Afternoon News Update: March 4

A teen has died in a crash after reportedly attempting to flee from police. The incident happened on Rockford’s southeast side early this morning near Kishwaukee Street and College Avenue. After being spotted by officers investigating shots fired, officials say the vehicle left the scene and struck a tree. A 17-year-old male died as a result. The other two in the car, a 25-year-old male and 16-year-old female were transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
A jury has determined the fate of a Rockford man. Kody Walsh has been found guilty of 1^st degree murder in the death of Lori Daniels. He could face up to life in prison which will be determined on April 7.
Hundreds of employees have been laid off at a Belvidere plant. Chrysler says the temporary layoffs of just over 300 people are the result of slumping Dodge Dart Sales. The company’s overall sales have increased 11 percent from a year ago, but the compact sedan isn’t keeping up. All three shifts at the Belvidere plant have been affected.
A college student from Chicago who wrote Facebook posts that prompted the lock down of a North Dakota school campus will not serve jail time. Officials say 21-year-old Patrick Casas pleaded guilty on Monday and was sentenced to two years of supervised probation. Casas now lives in Chicago and is allowed to serve his probation there.
Cook County has issued just over 250 marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This was the first week the couples were allowed to do so, since a federal judge from Chicago ruled that Illinois’ original ban was unconstitutional. The law legalizing same-sex marriage for the entire state takes effect June 1.
The four Republicans running for governor of Illinois will meet this evening for another debate. The University of Chicago will host the 90-minute forum that will include a round-table discussion followed by questions from the audience. The last day to vote early for the primary is March 15.
Former U.S. Representative Mel Reynolds says he's in hiding in South Africa following his deportation from Zimbabwe because he believes his life is in danger. The Illinois Democrat believes he's being pursued by a secret Zimbabwean death squad because of information he has on American businessmen. Reynolds was deported last month after pleading guilty to violating Zimbabwe's immigration laws.
United Airlines is getting tough on passengers with oversized carry-on bags. The Chicago-based airline has installed new bag-sizers at most airports. Officials say workers have been sending passengers with extensive carry-on bags back to the ticket counter, where they check the bag and pay a $25 fee. United has a stated a goal of collecting an additional $700 million in fee revenue within the next four years.
Winnebago County will undergo Roadside Safety Checks for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The Illinois State Police say these procedures are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. Nearly 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois are alcohol and drug related. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.
Beginning Wednesday, officials will be closing Gladstone Avenue and Grenshaw Street for sewer repair work. Traffic control measures will be provided and motorists are urged to use caution while driving near the work zone. The project is expected to be completed by March 12, weather permitting.

Categories: News