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What qualifies for an AMBER Alert in Illinois?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

Authorities have activated a series of AMBER Alerts in Illinois in recent weeks. The alerts are meant to assist with child abductions and similar high-profile situations. Many people are informed of ongoing AMBER Alerts through their phones, and those alerts have been trending a little more than usual lately. So what exactly qualifies for an AMBER Alert in Illinois?According to the Illinois AMBER Alert Program, all the following criteria must be met before issuing an alert:Law enforcement must confirm a child has been abducted.The child must be under the age of 16 or have a proven mental or physical disability.Law enforcement must believe the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death.There is enough descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect’s vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help.After all four of those criteria apply, Illinois can then issue an AMBER Alert. Generally, a local law enforcement agency will contact the Illinois State...

Illinois man found not guilty by reason of insanity of killing his grandmother

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- A Peoria County man on Thursday was found not guilty by reason of insanity of killing his grandmother more than a year ago at her West Peoria home. The finding for Cody Krause, 29, was entered during a stipulated bench trial in Peoria County Circuit Court. Now it's up to the state Department of Human Services on what could happen to him. Grandson found fit to stand trial in death of grandmother Both sides agreed that a report in late May indicated that Krause was delusional the time when he killed his grandmother because he thought she had become an alien or a demon who wanted to harm him, said Chief Peoria County Judge Katherine Gorman. The judge also noted that he lacked the capacity to appreciate his actions and as such, didn't comprehend what he was doing. What will happen now is that he will go to the DHS who will keep him in custody at a secure facility as Krause undergoes treatment.A stipulated bench trial is similar to a guilty plea. By not contestin...

Evanston beaches safe for swimming after high E. coli levels

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

EVANSTON, Ill. — All Evanston beaches reopened for swimming Thursday after city officials deemed the waters safe.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Swimming at Evanston beaches closed due to elevated E. coli levelsSwimming at Evanston beaches had been off-limits due to high levels of unsafe E. coli that were detected over the weekend. The scare came after untreated wastewater from the Chicago River was drained into Lake Michigan to ease heavy flooding. MORE EVANSTON NEWS: Experts address taxpayers' concerns surrounding future concerts at Ryan FieldDespite restrictions on swimming, Evanston beaches remained open to locals.All Evanston beaches re-opened for swimming at 10:30 a.m.

Passenger rail from Rockford to Chicago coming in 2027

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — On Thursday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced a Rockford to Chicago passenger rail service will begin operation in 2027.Pritzker made the announcement at Davis Park, located at 320 S. Wyman Street."For the first time since 1981, we're bringing intercity passenger rail back to Rockford," the governor said, announcing that Metra will launch the rail service between Rockford and Chicago in 2027. Faster rail service between Chicago and St. Louis begins "The Milwaukee West Line and Union Pacific Rail will extend service beyond Elgin, with stops in Huntley and Belvidere," Pritzker added.The current plan is to run two trains, seven days a week, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The trip to Chicago is expected to take 95 minutes. The location of the station has yet to be determined.The project is funded through $275 million from the Rebuild Illinois capital program.The governor said the project will create hundreds of construction an...

Evanston reminds stores of bag ban beginning in August; 10 cent tax for paper or plastic

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

EVANSTON, Ill. — Evanston is reminding residents and stores that plastic or paper bags will be taxed at $.10 a bag beginning in August due to an ordinance.Back on May 22, the Evanston City Council voted to approve a complete ban on plastic bags in all city businesses and impose a $0.10 tax per bag on remaining bag types at large retail stores. If residents receive paper bags at the store, the tax will remain.The ordinance is due to the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), part of which aims to eliminate petroleum-based, single-use products by phasing out the use of single-use plastics by 2025.Starting on Aug. 1, businesses may no longer distribute single-use point-of-sale plastic bags or plastic produce bags. All paper bags must be composed of at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled content.All non-restaurant chain retail establishments exceeding 10,000 square feet are required to charge consumers $0.10 for each single-use point-of-sale bag provided. Each non-restaur...

Thousands of children's bicycles recalled because handlebars can detach

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

(WHTM) – Thousands of children's bicycles are being recalled after 77 reports of the handlebar detaching or loosening.On Thursday, woom Bikes USA recalled about 84,000 units of its Original Kids’ Bicycles, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The handlebar problem has caused riders to lose control, resulting in 19 reported injuries including bruising, cuts or abrasions, according to the CPSC. Portable chargers sold on Amazon recalled due to fire hazard The bicycles were sold on woom.com, Amazon.com and in local stores across the country for $200 to $530.The recalled models include woom ORIGINAL 2018–2021 model bikes in all sizes and versions, including balance bikes (woom 1 and woom 1 Plus) and pedal bikes (woom 2 through 6). Portable chargers sold on Amazon recalled due to fire hazard The bicycles had been recommended for children 18 months to 14 years, and were sold in red, green, blue, purple and yellow. The word "woom" displayed on the downtube. The comp...

Louisiana city sets disturbing record with 6th mass shooting of 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) -- This week, Shreveport, Louisiana, reached a troubling milestone with its sixth mass shooting of the year, setting a new city record for the highest number of mass shootings in a single year. The latest violence unfolded during a large party on the 4th of July where multiple partygoers were shot. Police said more than 200 people were attending the party when two groups of men opened fire.Jadajah Thomas, who was at the party at the time of the shooting, described the chaos."We was sitting in the car for like 15 minutes when we heard shots everywhere," said Thomas. "We also was driving past, trying to get out. We was right here. We seen people laying out dead on the ground." Shreveport Police Chief calls July 4 mass shooting ‘a horrible night’ Tabatha Taylor speaks at press conference after July 4 mass shooting (Source: KTAL/KMSS staff)During a press conference Wednesday, District 2 Commissioner Lyndon Johnson expressed shock. "Right now, I'm ...

Two Round Rock teens compete in national weightlifting competition

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) –  Two local teenagers qualified and competed last month in the USA Weightlifting National Championships in Colorado Springs, the largest national weightlifting competition. Decker Fontenot, 13, and Usman Kahn, 16, both train at the Huszka Weightlifting Club in Round Rock and competed in Colorado in June. Decker has been weightlifting since he was 10. “I was really nervous before [the competition].  But once I hit my first lifts, you know, it just felt like another meet,” Decker said. Decker told KXAN he lifted 55 kilograms for “the snatch” and “clean and jerked” 67 kilograms – the two types of lifts athletes execute in weightlifting competitions – which were both "PRs," or personal records. Decker placed 11th in the 14 to 15 age group, and Usman placed 8th in the 16 to 17 age group. Attila Huszka, Decker’s father, owns the gym where the two young athletes train. He said in the wake of CrossFit’s popularity, weightlifting has also grown. CrossFit is a high-in...

Boil water notice issued for parts of Lago Vista

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for July 6, 2023LAGO VISTA, Texas (KXAN) -- The City of Lago Vista public water system is under a boil water notice after a water main break, according to a notice.The water main break caused "reduced distribution system pressure in Pressure Planes PP-3-A and PP-2," the notice states. The boil water notice is directed for those two pressure plane areas, which can be seen in the map below.The notice states the water main break has been repaired by city personnel, and the system is currently being pressurized. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires flushing and testing once pressure has been re-established.The boil water notice will be removed after testing is completed and approved, the notice states.Lago Vista map for July 6 boil water notice.What to do in a boil water noticeTo remove potential bacteria, water for drinking, cooking and ice-making should be brought to a "rigorous boil" for two minute...

Newcomer Brandan Craig excited to join Austin FC

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:54:56 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC is adding fresh legs to its roster by acquiring defender Brandan Craig on loan from the Philadelphia Union. Craig, 19, has only played in one MLS game, but he's been a player who the club believes can help going forward as he'll be a member of the Verde and Black for the remainder of the 2023 season. He recently represented the US Men's Youth National Under-20 team at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup where he was teammates with Austin FC Head Coach Josh Wolff's son, Owen. According to Craig, the younger Wolff has helped make the transition easier in these first few days with the club. "It helps me settle in and be a little comfortable knowing at least one player personally," Craig said. Even though he doesn't have much MLS experience, Craig expects his time with Austin FC to be full of growth."I think this place gives me a good opportunity to get significant minutes, significant MLS minutes, so I'm really happy to be here," Craig continued. "I'm just excited for...