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AAA gives Illinois drivers safety tips as kids go back to school

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AAA gives Illinois drivers safety tips as kids go back to school


ILLINOIS (WIFR) – As students prepare for school, AAA reminds drivers to give themselves extra time and avoid unnecessary risks on their commute.

According to a survey from AAA, more than half of people in Illinois drive through a school zone or pass a bus stop on their normal commute. 39% of people admitted to speeding in an active school zone, and 30% admitted to using their hand-held cell phone while driving in an active school zone.

“Get ready for heavier traffic than normal, especially at first, since a lot of parents like to drive their kids to campus during the first few days back,” says Molly Hart, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It would be a good idea to budget an extra half hour for your morning commute because drivers who are running late are more likely to speed and take unnecessary risks while behind the wheel. That endangers everyone on the roadway.”

18% of people admit to driving around a school bus while it’s stop sign is extended, according to the survey. Illinois law requires motorists to stop when a school bus has its lights flashing and stop arms extended. The only exception is on a divided highway with a raised divider.

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AAA provides tips for pedestrians and parents of young pedestrians:

  • Avoid wearing headphones in order to hear traffic
  • Use sidewalks when available or walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles
  • Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to be seen more easily
  • Don’t assume drivers see you, make sure they stop before crossing the street, and make eye contact with the driver to ensure they saw you

For bicyclists, AAA recommends:

  • Wear a helmet
  • Wear bright-colored clothes
  • Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes when possible
  • Don’t wear headphones so you can hear traffic
  • Cross the street at intersections and do not pull into the street from between parked cars

For students at a bus stop:

  • Arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
  • Stay five steps away from the curb
  • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board

For more information, download the AAA mobile app, or visit their website.



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Woman facing charges 5 years after infant’s remains found in north suburbs, police say

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Woman facing charges 5 years after infant’s remains found in north suburbs, police say


RIVERWOODS, Ill. (WLS) — A woman is facing charges five years after the discovery of a dead newborn in the north suburbs.

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Riverwoods, Illinois police say Natalie Schram gave birth to the baby in May 2020 and then dumped the baby’s body in a wooded area in the 1800 block of Robinwood Lane.

Schram was arrested earlier this month in Washington State and has now bee charged in connection to the crime, police said.

SEE ALSO | 2 charged after infant’s remains found buried at Wilmington home, Will County sheriff says

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The suspect is expected to appear in a Lake County, Illinois courtroom on Thursday.

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Catching up with Illinois State after huge playoff upset victory

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Catching up with Illinois State after huge playoff upset victory



Illinois State Redbirds pulled off the comeback of the year and maybe all-time this past Saturday. 

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ISU, who were 23-point underdogs, rallied from 14 points down with three minutes to go to knock off No. 1-ranked and defending champion North Dakota State in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs in Fargo, North Dakota. 

Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse overcame five interceptions to engineer the huge 29-28 upset. 

Head coach Brock Spack and Arlington Heights receiver Dan Sobkowicz, who caught the game-winning touchdown, discussed the team’s spirit following the win. 

“I had 142 texts, and so, I answered every single one of em, how about that. Either with a fist bump or thumbs up or ‘thank you very much,’ I answered every one,” Spack said. “Our players persevered, and they never lost. You can tell this is a different vibe. They just never lost confidence that they were going to win. To have five turnovers, and to be able to survive that and win, and beat these guys like that is amazing.”  

“Obviously, it was a really good scrambler,” Sobkowicz said. “Just kinda wanted to make something happen, I mean, he found me, and, uh, obviously, I didn’t really think much of it, honestly, at that play right after, but words can’t really explain how much that meant. I think it’s just a cool moment that I’m probably never going to forget.”

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The Redbirds will play UC-Davis Saturday in the FCS quarterfinals. 



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Pritzker signs new Illinois law seeking to limit immigration enforcement at schools, daycares

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Pritzker signs new Illinois law seeking to limit immigration enforcement at schools, daycares


Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has officially signed into a law a bill that would seek to limit immigration enforcement at colleges, daycares, courthouses and more.

Under provisions of HB 1312, which was signed into law Tuesday, enhanced protections are expected to be put into place on those institutions, as well as at hospitals and other entities.

Pritzker signed the bill after “Operation: Midway Blitz” resulted in more than 3,000 arrests around the Chicago area this year, with more immigration enforcement expected as the Trump administration continues to step up its efforts.

“Dropping your kid off at day care, going to the doctor, or attending your classes should not be a life-altering task,” Pritzker said at the bill signing ceremony. “Illinois, in the face of cruelty and intimidation, has chosen solidarity and support.”

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One piece of the bill prohibits schools from threatening to disclose the citizenship or immigration status of any employee, student or contractor without consent.

Schools will also be required to provide information on their websites about who employees and students should speak to if an immigration enforcement agent attempts to enter a school campus or engages in “nonconsensual interactions with members of the school community,” according to the text of the bill.

“Education allows our communities to progress and build a better life – an essential part of the American dream. Pursing an education is a right that should not be threatened by armed, masked federal agents on our college campuses,” said State Sen. Karina Villa in a statement. “Many immigrant parents dream of the day their child graduates from college. That goal is what makes all of their sacrifices and labor worth it. In Illinois, we will defend that dream.”

Campus communities will also be notified when immigration enforcement activity occurs on campus, according to Sen. Villa’s office.

The bill also creates a “Court Access, Safety and Participation Act,” which aims to protect residents from civil arrest if they are attending a state court proceeding, or if they are going to or returning from such a proceeding. That includes if a party is a plaintiff or defendant in a case, or if they are a witness or accompanying a participant in the proceeding.

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The bill permits individuals to seek civil damages against anyone violating that provision of the law.

Hospitals under the act will be required to adopt and implement policies regarding interactions between law enforcement agents and patients, and will be required to post those policies on their websites.

Immigration enforcement agents will also be required to present valid identification and signed judicial warrants to access licensed daycare centers under provisions of the act, according to officials.

Finally, the bill allows residents to file lawsuits against immigration enforcement agents who violate the state or U.S. Constitutions, according to the text of the legislation.

The bill takes immediate effect in the state of Illinois.

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