Afternoon News Update: Wednesday December 3
- The TSA is apologizing for security lines on Sunday at Chicago's Midway Airport that stretched over one mile long. Travelers said lines spilled out into the public transit line. The TSA says problems were caused by inadequate staffing and a closed security checkpoint.
- Illinois lawmakers have overturned the governor's veto of legislation aimed at increasing the speed limit from 55 to 70 mph on the state's toll highways. The House voted 100-11 to override Gov. Pat Quinn's veto of the legislation sponsored by Republican state Sen. Jim Oberweis. A bill passed in 2013 increased the speed limit to 70 miles on interstates, but kept the limit lower in urban areas. Oberweis' bill allows the state Tollway Authority to establish higher limits in urban areas.
- The driver of a semi-truck-vs-train crash earlier this morning has died. His identity has not been released. The crash took place in the 2700 block of Alworth road and there are no crossing gates at this particular railroad crossing. Investigators say the freight train, operation by Canadian National was headed to Rockford.
- A Rockford call center is closing. The Financial Management Systems Call center opened in 2009 and all operations will conclude in February of 2015. 150 Stateliners will lose their jobs.
- Illinois lawmakers won't take up a minimum wage bill during the fall veto session. But they could vote to make same-day voter registration permanent and extend the early voting period. And they may vote to create a state-run health insurance exchange. Lawmakers are scheduled to leave Springfield on Thursday.
- Policy changes could be coming soon to Uber and Lyft. An Illinois House committee has approved legislation creating statewide rules for drivers in the ridesharing industry. It includes modified insurance requirements, background checks and a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol.
- Com Ed and Ameren Illinois customers are closer to two more years of automatic rate increases. A state Senate committee is backing the utilities' bid to avoid legislative overnight on their "smart grid" improvements until 2019. The program is now scheduled to end in 2017 but Ameren says installing digital meters and other upgrades are taking longer than expected.
- Illinois hunters can now buy firearm and muzzleloader deer permits directly from vendors this week. The Department of Natural Resources says the remaining permits will be sold by over-the-counter vendors through Sunday, or until quotas are exhausted. Hunters also are being encouraged to donate whole deer to the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program, which helps feed needy families.
- A delegation representing NIU is traveling to Washington, D.C. today to find new ways to get students college-bound. The delegation consists of the NIU President and Rockford Public School’s Superintendent. The delegation will be attending the White House College Opportunity Summit, which takes places tomorrow.
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