Afternoon News Update: Thursday, January 8
- The FAA is reporting a total ground stop at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway Airports due to the snowfall. A winter weather advisory is in effect in the Chicago area, as well as in Rockford until 3AM.
- Outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn says lawmakers' approval of a special election for comptroller is a "victory for democracy." The General Assembly concluded a one-day special session Thursday by sending the Democratic governor legislation setting up the 2016 vote to replace the late Judy Baar Topinka. Quinn appointed a member of his staff as comptroller to serve until Monday. Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner has chosen a replacement to take over then.
- Rockford Police continue to search for a man they believe is behind a pair of shootings last night. The shootings happened around 10pm in the 400 block of Royal Ave. and in the 2200 block School St., which are just a block away from each other. People were inside both homes, but no one was hurt in either shooting. At least half a dozen shots were fired at each home. Police are looking for a black man between 20-25 years old, 5'5" tall, 130 pounds, with dread locks.
- The City of Janesville has declared a snow emergency effective at 6 p.m. today. A snow emergency means that all parked vehicles must be removed from city streets and public parking lots until snow plowing operations are complete. The city asks that you park in a designated snow emergency parking stall if you can not park in a garage or driveway.
- J.C. Penney is closing additional stores in Wisconsin. The company plans to close its stores in Oshkosh and Racine in April. The retail company notified the state that 77 people will be laid off in Racine and 79 in Oshkosh. It's been nearly a year since J.C. Penney announced it would close its store in Janesville. A location in DeKalb is also closing in April.
- Illinois' incoming appointed comptroller says she'd run in a 2016 special election if lawmakers approve one at a legislative session in Springfield. Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner appointed Republican Leslie Munger of Lincolnshire. She'll fill the position left vacant by the death of Judy Baar Topinka. However, it's been unclear how long Munger will stay in the post.
- Dozens of Illinois applicants are getting approvals for medical marijuana. The Illinois Dept. of Public Health says 50 applicants were approved for the drug in December. It brings the grand total of approve applications to 650. About 13,000 people have applied. The state could announce soon which businesses will be allowed to sell and grow medical marijuana.
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