August 12, 2025/

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

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

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

National security group urges Congress to investigate Airwallex ties to CCP

National security group urges Congress to investigate Airwallex ties to CCP

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square A national security group wants Congress to investigate Airwallex over its ties to China. State Armor Chief Executive Officer Michael Lucci sent a letter to...
Open primary system debated as Californians go to polls

Open primary system debated as Californians go to polls

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square Supporters of California’s top-two open primary system are defending it amid challenges and criticism as voters go to the polls Tuesday in the Golden State's...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs two bills

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs two bills

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed two new laws into effect. House Bill 4154 changes pharmacy licensure provisions...
Elon Poll says 2 in 3 proud to be American and Signers would be disappointed

Elon Poll says 2 in 3 proud to be American and Signers would be disappointed

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Sampling 1,000 adults nationwide ahead of America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, a poll released Tuesday finds 68% are proud to be American and 69%...
U.S. Supreme Court denies Florida request to sue over immigrant CDLs

U.S. Supreme Court denies Florida request to sue over immigrant CDLs

By Michael Carroll | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court last week swatted away a request from Florida to sue the states of California and Washington over allegations...
Judge says federal rule blocks Illinois from banning ‘swipe fees’

Judge says federal rule blocks Illinois from banning ‘swipe fees’

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Federal law blocks the state of Illinois from prohibiting both banks from outside Illinois and payment card servicers, like Visa and Mastercard,...
Canadians, Brits stress U.S., Texas are key to shipbuilding

Canadians, Brits stress U.S., Texas are key to shipbuilding

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Canadian and British shipbuilding entrepreneurs on Monday explained why the U.S. and Texas are critical to national defense. The leaders of Davie Defense, Gulf Copper...
Tariff litigation expands as federal court weighs next move

Tariff litigation expands as federal court weighs next move

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Two new businesses have sued to block President Donald Trump's 10% tariffs, even as a federal appeals court considers whether to lift an injunction already...
Democrats dissatisfied by DOJ's pause on 'anti-weaponization fund'

Democrats dissatisfied by DOJ’s pause on ‘anti-weaponization fund’

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice is temporarily backing down from its plan to launch a $1.77 billion “anti-weaponization fund” after a federal judge issued a...
Hegseth calls allied defense 'bad deal for taxpayers' in budget push

Hegseth calls allied defense ‘bad deal for taxpayers’ in budget push

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Pentagon wants the largest nominal military budget in American history despite failing eight consecutive financial audits and continuing to face longstanding financial management challenges....
Pritzker touts state spending to cover federal cuts in passed budget

Pritzker touts state spending to cover federal cuts in passed budget

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Just hours after the state’s General Assembly wrapped its spring session, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker appeared along...
I-95 quintuple fatal: Federal agency subpoenas state of New York

I-95 quintuple fatal: Federal agency subpoenas state of New York

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Failure to willingly cooperate by the state of New York has led to a subpoena for documents related to Jing Dong. The U.S Department of...
Illinois lawmakers give raises to diversity commissioners they criticized

Illinois lawmakers give raises to diversity commissioners they criticized

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) -- State lawmakers failed to reform the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion this legislative session despite bipartisan...
Report: Credit card debt projected to decrease $61B

Report: Credit card debt projected to decrease $61B

By Christine JohnsonThe Center Square It is predicted that there will be a $61 billion decrease in credit card debt based on new data set to be released on Friday...
Taxpayer risk cited after Bears stadium bill stalls

Taxpayer risk cited after Bears stadium bill stalls

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Bears stadium legislation is stalled after questions arose about a potentially unpopular tax structure and financial...