Lawsuits filed by families who lost loved ones during the COVID-19 outbreak at the state-run LaSalle Veterans Home in 2020 can proceed in state court this summer. The LaSalle Veterans’ Home had more than 200 positive cases among staff and residents in November 2020, which led to 36 resident deaths. More than 30 families filed the suits against the state in 2022.
———————————————
Trident Agents, assisted by the Peru Police Department, executed a search warrant Thursday at 1712 First St., in Peru. During the search, approximately 900 grams of suspected cocaine were found, along with items indicative of narcotics packaging and distribution, five firearms, ammunition, and a high-capacity magazine. Consequently, Charnelle N. Mond, aged 27, and Robert L. Wright Jr., aged 38, both residing at the mentioned address, were arrested. Mond faces charges of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to deliver between 400 and 900 grams of cocaine, a class X felony. Wright is charged with the same offense, along with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 3 felony. Following their arrest, Mond and Wright were taken to the LaSalle County Jail, where they await a detention hearing.
———————————————
A 32-year-old Ottawa man was stopped by LaSalle County Sheriff’s Deputies just before Midnight on Wednesday at Illinois 23 and Van Buren Street. Christopher Trowbridge has charges of improper lane usage, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, possession of adult-use cannabis by a driver, and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail and released with a notice to appear in court.
———————————————
Illinois is launching an effort to address racial disparities in homelessness. Governor Pritzker joined state officials and researchers yesterday to release a comprehensive report on Black Homelessness in Illinois. The study showed that Black Illinoisans are almost eight times more likely to experience homelessness compared to their white counterparts. Officials will be implementing an action plan designed to address key challenges, including increasing investments in affordable and permanent supportive housing and enhancing the safety net with robust support services. Governor Pritzker earmarked 250-million-dollars in next year’s budget for the plan.
———————————————
Students at Northwestern University are joining other colleges throughout the country by standing in solidarity with Palestine. Pro-Palestinian protesters set up an encampment yesterday on Deering Meadow on Northwestern’s Evanston campus to pressure the university to divest from Israel. A university spokesperson released a statement saying the action is prohibited under campus policies.
———————————————
The IVCC Choir will perform its spring concert, “Sing for Joy,” on Monday, April 29, leading off a week in which all the college ensembles can be heard in concert. Guest artist Dr. Andy Rummel will perform with the IVCC Jazz Ensemble on Tuesday. Rummel is professor of tuba and euphonium at Illinois State University and principal tubist with the Heartland Festival Orchestra. The guitar students recital is on Wednesday, May 1st, and the IVCC Wind Ensemble will perform its spring concert, “Music Portraits by the Masters,” on Thursday in the Cultural Centre. All performances next week begin at 7:00 p.m.