U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer will become the first woman to head the federal court in Chicago, succeeding Ruben Castillo as chief judge on July 1.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, also a former Central Illinois congressman, will help oversee efforts to improve safety and reduce risk at NiSource, the utility company blamed for natural gas explosions and fires in Massachusetts six months ago.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

A Los Angeles financial executive who was being investigated in a securities fraud case tipped authorities to the wide-ranging college admissions scandal, according to a report.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

New Zealand’s Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern confirmed 40 people were killed and more than 20 were seriously injured in what she labeled a well-planned “terrorist attack” that targeted worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch on Friday.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

On March 13, 2019 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 100 block of West Adams Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon investigating, police arrested McKenzie N. Green, age 26, of Mt. Vernon for domestic battery. Green was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On March 13, 2019 at approximately, 2 p.m., Benton Police conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Main Street.
Upon investigating, police arrested Bernice L. Santillan, age 35, of West Frankfort for driving while license revoked.
Santillan was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On March 14, 2019 at approximately 12:50 a.m., Benton Police conducted a traffic stop in the 11000 block of Highway 37.
Upon investigating, police arrested Richard E. Larson, age 58, of Benton for unlawful possession of methamphetamine and driving while license suspended. Larson was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

A state Senator wants single-occupancy restrooms throughout the state in schools and businesses with public accommodations to have a gender-neutral sign.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Nearly one out of two public school graduates bound for a four-year university chose to leave Illinois rather than studying at an in-state institution, according to a new report.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

For years, Illinois colleges and universities have tried to find new ways to attract more high school graduates from within the state, while young people increasingly are choosing to pursue their degrees elsewhere.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Authorities say sheriff’s police responded to a report of a plane having gone down and came upon wreckage along a highway. Rohlfing says it is suspected engine problems caused the crash.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Nearly three years after a man sexually abused as a teen by Dennis Hastert sued the retired U.S. House speaker for allegedly reneging on a hush-money pact, excerpts from the disgraced politician’s deposition have been made public in the ongoing court battle.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.