News

The Republican candidate for Illinois governor says he’ll take his term limits proposal to the state Supreme Court.

That’s after his effort received a setback late last week.

Republican Bruce Rauner got the signatures needed to have voters weigh in on how many terms an Illinois legislator can serve.

But a Cook County judge ruled his plan to be unconstitutional - and kicked it off the ballot.

Attorneys for the term limits effort wanted the Illinois Supreme Court to take up the case so it could be decided ahead of November election.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed legislation that will remove all references to the GED from Illinois law. It’s part of a much broader change in the education program for people who didn’t finish high school. 

This year the GED more than doubled in price, going from $50 to $120.

It also got a lot harder, based on the new, more rigorous Common Core education standards.

State GED administrator Jennifer Foster, with the Illinois Community College Board, says that’s led to a significant drop in the number of people taking GED tests.

The question of term limits will get its day in court, in time for this fall’s election. An Illinois appellate court agreed to hear an expedited appeal from supporters of a term limits referendum, led by Republican candidate for governor Bruce Rauner.

It's been an ideal summer so far for people who enjoy the outdoors, but warmer temperatures expected this week could lead to health concerns for some.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on Monday issued an Air Pollution Action Day for Kane, McHenry, Lake, Will, Cook, Grundy, Kendall, and DuPage counties.

Kim Biggs, spokesperson for the Illinois EPA, says this is the second Action Day issued this year related to ozone. She says today's weather conditions are part of the perfect recipe for health concerns among those with respiratory or pulmonary diseases:

Americans trust word-of-mouth and personal recommendations from doctors far more than provider quality data coming from the government or third parties.

The survey was conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Illinois gun owners who've been denied a concealed carry permit can appeal. But instead of going through the courts, Illinois' Attorney General wants a state panel to decide those cases.

There are about 200 concealed carry denials before Illinois courts, brought by people who say they shouldn't have been deemed dangerous or a threat to public safety by Illinois' Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board.

Until recently, applicants didn't actually know why they were rejected.

Sycamore's police chief announced his intention to retire next year. The city council will consider Donald Thomas' request to retire in January after 13 years. 

If approved, a search for his replacement is expected this summer. 

From tonight's agenda:

"B. Ordinance No. 2014.10—An Ordinance Approving an Employment Agreement

Between the City of Sycamore and Donald Thomas. First and Second Reading.

The Illinois unemployment rate fell in June for the fourth consecutive month. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the state rate is 7.1 percent.

According to a news release from IDES, the drop in the unemployment rate reflects Illinois’ historical role of following the nation into and out of economic cycles. 

The candidates for Illinois governor are getting around to the dreaded “T-word.”

They’re talking about taxes. 

Republican Bruce Rauner wants to tax 32 services that currently are not.

Janitorial services, membership fees at golf clubs, and some trailer parks.

He says all told - Illinois could raise $600 million.

The trade-off is he says he’ll gradually lower the income tax rate - and that any property tax hike have voter approval.

A hearing centered on a state anti-violence program has been postponed until October.  A commission of legislators voted to put their investigation on hold, while a federal criminal one proceeds.

The Dept. of Justice asked that they not call former members of Gov. Pat Quinn's administration to testify about their involvement with the "Neighborhood Recovery Initiative."