Salem-News.com Illinois articles Page 1

Inmate Dies in Agony While Pleading for Help

A torturous agonizing death for a U.S. federal inmate with several serious undiagnosed deadly medical problems.

(PEKIN, Ill.) - For days before he died in a federal prison, Adam Montoya pleaded with guards to be taken to a doctor, pressing a panic button in his cell over and over to summon help that never came.

An autopsy concluded that the 36-year-old inmate suffered from cancer, hepatitis and HIV. The cancer ultimately killed him, causing his spleen to burst. Montoya bled to death internally.

The Source of the Economic Crisis: A Chicago State of Mind

Worried about the global economic crisis? It's all in your head, says a leading financial expert.

(OSAKA, Japan) - The events of September 2008 on Wall Street may have come as a shock to many, but they were "perfectly predictable" to a close-knit group of "financial sophisticates," Jeff Gates maintains.

Gates, a former counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, identifies the source of the current economic crisis as a "shared mindset" where we have put our faith to the grave detriment of the majority – but to the immense benefit of a very few.

Marijuana Reformers in Illinois Have High Hopes for 2010

Illinois NORML says says it is crucial that supporters of reforming cannabis laws in Illinois contact their State Representative and urge them to vote yes on Senate Bill 1381.

(CHICAGO, Ill.) - An Associated Press questionnaire that was released this past weekend has forced Governor candidates to take a position in the debate on medical cannabis.

Illinois Green Party candidate Rich Whitney told the AP that he supports full legalization but none of the Republican or Democratic candidates went that far. Republican candidates Andrew Andrzejewski, Jim Ryan and Dan Proft all stated that they would likely sign a medical cannabis bill if it made it to their desks.

Two Killed, Several Hurt in Crash on I-84 West of Baker City

Five passengers from the crash are still in Intensive Care.

(BAKER CITY) - Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigating a single vehicle double fatal rollover crash Thursday morning on Interstate 84 about five miles west of Baker City.

Lieutenant Gregg Hastings with OSP, says passengers were seriously injured in the crash as well in the crash that happened Thursday at approximately 5:20 a.m.

Help a Sick Relative, Lose Your Job

Scoring three marijuana cigarettes for an aunt with breast cancer costs a police dispatcher her job.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - When medical use of marijuana is illegal, it’s not just the patients themselves who get hurt.

Today’s Chicago Tribune reports the story of police dispatcher Laura Llanes, whose aunt is battling breast cancer and suffering the side effects of chemotherapy.

President Obama Signs Illinois, Oregon and Washington Major Disaster Declarations

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the states and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The President today declared major disasters exist in the States of Illinois, Oregon and Washington.

Federal aid is order to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe winter storms.

Art Mimics, Mocks, The Economic Downturn

Over the past few months, in sync with growing bad news about the economy, a number of artworks related to tight credit, high unemployment, corporate greed and Washington politics are showing up in artists' galleries.

(CHICAGO, Ill.) - Internet art gallery DiscoveredArtists.com reports that the adage, art mimics life holds true, and also reports that some art mocks life, especially art related to the recent economic downturn.

A growing number of paintings and fine art photos posted to the online art gallery are themed around current woes related to the financial crisis. The artworks range in temper from sympathetic, empathetic reflections on the plight of the common man, to critical commentary on corporate greed, and mockery of leadership responsible for the worsening economic outlook.

Illinois Governor Arrested for Trying to Sell Obama`s Senate Seat

Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff John Harris were arrested this morning at 6:00 AM on federal corruption charges.

(CHICAGO) - Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges. The feds allege that the Governor, his Chief of Staff and others are engaging in ongoing criminal activity.

They are charged with conspiring to obtain personal financial benefits for Blagojevich by leveraging his sole authority to appoint a United States Senator, and threatening to withhold substantial state assistance to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members sharply critical of Blagojevich.

He is also suspected of obtaining campaign contributions in exchange for official actions – both historically and now in a push before a new state ethics law takes effect January 1st 2009.

Amber Alert Issued for Illinois Baby

Anyone with information should call 312 745 6004 or dial 911.

(CHICAGO) - The Illinois State Police Department has issued an Amber Alert over a missing seven-month old baby, who reportedly disappeared after the vehicle the child was in was stolen.

Authorities say the child is Osial Hernandez, a Hispanic male child.

At this point, police in Illinois way the suspect who stole the vehicle with the child inside remains unknown.

The stolen vehicle is a light green 2003 Dodge Caravan, with Illinois license plate X533131.

Boy Crushed by Truck Continues to Inspire Disabled Veterans (VIDEO)

"Big Evan" is a 'Boy Wonder' whose good deeds would compete with Superman any day.

(MARION, Ill.) - Few stories give my heart strings the workout that this one does. A 4-year boy who spends his extra time cheering up wounded and disabled vets with his grandmother in Illinois, narrowly survived being crushed by a pick-up truck. The story involves gritted teeth, forgiveness, perseverance, recovery, and a really unforgettable airplane ride.

On October 8th 2008, Susan Tackitt's youngest grandson was run over by a 3/4 ton pickup. Both wheels went over this tiny child who has been a VA Volunteer for more than half of his life. When "Big Evan" was hit by the truck, he was seriously injured, according to Tackitt.

"His femor and pelvis were broken, he had lacerations on his liver and spline and is in a full body cast," Tackitt said, adding that, "For four days he wouldn't eat."