Afternoon news update: July 15, 2015

The Illinois Senate has approved over the complaints of Republicans a one-month, temporary budget to keep state government operating. The $2.3 billion spending plan covers "essential" services such as police protection but adds payroll for all 64,500 state workers. The vote was 39-0 with 15 "present" votes. The measure now goes to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Meanwhile, A House panel is raising questions about constitutionality and collective bargaining rights outlined in a pension overhaul proposed by the governor. a 400 page proposal was released last week with rauner calling it "fair and reasonable" for workers. The plan would prohibit state-worker unions from collective bargaining on issues like wages and would freeze salaries for five years. Then it would offer workers the choice of getting raises, more vacation or overtime — but only if they agree to a less-generous pension plan.
Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey and Gary Gorman, of Gorman and Company, are looking for investors in the renovation of the Amerock building downtown into a 165 room hotel. And they’re looking in China. The two will be courting investors to put $25 million dollars into the $67 million dollar project.
Winnebago County Sheriff deputies responded to a reported armed robbery at a New Milford gas station around 10-15 this morning. Witnesses say a white male in his early 20’s entered the gas station, pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and demanded cash. He was wearing a black shirt and shorts and had a tattoo of a star on his left cheek.
And Rockford Police are investigating a shooting outside the McDonald's in the 1400 block of Kishwaukee Street that also happened around 10:15 am. Police are looking for a blue Ford Explorer and a brown Ford Bronco. Police aren’t sure who was shooting at who.

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