Afternoon news update: May 18, 2015

An autopsy has been completed on the man involved in a police shooting on Friday. The Winnebago couinty Coroner’s office reports that 41- year old Mark Farrar died due to a gunshot wound to the chest. The death remains under investigation. Toxicology tests will be available in about two weeks. Police were first called to the scene by Farrar’s wife. He first fired on the officers, forcing them to return fire.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he wants to devote his second term to helping the city's youth. In his inaugural address earlier today, Emanuel told the audience of public officials and residents that they need to join together to come up with solutions. He says existing programs aren't doing enough, particularly when it comes to addressing gang violence. Emanuel took the oath of office for a second term during an event attended by former President Bill Clinton and former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.
Energy legislation of all sorts is being considered in Springfield. There's a bill to promote renewable energy. It promises jobs in Illinois. There's an effort to promote coal. It promises Illinois jobs. And there's an effort to save nuclear power plants, thereby preserving 8,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in economic activity, its supporters say. "These plants support tens of thousands of jobs across the state, and as the president of the Illinois AFL-CIO, practically every meeting that we're in is about jobs, jobs and jobs, and many of these jobs are highly-skilled, good-paying, full-time jobs. They won't be easily replaced if some of these plants close," said Michael T. Carrigan, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO. The nuclear legislation would give nuclear energy credit for not emitting carbon, a credit the plants' owner, Exelon, says it needs in order for the facilities to be economically viable. Critics say Exelon sought and got a deregulated electricity market, and made lots of money from these plants over the last 15 years - but with deregulation sometimes come downturns, so live with it.
A 23-year old Illinois Marine was killed last week when the aircraft she was riding in crashed after being redirected to Nepal for a relief mission following the devastating earthquakes there. Cpl. Sara Medina of Aurora was a combat photographer, according to the Department of Defense.
Construction beginning today will close down the east leg of Roscoe Road from Route 2 to about a quarter mile east of Route 2. The portion of road will be closed to all traffic during construction. It's expected to last throughout the summer. Detours and alternate routes will be posted.
A state report shows the legalization of gay marriage last year boosted the number of couples tying the knot to the highest rate Wisconsin has reported since 2007. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb last year ruled the state's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. More than 500 same-sex couples were married within a month of the decision.

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