Afternoon News Update: July 29

Construction on Bypass 20 in Rockford is expected to make a big impact on traffic during rush hour this week. Workers began replacing part of the westbound lane’s left side between the I-39 interchange and the Harrison Road exit. Westbound traffic will be down to one lane for the duration of the project.
A Stateline area hotel was the scene of an armed robbery this morning. It happened around midnight this morning at the Baymont Inn in the 600 block Midland Road in Janesville. Police say three masked men approached the front desk clerk and pulled out their guns. The suspects then left the lobby and walked away from the scene. The clerk wasn't hurt. Police have taken no one into custody.
Rockford Police arrested a man found in a hotel room with an underage teen. Renaldo Stone was taken into custody this morning from the Park Motel on N. 2nd St. The arresting officer was out on a patrol when he found Stone's vehicle. He discovered Stone was wanted on an outstanding warrant. Stone opened the door and the officer immediately smelled what he believed to be marijuana. He entered the room and found a 16 year-old from inside.
Illinois High school students are no longer required to take the ACT exam. Students will now be taking the PARCC Assessment. The State Board of Education says it's not a college entrance exam, but prepares students for college. Schools now have a choice if they want to have their students take the ACT. It's the first time in fifteen years the ACT has become optional.
Voters will have a chance to weigh in on whether Illinois millionaires should pay more income tax. Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation that puts a nonbinding resolution on the November ballot to gauge support for tacking a 3 percent surcharge on incomes over $1 million. House Speaker Michael Madigan says it could raise $1 billion for education, or about $550 per student.
People in the state line region who are in need of food just got a big boost from a traveling food pantry. With assistance from the Belvidere North Football Team, the Community Cupboard and Northern Illinois Food Bank today hosted a mobile pantry. The truck offered enough meat, produce, and non-perishable food to help feed over 250 families.
Jobseekers in the Freeport and Stephenson County area are invited to attend the Freeport Area Career Fair on Wednesday from 3-8pm at Highland Community College. More than 35 employers, employment and staffing agencies and education and training providers are expected to attend.
McDonald's restaurants in the Rockford area are helping to promote GED tests for people who never finished high school. Tray liners being used for the next couple of weeks include some encouragement for people thinking about taking the exam. and phone numbers to call for more information. McDonald's is also donating $3,000 to Goodwill of Northern Illinois to help pay for scholarships for people who need help paying for the GED test.
Archaeologists excavating near the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington have unearthed part of the footprint of the 1836 courthouse where experts said Abraham Lincoln worked as an attorney. The discovery comes amid archaeological work being done before construction starts on a new entrance.

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