weather preparedness throughout the month of March.

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Steve Butera/Taylor Millard/Anne Levy/jm SCC)

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03-03-2010 02:18:47