Afternoon News Update: April 2

The man who killed an NIU student has received 30 years in prison. 21-year-old Chaz Thrailkill entered the plea Tuesday, two weeks before he was set to go to trial for the death of 22-year-old Steven Agee II. Authorities say Thrailkill shot and killed Agee back in 2011 after an argument at an off-campus party. He was not a student at NIU.
A Rockford man is heading to prison for assaulting an elderly man. 20-year-old Tyler Lawson has been found guilty of home invasion, residential burglary and aggravated battery. The incident happened last summer when he broke into the victim’s house, attacked him and demanded money. Lawson faces at least 14 years in prison. He could receive a maximum sentence of 100 years.
After two months of community visioning sessions, Transform Rockford will now move into the drafting stage. The purpose is to take the volunteer input from the sessions and turn it into one shared vision. A draft of the vision will be presented to the public for review. The visioning sessions will continue to run through this Friday at the Coronado.
An electronic cigarettes bill has advanced to the state Senate. The Illinois House approved legislation that would require stores to keep them behind the counter. The measure passed 113-0 on Tuesday and now heads to the Illinois Senate. This is designed to make it harder for kids to access e-cigarettes and other alternative tobacco products.
Legislation sponsored by State Representative Tom Demmer dealing with municipal finances has received approval in the Illinois House. The intent of the bill is to improve oversight and review of the financial activities, auditing practices and financial status of municipalities and counties. This could help prevent the theft of public funds in the future. The bill now moves on to the Senate for their consideration.
President Barack Obama is back in his hometown of Chicago today. He'll appear at a pair of evening fundraisers benefiting the Democratic National Committee. Obama will return to Washington after the events.
Beginning Monday April 7, the southbound lanes of S Mulford Road between E State Street and Newburg Road will have rolling closures. AT&T needs access to manholes for telephone line repairs. The work is expected to be completed by Tuesday April 15, weather permitting.

Categories: News