Illinois quick hits: Fatal crash involved Guatemalan national; tentative Chicago firefighters contract

Illinois quick hits: Fatal crash involved Guatemalan national; tentative Chicago firefighters contract

Spread the love

Fatal crash involved Guatemalan national

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Department says toxicology testing will be conducted to determine if alcohol was a factor in a rural Orangeville crash which claimed the lives of a Guatemalan national and a Freeport woman last Saturday.

Deputies say the car driven by Rolando Ico-Choc, 30, of Guatemala crossed the center line on Illinois Route 26 and struck an SUV driven by Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, of Freeport. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, said Ico-Choc was a repeat DUI offender who was also an illegal immigrant.

Tentative Chicago firefighters contract

After working under an expired contract for four years, Chicago firefighters have a tentative agreement to consider.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union Local 2 announced the deal Tuesday without disclosing terms.

AbbVie to invest $195 million

A pharmaceutical company plans to invest $195 million to expand its manufacturing facility in North Chicago.

AbbVie made the announcement Tuesday along with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The deal includes Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits and has a target number of 50 new jobs.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois Republicans say federal student data probe may reach Illinois State after Tufts review

Illinois Republicans say federal student data probe may reach Illinois State after Tufts review

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The McLean County Republican Party says a newly announced federal investigation into Tufts University could have...
Violence Interrupters, local activists lead CTA safety push

Violence Interrupters, local activists lead CTA safety push

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Violence Interrupters founder Tio Hardiman has joined with faith-based leaders and community activists across the city...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago man sentenced for sex trafficking

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago man sentenced for sex trafficking

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago man has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for sex trafficking and kidnapping....
Joliet Junior College Graphic.5

State of the College: JJC Announces Plans for New Campus in Grundy County

Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: During his State of the College address, Joliet Junior College (JJC) President Dr. Clyne Namuo announced the...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for February 2, 2026

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 2, 2026 The Frankfort Village Board met on Monday, February 2, 2026, to conduct routine business and approve several land use and financial items....
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Works & Transportation Committee for February 3, 2026

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to approve various infrastructure investments and...
Chicago aldermen call out transportation dept. over Complete Streets, bike lanes

Chicago aldermen call out transportation dept. over Complete Streets, bike lanes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago alderman says the city’s Complete Streets program is a disaster that’s costing taxpayers hundreds of...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Health & Safety Committee: District 3 Board Member Pushes for Expanded Animal Control Services in Monee, Crete

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: Will County Board Member Daniel J. Butler (District 3) urged Animal Protection Services to establish intergovernmental agreements with...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for Jan. 6, 2026

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee met Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, to discuss the county's...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Legislative Committee: Lobbyists Report on Federal Shutdown and Legislative Outlook

Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: Federal lobbyists provided the Legislative Committee with an update on the partial government shutdown and the status of appropriations bills. While...
Illinois proposal makes businesses financially liable for climate change

Illinois proposal makes businesses financially liable for climate change

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal to create an Illinois Climate Change Superfund is drawing sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers...
Illinois unemployment rate tops national average; state ends 2025 with fewer jobs

Illinois unemployment rate tops national average; state ends 2025 with fewer jobs

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Rep. Chris Miller argues numbers tell the story as new U.S. Bureau of Labor...
Dozens arrested during ongoing unrest in Minneapolis

Dozens arrested during ongoing unrest in Minneapolis

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Anti-ICE protests continued in Minneapolis over the weekend, resulting in dozens of arrests by local law enforcement. Protesters gathered at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal...
Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa wants Illinois' counties

Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa wants Illinois’ counties

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Iowa state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would establish a committee to study the potential transfer...
Despite vast elderly population, Florida lags other states in stopping Medicaid fraud

Despite vast elderly population, Florida lags other states in stopping Medicaid fraud

By Mark StricherzThe Center Square (The Center Square)—In Florida, a state with more elderly people than any other, state government officials lag their peers in deterring fraud in a popular...