Illinois quick hits: DHS says Pritzker told ‘smorgasbord of lies’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

DHS says Pritzker told ‘smorgasbord of lies’

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has told “a smorgasbord of lies” about federal immigration enforcement efforts.

DHS said in a statement that more than 1,000 criminal illegal aliens have been arrested during Operation Midway Blitz, but any U.S. citizens arrested are because of obstructing or assaulting law enforcement.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said children were never zip-tied as Pritzker claimed.

Lithium battery awareness

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, fire departments and organizations across Illinois are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to highlight the importance of lithium-ion battery safety.

The “Charge into Fire Safety” campaign focuses on proper buying, charging and recycling.

More than 25,000 lithium-ion battery fires were reported in the U.S. from 2017 to 2022.

Distracted driving increases

According to a new study, Illinois has experienced the third-most-significant increase in distracted driving crashes across the United States.

The research conducted by Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data for distracted driving collisions between 2022 and 2023.

Illinois suffered a 91.46% rise in distracted driving crashes. Only Rhode Island and Vermont saw higher increases.