Chris Kennedy moving closer to bid for governor
CHICAGO — Businessman Chris Kennedy is interviewing potential pollsters and consultants as he moves toward a possible 2018 gubernatorial run, sources close to Kennedy told POLITICO Illinois. Kennedy, son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, has increased his public profile since the spring and has publicly discussed the possibility of running for governor — without making commitments. Top Illinois Democrats who have met with Kennedy say they would welcome his candidacy but were not sure if he’ll actually make the run, given his flirtations with higher office in the past. But a top aide to Kennedy told POLITICO Illinois on Tuesday that he is preparing to file papers with the state board of elections “in short order … some time in the next month.” Please click on the link to read the rest of the story from Politico.com
Illinois poised to require lead testing in public schools, day care centers
Illinois public schools and licensed daycare facilities will be required to test drinking water for lead contamination under a major compromise reached by key stakeholders, parties involved in the deal told POLITICO Illinois. Long-running negotiations among environmental groups, lawmakers, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the governor’s office culminated in a compromise late last week, according to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office and the Illinois Environmental Council. Jen Walling, Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council, told POLITICO that a compromise amendment is set to be added today to an existing bill — SB550 — after the bill’s expected release from the House Rules Committee. The agreed terms include a framework of the existing bill, pushed for months by Lisa Madigan’s office and others: schools built before the year 2000 that serve students fifth grade and younger, would be required to test for lead in all its drinking water sources, as well as sources of water used for cooking at the schools. Also, licensed day care centers would also be required to test water sources. A compromise effort ramped up by Rauner’s office since the veto session helped bring opponents on board, Walling said….please click to read the rest of the story from politico.com
Planned Parenthood on the ropes as Republicans move in for knockout punch
Ford bringing back Ranger – Bronco
This has been a blurb in several media sources and I could not find a full story. Ford Motor Company is bringing back the mid size pickup the Ford Ranger in 2019, and the original SUV the Bronco in 2020.
The Ranger was produced from 1983-2011. The resale value on them as well as the Chevy S 10 and GMC Somoma has been high because of consumer demand for the smaller truck.
The Bronco was produced from 1966-1996. It had a smaller counterpart the Bronco II in the 1980’s-90’s. The full size Bronco was replaced by the Excursion in 1997.
It is noteworthy the Bronco was slated to be produced in Mexico. Now, it will be produced in Michigan.-sd