The briefs

Daily Herald, ABC7 report

From far-flung suburbs to the heart of Chicago, a monthslong investigation by the Daily Herald and ABC7 I-Team reveals how the watchdogs may not be catching some shoddy home construction. Many municipal inspectors are being stretched thin, increasing the chance that unsafe conditions in new homes will slip through the cracks, the research shows. How can you protect yourself? Read the special two-day series starting Thursday in the Daily Herald and watch it at 10 p.m. Wednesday on ABC7 Chicago.

No home rule vote in town

The Huntley village board has again refused to put home rule on the ballot. Home rule status gives a town greater autonomy, expanding its regulatory and taxing powers. To become a home rule community, Huntley either can wait until its population exceeds 25,000 or go to referendum. Citing the greater local control and downplaying the increased taxing powers, Trustee Harry Leopold asked his board colleagues to reconsider their earlier decision not to put the question to voters. The board's rejection means the village likely will have to wait for population growth to become home rule.

MCC fall concert

The McHenry County College Department of Music will present a fall concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the college's conference center, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake. The concert will feature performances by several of the student ensembles. The free concert is open to the public. Call (815) 479-7670.

McHenry gets traffic grant

The McHenry County sheriff's office was awarded a Traffic Safety Grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation. The grant will be used for five enforcement campaigns in the next year to reduce car crashes and resulting injuries and fatalities. The first enforcement period begins today and runs through Nov. 25.