Afternoon news update: June 2, 2015

Rockford police want to know who was behind two shootings less than hour apart on Monday afternoon. One man was critically wounded; the second victim’s injuries are not life threatening. The first shooting occurred just after 2 o’clock in the 800 block of 18th street. The shooter is described as an 18-year-old black man with dreadlocks driving a blue or black Dodge Stratus. The second shooting was near Henrietta and Green. Police are looking for a man, in his mid-20's, driving a red mid-sized car. Police don't believe the two shootings to be connected.
A package of police reforms awaiting the governor's signature isn't meant to demonize the cops, according to supporters of the legislation. The changes include standards for how police-worn body cameras will be used, requiring independent investigations of officer-involved deaths, and providing annual training for officers on the use of force. State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) notes while this isn't an anti-police bill, she says there shouldn't be any need to convince people that some officers have abused their authority. "This isn't an indictment of law enforcement, because law enforcement were at the table, they were at the table for the negotiation," Collins said. "So I would think that for society to appropriately respect all individuals, we shouldn't have to do any convincing to anyone." While the governor hasn't indicated whether he'll sign the bill, the legislation passed with more than enough votes in both chambers to override a potential veto.
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is announcing its latest addition. The Pacific white-sided dolphin Piquet gave birth early Monday. In a statement, Shedd officials say both the mother and calf are doing well and will remain under 24-hour observation by marine mammal and animal health teams. The calf weighs about 28 pounds and is approximately 3 feet long.
A federal judge has delayed Dennis Hastert's arraignment for a few days. The former House speaker was scheduled to appear in a Chicago federal courtroom on Thursday to hear the charges in a hush-money case. But the judge has postponed the appearance until next Tuesday, June 9th.
Lawmakers voted to let bars and restaurants once again offer hourly drink specials for up to four hours a day and no more than 15 hours per week. Representative Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago says this should help boost the state economy. The bill, which now needs the governor’s signature, also requires all bartenders and servers to go through a training course and allows bars to use infused alcohol.

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