Another downgrade for Illinois’ credit rating

           Another downgrade for Illinois’ credit rating could be another blow to the state’s financial well-being.  Fitch Ratings announced Monday they’re changing the state’s rating on $27.5 billion in outstanding general obligation bonds to ‘A-‘ from ‘A’.

          The company says the downgrade is because of lawmakers not being able to fix the growing unfunded pension liability.  Lawmakers ended the spring session Friday without agreeing on a pension reform bill.

          Governor Pat Quinn says the downgrade isn’t a surprise.  He says every time lawmakers miss a pension reform deadline, the state’s credit rating is downgraded and it hurts our economy. 

Quinn says he plans to meet with House and Senate leaders Tuesday.

Child Dies In “Tragic Accident” In Morris

A three-year old is dead in Morris after what appears to be a terrible tragedy.

Grundy County Coroner John Callahan says Lizzy Matney was in her home Friday afternoon with her parents before she slipped out the back door.  The mom noticed her daughter was missing after a bit and ran to the backyard where she found Lizzy unresponsive and entangled in a rope on a swing set.

Matney was taken to the Morris Hospital ER where she was pronounced dead about two hours later.  Her death remains under investigation.

I-39 Bridge Work Expected To Slow Traffic

You’re trip across the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge by Oglesby could be slow going this week.

Maintenance to Interstate 39 bridge over the Illinois River will have traffic slowing.  Starting today, one lane in each direction will be closed as crews apply a sealant to the bridge deck.

The project shouldn’t take longer than two weeks, weather permitting.  Signs warning about traffic delays are posted.

June Brings Variety Of Gas Prices In Listening Area

The new month is bringing a wide range of gas prices in the Illinois Valley.

According to GasBuddy.com, the lowest gas in the area is in Streator for 3.62 a gallon.  The highest is at a handful of gas stations in La Salle and Peru who are charging 3.99 a gallon.  In some cases stations just a few blocks away from each other in La Salle and Peru are selling unleaded for nearly a quarter more or less a per gallon.

Stay up to date on the latest gas prices with the GasBuddy link on the AM 1220 WLPO.com homepage.

Rutherford Makes Governor Bid Official

CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says it won’t be easy for a Republican to be elected governor but he believes he has the best shot because he’s already won a statewide election.

The 58-year-old Rutherford officially announced Sunday that he’s running for the GOP nomination in the 2014 governor’s race. He says he wants to eliminate the state’s “massive debt,” fund its liabilities and help create jobs.

Rutherford plans a three-day statewide tour to spread his message with stops in Chicago, Springfield, Pontiac, Rockford and Kankakee. He’ll likely face a crowded field of GOP contenders. State Sens. Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard have expressed interest.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has said he’ll seek re-election, but could face challenges from within his own party.