Another local January 6th rioter has been pardoned. Joseph Bierbrodt, a 55-year-old formerly of Peru, was among those granted a presidential pardon for their alleged involvement in the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol. At the time of the attack, Bierbrodt was living in Sheridan and later pleaded guilty to charges stemming from his actions that day. According to FBI accounts, surveillance footage showed his older brother, William Bierbrodt, breaching a locked Afire door, enabling the crowd to enter the building. Joseph was among those who followed, reportedly clashing with multiple officers before being pepper-sprayed and injured in the chaos. Federal officials also accused him of assaulting Capitol police. William Bierbrodt passed away in December 2023 while his case was still pending.
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Positive COVID-19 cases at the Illinois Veterans Home in La Salle appear to be slowing, though they have not entirely ceased. On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs notified veterans and caregivers that two more residents and one employee tested positive for the virus—the first new cases reported in about a week. So far in January, at least 11 residents and 9 employees have contracted COVID-19. Visitors are still welcome at the facility but are cautioned about the risks associated with visiting during an active outbreak. The home, which experienced a devastating COVID-19 outbreak in late 2020 that claimed the lives of more than 30 veterans, remains vigilant as it navigates the current situation.
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Oglesby residents will vote on April 1 to determine whether the city will hire a manager to oversee daily operations, a model used in about half of U.S. cities. First introduced in the early 20th century, the city manager system is known for its emphasis on reducing bureaucracy, improving efficiency, and minimizing corruption. Proponents argue that while hiring a city manager involves an annual salary ranging from $120,000 to $150,000, the position can save money in the long term by securing grants and negotiating contracts. Opponents, however, claim Oglesby cannot afford the added expense, sparking a contentious debate ahead of the referendum. Nearby cities with similar populations, such as Streator and Princeton, have adopted the system with reported success, adding weight to the ongoing discussion.
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Planned Parenthood of Illinois has announced plans to close its Ottawa location, along with facilities in Bloomington, Decatur, and other areas, by the end of March. While none of these locations provide abortion services, the organization emphasizes that patients can access care at any of its remaining 13 facilities. To compensate for the closures, appointment availability will expand in cities like Peoria, Champaign, and Springfield. The organization cites political uncertainty at the federal level, rising costs, and lower reimbursement rates as key factors behind the decision. At the same time, Planned Parenthood reports a surge in abortion seekers from over 40 states, with out-of-state patients now comprising about 25% of appointments, a significant increase from the previous 5%. To better serve patients, the organization plans to introduce medication abortion and telehealth services.
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Nature enthusiasts are invited to flock to Utica on January 25th and 26th for Eagle Watch Weekend, a celebration of the iconic bald eagle and other birds of prey. The two-day event promises an exciting lineup of programs, hands-on activities, and unique opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Designed for all ages, Eagle Watch Weekend offers an engaging experience for families, birdwatchers, and wildlife lovers. Attendees will have the chance to get up close with live birds of prey, learn from expert presentations, and enjoy a variety of interactive events. For a complete schedule and event details, visit the 1430 WCMY website for a link. https://utica-il.gov/events-new/eagle-watch-weekend.
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Closing arguments are underway in Michael Madigan’s landmark corruption trial. During the prosecution’s closing argument yesterday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz said the former Illinois House Speaker and Michael McClain conspired to enhance and preserve Madigan’s power and line his pockets. She added that McClain was Madigan’s “right-hand man” who helped him and others pocket one-point-three-million-dollars from ComEd through “sham” contracts. The prosecution will continue their closing argument today.
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Illinois customers of a major insurance company are getting a hefty rate increase. Allstate Insurance says it’s increasing home insurance rates by over 14 percent for Illinois customers on February 24th. The increase affects a quarter-million policyholders whose rates were raised 12 percent last year. Allstate says the increase is due to rising severe weather events and repair costs. State Farm raised rates by approximately 12 percent last year but does not plan to do so this year.
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The Illinois Supreme Court is reviewing a challenge to a 2023 law limiting constitutional lawsuits to Sangamon and Cook counties. The law aims to curb “judge shopping,” where litigants file cases in favorable jurisdictions, but critics argue it violates due process for residents outside those counties. The case, brought by Piasa Armory, challenges the law after the state attempted to move its lawsuit over a firearms regulation from Madison County to Sangamon County. A Madison County judge ruled the law unconstitutional for depriving residents of a fair venue. The state defends the law as necessary for judicial efficiency, while opponents argue it burdens litigants without sufficient justification. The court has not announced a decision timeline.
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Stellantis is reopening the Assembly Plant in Belvidere. The automaker is investing one point two billion dollars into the plant and plans to produce a new mid-size truck at the facility beginning in 2027. As a result, the company will be reinstating 15 hundred union jobs. The plant has been idle since February 2023.
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A man wanted in an Urbana hit and run that took the lives of two Chicago area women is in custody. The United States Marshals Service captured Juan Jahaziel Saenz-Suarez yesterday in Milford, Texas. He was riding a bus heading to Mexico. Investigators identified him as the driver who ran after slamming an SUV into a Honda Civic this past Sunday at the intersection of University and Coler avenues in Urbana. Katherine Abraham of Glenview and Katherine Abraham of Deerfield were killed in a crash.
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A hit-and-run accident occurred at the OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital parking garage, located at 920 West St., Peru, IL. Following an investigation, James A. Ziel, a 74-year-old male from Ladd, was arrested. Ziel was charged with failure to provide aid or information to an unattended vehicle, as required by law.
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WEATHER:
Thursday
Snow is likely, mainly before 8 am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 16 by 9 am. Wind chill values as low as 1. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 2. Wind chill values as low as -8. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
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OBITUARIES:
Anthony “Tony B” Bianchi passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16th at his home in Ottawa. Visitation will be held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home chapel in Joliet on Friday, January 24th, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral Service for Anthony David Bianchi will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 25th, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Joliet, Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
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LOCAL SPORTS:
Boys basketball
Streator 61, Herscher 29: At Pops Dale Gym
Woodland 61, Serena 58: At Serena
Sandwich 53, Woodstock North 37: At Woodstock
Yorkville 93, Newark 55: At Yorkville
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Girl’s basketball Tonight
Hiawatha @ Earlville
Reed-Custer @ Streator
Mendota @ Newman
Newark @ IMSA
Conference: Sycamore @ Rochelle
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PRO SPORTS:
The Chicago Bulls will try to get a winning streak going when they visit the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center tonight. The Bulls snapped a five-game losing streak by taking down the Clippers 112-99 on Monday night. Chicago is in tenth place in the Eastern Conference with a 19-and-25 record. Tonight’s game begins at 9:00 PM.
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The Chicago Blackhawks are getting ready for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at United Center tomorrow night. The Hawks just lost to the Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime on Monday night. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division with 34 points and a 15-28-and-4 record. Tomorrow night’s game gets underway at 7:00 PM.
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Ben Johnson met with the media for the first time yesterday as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Johnson admitted that being able to work with number-one pick Caleb Williams was a major factor in his decision to accept the Bears job. He also says that he is setting a high bar for the players, who should “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Johnson replaces Matt Eberflus as Chicago’s head coach after Eberflus was fired in November.
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Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington could be getting a new job. CBS Sport is reporting that he interviewed for the Packers defensive line coach position. Green Bay is reportedly interested in hiring him. Meanwhile, ESPN reports that new Bears coach Ben Johnson is looking to bring in former Saints defensive coordinator and ex-head coach Dennis Allen to lead his defense.
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The Chicago Cubs are bringing in a new utility man. The team signed Jon Berti to a one-year deal yesterday. Berti will be paid two million dollars for the 2025 season, and the contract includes up to one point three million dollars in incentives. The 28-year-old spent last year with the New York Yankees. He hit .273 with one home run and six RBI in just 25 games.
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COLLEGE SPORTS:
The Northwestern Wildcats had a strong second half during a 79-70 win over Indiana at Welsh-Ryan Arena last night. The Wildcats trailed by six at halftime before outscoring the Hoosiers 54-39 the rest of the way. Ty Berry led the way with 23 points off the bench, while Brooks Barnhizer chipped in with 21. Northwestern improved to 12-and-7 overall and 3-and-5 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats visit number 17 Illinois on Sunday.
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The number-17 Illinois Fighting Illini look to get back in the win column when they host Maryland at State Farm Center tonight. The Illini have lost two of three after falling to number-eight Michigan State 80-78 on Sunday. Illinois is 5-and-3 in Big Ten play and 13-and-5 overall. Tonight’s game tips off at 8:00 PM.
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In other college hoops action yesterday, Loyola beat Fordham 70-66, UIC took down Evansville 78-67, and Valparaiso fell to Drake 81-71. Meanwhile, Notre Dame returns to action with a game against Virginia this Saturday.