The federal government has agreed to buy the closed Thomson Correctional Center in western Illinois for $165 million after the sale was held up for nearly three years, state leaders announced Tuesday. Many Illinois leaders – including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Gov. Pat Quinn who spoke to The Associated Press ahead of a news conference to announce the sale – supported the purchase because they said it would bring up to 1,100 jobs to Illinois. Federal officials, including Attorney General Eric Holder, have said it would help alleviate prison overcrowding. "It means a prison that has been sitting here empty will be used again and create a lot of opportunity for working families in the areas," Durbin said.
Illinois is among states that have cut dental services for adults on Medicaid. Facing tough fiscal times, states across the country are cutting a vitally important, but often overlooked, area of medical insurance for their low-income residents: dental care. The cuts have left many poor people with few options to pay for services such as teeth cleanings, fillings and dentures.
The Supreme Court won't hear a challenge from Illinois Republicans who want a Democratic-drawn legislative map thrown out. The high court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and other Republicans. They say the maps drawn by Democrats were gerrymandered to benefit the party and were unconstitutional
The fourth suspect in a Grayslake home invasion turned himself in yesterday. John R. Baruffi Jr., 25, of Mundelein, as been charged with Armed Robbery, Unlawful Restraint and Residential Burglary. He was remanded to the Lake County Jail on $250,000. According to the Grayslake Police Department, three suspects entered the home at 10:38 p.m. Sept. 28. The victims, who were not injured, were robbed by two male suspects with handguns and one with a bat. Another suspect, Richard A. Kellogg, 18, of 1413 Catalpa St., Waukegan, was charged Sept. 30 with Armed Robbery, Unlawful Restraint and Residential Burglary. He was remanded to the Lake County Jail on $750,000 bond. Police said all four suspects involved in the incident were arrested, though only two have been charged.
Skokie-Morton Grove School District 69 won’t be providing any ‘treats’ to its students for Halloween. The school district has decided to ban the holiday. “There will be no costumes, no candy bags, no parties,” said District 69 Superintendent Quintin Shepherd. Shepherd said his staff has discussed the idea of banning Halloween for about three years.
Regardless of whether or not A.G. Eric Holder gave sworn testimony to Congress (LMAO... like that's worth a nickel coming from his mouth?) that no Gitmo detainees would be housed in the prison, this president wields his executive "authority" with complete disregard for the law. Congress approves federal budgets. Congress specifically said no, you aren't buying the prison. The Obama administration shuffled funds around and did whatever they wanted, as usual.
Except for the working families that find a parent locked in a cage for the multitude of victimless crimes that are on the books. At least some public unions will be happy at the prospect of more caged proles to supervise.