Illinois quick hits: Illinois parole absconder arrested in Tennessee

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Illinois parole absconder arrested in Tennessee

The U.S. Marshals Service says an Illinois parole absconder has been captured in Union City, Tennessee. Marshals began searching for William Huggins, 42, in January after they received a request from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Huggins was on parole for aggravated battery for a peace officer and was wanted on an absconder warrant before the marshals arrested him on Thursday. Lydia Shiew, 60, was also arrested after allegedly making false statements to investigators about Huggins’ location.

Feds release update on Chicago Expressway explosion

After one person died in an explosion on Chicago’s Eisenhower Expressway on Thursday, federal authorities said no evidence was found to indicate that other individuals were involved. An ATF statement released on Friday said there was no indication that the incident was connected to any other event. During the investigation, I-290 was closed in both directions at Mannheim Road for about eight hours.

State awards volunteer fire grants

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has awarded $495,000 in federal grants to 73 volunteer fire departments across the state for new equipment purchases and fire training. IDNR said the 73 grantees provide fire protection to about 250,000 Illinois residents, primarily in rural areas. The Volunteer Fire Capacity grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.