(SPRINGFIELD) An arrest was made late last week in connection with bomb threats made in two Illinois State buildings in Springfield. While it was three weeks ago today, April 22nd, that the Illinois Department of Human Services received a phone call from a person saying a bomb had been installed at a public aid office and at the Illinois State Capitol, no bombs were found. Using cellular information and conducting interviews, the State Police arrested 23 year old Gabriell Williams, who’s now in the Sangamon County Jail pending a pre-trial hearing. Various local, state, and federal law enforcement partners assisted ISP.
(SPRINGFIELD) On the eve of the anniversary marking the end of the public health emergency declarations put in place at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Illinois has released a “playbook” detailing measures the state should take to prepare for future public health emergencies as well as recommendations for future administrations that may have to navigate public health crises. The “playbook” was produced through a review of the impact of COVID-19 on Illinois residents, with a focus on health and human services outcomes and developing recommendations to improve preparedness for future public health emergencies.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois is home to four of the top ten housing markets in the nation where prices have increased the most. According to the National Association of Realtors, the highest year-over-year jump in Illinois was in Kankakee at 22%, which ranked second in America. Rockford was third on the list at just over 20%, followed by Champaign-Urbana at fourth in the nation at 20%. The City of Bloomington also made the top ten list as well.
(PADUCAH, KENTUCKY) The National Weather Service reports four tornadoes touched down in southern Illinois during last Wednesday’s severe weather outbreak. The survey showed that while one twister touched down in the Lake of Egypt area in Williamson County, another one was confirmed southeast of Carbondale. The other two tornadoes confirmed were in Jackson County, near Cora, and further east in Saline County, in the area of Carrier Mills. None of the twisters exceeded an EF-1 rating. There were injuries reported.