Illinois

Illinois sexual trauma centers face possible staff cuts

Published

1 year ago

June 17, 2023

Illinois sexual trauma centers face possible staff cuts

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) — The deadline of July 1st is nearing for sexual assault centers to raise donations and continue service following a budget cut by the federal government.

Umbrella organization, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, ICASA, found out back in January, the federal government will cut funding from the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) by $9 million.

This impacts all the sexual trauma centers the coalition sends money to in Illinois.

The ICASA Executive Director, Carrie Ward, said members went to lawmakers before the budget passed in May to request an increase to the $8.2 million it already receives in state general revenue funds.

“We asked that they increase our line item by $12 million,” Ward said. “So that would be $9.5 million to offset the VOCA cut and the other $2.5 million to address inflation and workforce expenses.”

Ward said that didn’t happen, but the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) was able to give the coalition a boost just before the budget was finalized.

“We ultimately received a $5 million dollars increase in state general revenue,” Ward said.

But that still leaves the coalition short $7 million of its $20 million goal, which causes individual agencies across the state to miss out on hundreds of thousands of dollars including Quanada. The organization serves Adams, Brown, Pike, and Schuyler County, and it needs about $200,000.

In central Illinois, Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Champaign County needs about $154,800.

Kari Miller, the Executive Director for CAC, said the organization’s state chapter will share grant money from the Department Of Children And Family Services, but CAC has been fundraising with groups until then.

“We obtained a grant from United Way that will help pay for counseling funds, and we also received an increase in our Champaign County Mental Health Grant,” Miller explained.

Miller said it’s not clear what the total amount of the grants is, but CAC will spread it to make sure all areas are covered.

“We’ll put all the pieces together,” Miller said. “We’ll do everything we can, so kids don’t have any loss in services.”

Miller also added that CAC is made up of 4 people. If it does have to cut someone, colleagues will have to fulfill another role in order to continue supporting children.

ICASA also said it’s grateful for the $5 million it was able to get through IDHS, but agencies across the state will likely make staff cuts.

ICASA members are planning to meet with Governor JB Pritzker to prevent this issue next year.

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Illinois

Woman accused of driving drunk in fatal crash near Springfield charged with reckless homicide

Published

2 hours ago

July 5, 2024

Press Room

Woman accused of driving drunk in fatal crash near Springfield charged with reckless homicide

A Petersburg woman faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence leading to a crash that killed another Petersburg woman on Illinois 97 on May 11.

In all, Lori Beth Moreno, 40, faces six felony charges.

Moreno was in Menard County court July 2 on a first appearance before Circuit Judge Roger Thomson. Another judge, Michael Atterberry, recused himself from the case on June 11.

More: Springfield teen accused of stabbing mom more than 100 times, according to court officials

Moreno was in a head-on collision that killed Marjorie “Marj” Hinds, 60, and seriously injured an 80-year-old passenger in Hinds’ van.

According to Illinois State Police, Moreno was northbound on Illinois 97 just north of Lincoln’s New Salem State Park when her pickup crossed the centerline and struck Hinds’ southbound minivan head on around 10 p.m.

Moreno was also charged with two counts of aggravated DUI causing bodily harm; reckless homicide and aggravated reckless driving causing bodily harm.

Moreno was granted pre-trial release due to her own physical health resulting from the accident.

Menard County State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll said as part of the conditions for her release, Moreno is on electronic monitoring and has been outfitted with an alcohol monitoring device. Moreno is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle.

Moreno was appointed a public defender, R. John Alvarez.

Moreno’s preliminary hearing is July 30.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

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Illinois

Two years after mass shooting, July Fourth parade returns to Highland Park, Illinois

Published

9 hours ago

July 5, 2024

Press Room

Two years after mass shooting, July Fourth parade returns to Highland Park, Illinois – CBS Chicago

Watch CBS News

A day of remembrance in Highland Park on Thursday marked two years since a tragic mass shooting during their annual 4th of July Parade.

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Illinois

2025 ATH Jershaun Newton commits to Illinois

Published

17 hours ago

July 4, 2024

Press Room

2025 ATH Jershaun Newton commits to Illinois

In the early hours of a day that was no-doubt packed with Fourth of July festivities, Bret Bielema and his staff found another cause for celebration. They picked up a commitment from a face that may look familiar to some Illini fans.

On Thursday, Jershaun Newton, a 2025 3-star athlete according to 247 Sports, announced on his X that he had committed to Illinois.

He also held offers from Florida State, Indiana and Miami (Fla.), among others Power Five schools.

Newton was a dual-threat QB for Clearwater Central Catholic in St. Petersburg, Florida. In his senior season, he passed for 2,084 yards and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,020 yards and five touchdowns.

On defense, he also played outside linebacker.

He’s the 13th pickup of the 2025 recruiting class, which is currently ranked 53rd in the nation according to 247 Sports.

Newton is the youngest brother of former Illinois DL Jer’Zhan Newton, who was drafted in April to the Washington Commanders.

The former fan favorite took to X to declare that he was “Jer’Proud” of his little brother.

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