August 27, 2025/

Illinois in Focus: Rest area burglary arrests made; overdose awareness events planned

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Rest area burglary arrests made

Two men have been detained in connection with a reported burglary at the northbound Interstate 57 rest area in Monee.

Illinois State Police arrested Flavio Retana, 41, from Burbank, Illinois and Bernardo Hernandez-Molina, 34, from Melrose Park, Illinois in connection with the theft of maintenance equipment on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Overdose awareness events planned

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has issued proclamations recognizing Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day and September as National Recovery Month in Illinois.

On Aug. 31, community organizations will hold events to remember Illinoisans who died from drug overdoses.

In September, the Illinois Department of Human Services will co-host events with service providers and advocates to educate the public and promote recovery resources.

Labor Day march planned

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten are scheduled to join Mayor Brandon Johnson for a Labor Day march in the city.

Organizers say the “Workers Over Billionaires” event will target companies like Target, Tesla and Valor Capital.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Pritzker's rhetoric criticized; tax amnesty program; status of Guard lawsuit

WATCH: Pritzker’s rhetoric criticized; tax amnesty program; status of Guard lawsuit

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares a conversation...
Trump predicts 'ruination' if Supreme Court rules against his tariffs

Trump predicts ‘ruination’ if Supreme Court rules against his tariffs

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump won't attend arguments in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging his tariff authority, but the U.S. president said if the...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union; Paprocki reacts to assisted suicide bill

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union; Paprocki reacts to assisted suicide bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s use of an expletive telling President Donald Trump and his supporters what...
Congressional Perks: House account spending jumped 21% in 2022

Congressional Perks: House account spending jumped 21% in 2022

By Arthur KaneThe Center Square Spending on U.S. House of Representatives office accounts increased by more than 85% over the past three decades but nearly half of that occurred since...
Everyday Economics: Rate cut debate: Reading mixed signals in a fragile economy

Everyday Economics: Rate cut debate: Reading mixed signals in a fragile economy

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The Federal Reserve cut interest rates last week, but the decision was far from unanimous. Two members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) dissented...
Arizona looks to legal immigration with Trump's border security

Arizona looks to legal immigration with Trump’s border security

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square As President Trump approaches the one year mark in office, apprehensions at the southern border have dropped significantly. States along the southern border, including Texas,...
Casey illinois library.2.logo graphic

Casey Library Board Votes to Maintain $70 Non-Resident Fee

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | October 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board of Trustees voted on Thursday to keep the annual fee for a...
Appeals court: IT firm can’t make insurer foot bill for $28M face scan deal

Appeals court: IT firm can’t make insurer foot bill for $28M face scan deal

By Scott Holland | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A state appeals panel has agreed an insurance company doesn’t need to contribute to a $28.5 million settlement that resolved a class...
Illinois soybean farmers face uncertainty amid MAHA push against seed oils

Illinois soybean farmers face uncertainty amid MAHA push against seed oils

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square Illinois soybean farmers face a potential market shakeup if public sentiment, and eventually policy, turns against seed oils, experts warn....
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker to sign tax, toll increases to bail out transit Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he looks forward to signing public transit...
IL Senate approves Department of Corrections director despite fierce opposition

IL Senate approves Department of Corrections director despite fierce opposition

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite a myriad of ongoing issues at the Illinois Department of Corrections, state senators approved the nomination...
Report: PJM power grid electrification faces bumpy transition

Report: PJM power grid electrification faces bumpy transition

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The nation’s power grid is entering a new era of soaring demand – the full extent...
Early morning vote advances Illinois’ 'Terminally Ill Patients Act,' sparks outcry

Early morning vote advances Illinois’ ‘Terminally Ill Patients Act,’ sparks outcry

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A controversial bill allowing terminally ill patients in Illinois to self-administer life-ending medication passed the legislature...
Indiana state police working with ICE at Illinois border to secure interstates

Indiana state police working with ICE at Illinois border to secure interstates

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers continue to arrest hundreds of drivers on interstates who are...
WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween

WATCH: IL lawmakers pass consequential bills early Halloween

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop powers through on...