Quick Hits

Bite-sized updates from the PI staff »

Environmental Activists Demand A Fracking Moratorium, Stage Sit-In At Quinn's Office

Environmental activists are ramping up advocacy efforts against hydraulic fracturing, commonly called “fracking”. Meanwhile, the Illinois House Executive Committee passed a regulatory compromise bill Tuesday and the full chamber is expected to take up the legislation any day now.

The oil and gas drilling technology, according to the bill’s opponents, is unsafe and damages the environment. But as the bill makes its way through the Illinois General Assembly, drilling companies have already leased land in Southern Illinois — reportedly about half a million acres around the New Albany Shale rock formation, according to the Star-Telegram.

“Fracking is not safe, it destroys communities; it endangers our water supply; it is not safe for the workers; and it is not an enriched fuel,” said Melody Lamar, a member of Illinois People’s Action.  “I’m so sickened by what I’ve seen from our legislators.”

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By Ashlee Rezin
Thursday, May 23rd 7:17pm

Chronicling The Fight Against CPS School Closings (VIDEO)

Although the Chicago Board of Ed voted to close 50 schools among other school actions yesterday, education activists say the fight against the Chicago Public Schools' plan will continue.

Tonight, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is holding an education session to train individuals on how to be deputy registrars and get people the voter rolls. This is part of a CTU initiative to get 100,000 new voters registered as a means to change the leadership in city hall.

And earlier today, hearing dates for the two lawsuits filed last week against the school closings were set, with the first date being July 18.

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By Aricka Flowers
Thursday, May 23rd 6:39pm

Senate Votes Down Amendment To Reform 'Outdated' Sugar Program In Farm Bill

Reforming the sugar program in the nation's farm bill would make U.S. manufacturers more competitive and reduce prices for consumers, said U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), co-sponsor of an amendment to revamp the system.

The amendment, S. 345, did not seek to eliminate the program. Instead, it aimed to reform restrictions on imports as well as subsidies for sugar growers, along with other changes. But the Senate rejected the amendment by a 45-54 vote Wednesday.

“We’ve been hearing a lot of talk about the need to protect America’s sugar farmers, but what we haven’t heard is that sugar remains the most tightly controlled commodity market in this country,” Shaheen said during floor discussion in the Senate Wednesday. “We currently have an outdated ... program that offers a sweet deal to a small group of sugar growers and processors at the expense of too many other American businesses and at the expense of American consumers.”

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By Ellyn Fortino
Thursday, May 23rd 5:56pm

Concealed Carry Bill Headed For Full House Vote, Gun Control Advocates Say It's Time For An Appeal

As the Illinois General Assembly continues to wrestle with passing concealed carry legislation by their court-imposed deadline, the House bill introduced Wednesday by State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) passed a committee vote today. The bill, SB 2193, whizzed through the House Judiciary Committee by a 13-3 vote. The legislation is now headed for a full House vote. 

The bill could face opposition, though, as some lawmakers say the legislation is not restrictive enough and limits the power of local governments. 

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By Aricka Flowers
Thursday, May 23rd 2:51pm

Protesters Rally Against Proposed CPS Closings Outside Board of Education Meeting (VIDEO)

Energy was high outside the Chicago Board of Education meeting Wednesday morning as education activists, union members, teachers, students and parents gathered in anticipation of a vote that could close a staggering amount of schools across the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district.

“All I keep hearing is ‘we’re doing this for the kids,’ but there’s not been one iota of a discussion about the educational plan,” said Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), said as she arrived for the meeting.

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By Ashlee Rezin
Wednesday, May 22nd 2:04pm

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