Afternoon News Update: March 14

An off duty Chicago police officer has died after his car was struck by a van that was involved in a separate police chase. The crash happened early this morning on the city’s south side. Officials say the 42-year-old officer was headed home from work when he was killed. Two people are currently in custody. Calumet Park police have not said what led to the chase and have declined comment. The crash remains under investigation.
A wood burning stove has been named the reason for a Janesville house fire. The blaze happened on Thursday in the 100 block of Surrey Lane. Officials say the homeowners and their friends were able to escape, with one of them having to be transported to the hospital. The home suffered an estimated $75,000 in damage. The residents are currently staying with family until an inspection determines it’s safe to turn the utilities back on.
An alleged drug dealer has been arrested at his job. According to officials, 21-year-old Gerardo Ponce has been charged with unlawful delivery of ecstasy within 1000 feet of a public park. It comes after police raided his place of work today in Belvidere. Officers were able to seize ecstasy pills and cash. If convicted, Ponce could face a minimum of four years in prison.
A man is in the hospital after a rollover accident last night near Janesville. Investigators say the 39-year-old driver was speeding and lost control of his car. He then crashed into a drainage culvert, which led to his 25-year-old passenger being ejected from the car. The crash happened on South County Highway near South State Highway 213. The driver suffered minor injuries and is facing several charges.
Nine Illinois residents are facing charges of collecting thousands of dollars in fraudulent unemployment benefits. Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced the charges Thursday. The defendants allegedly defrauded a combined $200,000 in benefits between 2009 and 2012. Madigan says prosecuting these cases maintains resources for those who need it most.
More than 2.3 million Illinois taxpayers have already filed their income tax returns, with more than half getting refunds. The Department of Revenue announced Thursday that $524 million in refunds have been paid to early filers. Officials say most of the early tax filings are coming in electronically.
Northwestern University says it has raised more than $1.5 billion in an effort to build several new campus buildings and renovate others. The Evanston school hopes to raise nearly $4 billion. It's planning a new lakefront recreation complex, visitor’s center and music and communications building.

Categories: News