Afternoon News Update: Thursday August 14
- A lone gunman opened fire at an east side McDonald's early this morning. The incident occurred at the McDonald's in the 4600 block of E. State Street near Rockford University. While at the pick-up window, police say an SUV driven by a Hispanic male pulled up and opened fire at another vehicle. Six shots were fired but none of them hit. Police aren't sure what the gunman's motive is and have made no arrests.
- Bruce Rauner has told Republicans rallying during Republican Day at the State Fair he will defeat Governor Pat Quinn in November and rebuild the GOP in Illinois. Jim Oberweis, who's challenging Senator Dick Durbin, says 2014 is going to be a "terrible year for Democrats."
- Illinois unemployment fell in July to 6.8 percent. It was the fifth straight monthly decrease in the state's jobless rate. The July figure represents a drop from 9.2 percent one year ago and marks the largest year-over-year decline since 1984. There are 35,600 more jobs than one year ago.
- The Illinois EPA says it will collect household hazardous waste in six counties this fall. The collection sites accept paint, anti-freeze, weed killer and other items so people don't put them in the trash. The collections will be in DuPage, Henry, Logan, Marion, Ogle and Piatt counties.
- A new law signed yesterday will get more medical services to rural Illinoisans. Before this law took effect volunteer firefighters trained as paramedics could not use paramedic skills. The law at the State Fair, allows rural ambulance providers to hold the highest EMT license of any individual on the crew. Officials say that its common sense and a life savior.
- The Winnebago County Republicans believe they have the right candidate to unseat a Democratic incumbent. John Guevara will try to defeat Winnebago Co. Clerk Margie Mullins in the November election. Guevara was chosen after the withdrawal of former republican candidate, Joe Terrell.
- A federal judge has denied a request by Wisconsin's attorney general to put on hold his decision blocking the state's voter identification law from taking effect. The judge yesterday denied Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's request for a stay of an April order blocking the photo ID law. The judge says he's denying the request because Van Hollen's likelihood of winning the case on appeal is low.
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