ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (10/02/2024)

(EAST ST. LOUIS) During a nationwide sweep, hundreds of fugitives have been arrested in the Metro East Area, according to the U.S. Marshalls of the southern district of Illinois. Operation “North Star” targeted fugitives in ten metropolitan areas across the nation, prioritizing those with firearms. In East St. Louis alone, investigators arrested more than 600 fugitives and recovered 172 guns, 53 kilograms of illegal narcotics, and over $250,000 in cash. Also arrested was a man wanted on charges of murdering a 13 year old girl in Alton.

(BELVIDERE) Stellantis, with a manufacturing facility in Belvidere, is recalling 194,000 Jeep plug-in hybrid SUVs globally after at least thirteen reports of battery fires. The auto maker is also telling owners to park their specific SUV outside and away from structures, as well as to avoid any charging, until a fix is implemented. While exact details are not available, Stellantis says the recall stems from an internal investigation that discovered the fires.

(SPRINGFIELD) State aging officials are holding a series of roundtable discussions, which are open to service providers, older adults, family caregivers, and the public. The goal is to help shape the future of policymaking, service delivery, and investment priorities to meet the needs of a growing older adult population in Illinois. Led by the Illinois Department on Aging, today’s first meeting in Dixon will be followed by other roundtables in the future.

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center are marking this month of October as Manufacturing Month. The two groups and others will host the third annual “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour that will visit manufacturing facilities and educational institutions around the state to highlight the industry’s impact on the state’s economy. The tour will begin this Friday in Springfield.