Electricity rates set to rise again
ComEd said Thursday that residential electric bills will rise slightly less than $2 a month beginning in June, an increase resulting from higher market prices for power. Residential electricity prices were set by an auction in 2006 that led to major increases in customer bills. Some of the contracts for power set by the auction, about 20 percent of the supply, are about to expire.
Man dies in 19-story fall
Questions remained in the aftermath of Michael Rivera’s death after he fell 19 stories from the fire escape of his Gold Coast apartment building Tuesday night. Rivera had gone up to his apartment to get cash to pay a cab fare, the cabdriver said. It wasn’t clear why he was on the fire escape, Officer Amina Greer said. His body was found in the alley below, she said.
State to test water for drugs
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is expanding its water quality monitoring to determine the possible presence of pharmaceuticals that could exist in state waterways. Gov. Blagojevich says the move is in response to an investigation by The Associated Press that found drugs in drinking water supplies outside of the state. The Illinois EPA will form a partnership with the city of Chicago focusing on its drinking water.
Zoo pond getting makeover
Lincoln Park Zoo will pour almost $12 million into its historic South Pond next winter in an effort to make the landmark cleaner, deeper and more inviting to wildlife and humans.
Officials said the renovation, approved by the Chicago Park District Board on Wednesday, is scheduled to begin in October and finish in time for the paddle-boat season in 2009.
