Afternoon News Update: Monday August 18
- State and federal officials say a planned jet-repair and maintenance center at Chicago Rockford International Airport will run 24 hours a day when it opens in 2016. Gov. Pat Quinn and other officials announced details today in Rockford about the $40 million facility. It'll be 200,000 square feet and is expected to employ about 500 people over the next five years. Officials with the company say they chose Rockford because of its location and specially trained workforce. The airport, city of Rockford and Winnebago County will fund some of the project. State and federal funds will cover the rest.
- The Illinois State Police have identified the victim that was struck by a truck on I-39 early Sunday morning. 29 year old Tiffany Cole was found on the side of the road with evidence suggesting she was walking on the shoulder of the highway. She was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is pending and toxicology tests will be available in two weeks.
- A man accused of robbing a Rockford bank last week in the nude is set to appear in court today. Ezekial Deanda is accused of robbing the Associated Bank on North Main street on Friday morning. Deanda allegedly struck an officer who responded to the scene. He faces robbery and aggravated battery to a police officer.
- More work is scheduled to begin today on West State Street. IDOT announced that work will take place on W. State Street from Springfield to Day avenues. Crews will repair the pavement and resurface the roadway. The work on the one mile stretch should be complete by the end of September.
- Dixon City officials are working hard to make sure history doesn't repeat itself after their former Comptroller stole $50 million over the course of two decades. The city council is expected to vote tonight on hiring a consultant to review the city's financial controls. The consultant will examine the safeguards currently in place, as well as provide advice on how to better monitor potential holes.
- Gas prices have dropped in the Stateline. GasBuddy.com reports the average price to fill up is now $3.41/g, that's down nine cents from last week. Nationwide, drivers are spending $3.45/g, that's only down two cents.
- A federal appeals court has ruled a casino lawsuit connected to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's corruption case can proceed. The lawsuit alleges racetrack owners bribed Blagojevich to sign legislation that forced casinos to set aside some of their revenue for the racing industry.
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