Illinois quick hits: Officer charged in straw gun case
Officer charged in straw gun case
A Chicago police officer faces charges for making gun purchases on behalf of someone else transporting them to Mexico.
Federal prosecutors say 27-year-old Kevin Rodriguez used his status as a police officer to purchase semi-automatic firearms in Indiana and Illinois and then give them to Diego Valdez, who is charged with conspiracy and knowingly receiving a straw purchased firearm.
Deer chronic wasting disease testing
Hunters are reminded about locations where deer can be tested for chronic wasting disease, or CWD.
The free of charge service through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources allows hunter-harvested deer to be tracked for wildlife biologists to monitor the distribution of CWD throughout the state.
More information can be found on the Hunt Illinois app.
First Military Police graduate
The Herrin Police Department is being recognized for being the first recipient of the Military Police Reciprocity Program.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board announced the swearing in of officer Kevin Bailey as the first hire in the state certified by the new program enacted earlier this year.
Illinois joined 18 other states in May, allowing for Military Police veterans to qualify for law enforcement training requirements.
Partly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
Lincoln-Way East Cheerleaders Honored for 8th State Championship
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
District 210 Reports Insurance Deficit Amid National Healthcare Cost Spikes; Finances Remain Stable
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Joliet Junior College Board Approves $2 Tuition Increase Amidst Heated Debate Over Enrollment and Spending
Lincoln-Way Board Ratifies Three-Year Support Staff Contract with Significant Hourly Raises
Frankfort Seeks Public Vision for Downtown Urban Design
Green Garden Residents Seek Frankfort’s Support in Opposing 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
State of the College: Local Legislators Bolster Student Support Services
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for February 5, 2026
State of the College: Dual Credit Program Enrollment Hits 6,000 Students
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Finance Committee for February 3, 2026
Fairmont Neighborhood Plan Update Prioritizes Infrastructure and Beautification Following Demographic Shift
