Sen. Kirk Proposes Ideas to Lower Gas Prices in Illinois

(CHICAGO) -- A remedy to high gas prices could be found by looking to Illinois' own natural resources, according to U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk. 

The Republican proposed ideas for easing the pain at the pump, including research on harnessing natural gas from shale in the Illinois basin, making tax credits for renewable energy permanent, speeding up the drilling permit process in the Gulf of Mexico and eliminating so-called small gasoline monopolies.

Gas prices in Chicago increased by four cents in one day and 10 cents in a week. Some in Illinois are even traveling across the state line to Indiana where gas is cheaper.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Brizard Named Chief of Chicago Public Schools

(CHICAGO) -- Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel chose Jean-Claude Brizard as superintendent of Chicago Public Schools.

Emanuel announced the Haitian-born Brizard would be replacing interim chief Terry Mazany. Brizard, who served as superintendent of Rochester, New York public schools for three years, has been both a teacher and an administrator.

Emanuel appointed other Chicago Public Schools administrators at a press conference in Monday.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Statewide Humanitarian Effort Underway to Help Japan Quake Victims

(CHICAGO) -- The state of Illinois is doing its part to help victims affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Governor Pat Quinn has announced that a statewide humanitarian effort is on the way to harness the state’s technological and agricultural resources to provide supplies for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan on March 11.

As part of the effort, state officials say the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will donate 2,000 radiation detectors to assist with relief efforts, while farmers and others involved in agriculture across the state will help supply agricultural products to Japan.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Man Found Dead in Apartment Fire

(CHICAGO) -- Firefighters responded to a fire at approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday in the 1500-block of North California, in the city's Humboldt Park neighborhood.

Officials later learned that a man set the fire in his apartment and killed himself.

Police found 59-year-old Andre Conrad in the apartment with a gunshot wound, which was the cause of death.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Arlington Heights Man Held in Relative's Slaying

(CHICAGO) -- An unnamed man is being held in police custody after a car chase in Schaumburg. The Arlington Heights man is suspected of killing George Nellessen, 55.

Police responded to a 911 call on Thursday morning. They found Nellessen bound and gagged at his home in Wilshire. The caller told police that a relative of Nellessen was seen leaving the house in a hurry.

The man is being questioned by police.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio