JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — Four people were hospitalized after a south suburban police chase ended in a crash early Sunday morning, police said.

Joliet police said an officer saw a Cadillac CTS traveling southbound on Raynor Avenue without its headlights or taillights on just before 2 a.m.

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The officer tried to conduct a traffic stop when the Cadillac’s driver, a 21-year-old Joliet man, turned westbound onto Black Road, but he immediately sped away, police said. The officer stopped before reaching Black Road and Midland Avenue due to safety concerns.

Police said the officer and witnesses then saw the Cadillac’s driver run a red light at Black Road and Larkin Avenue, where he collided with a Chevrolet Cruze, which was heading northbound on Larkin on a green light. The crash caused the Cadillac to leave the roadway, strike a utility pole, and overturn in a nearby grassy area.

The Cadillac’s driver, the only person in that vehicle, was extricated and transported to Saint Joseph Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, police said. He was later flown to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

Police said the Chevrolet’s driver, a 23-year-old Chicago man, and two passengers, both men, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were also taken to Saint Joseph Medical Center.

The roadway was closed for several hours while investigators reconstructed the crash scene.

Joliet police are investigating and asked anyone with video footage or information to call them at 815-724-3010.

CARBONDALE, Ill. (HEARTLAND NEWS) – Aviation enthusiasts, families, and community members soared into a night of celebration as the Southern Illinois Airport Authority marked a major milestone.

The Southern Illinois Airport Authority (SIAA) hosted its Big Bang Birthday Bash on Saturday, June 27, 2026. This celebrating 76 years of aviation history with food, games, community fun and a massive fireworks display.

The festivities began at 6 p.m. at the Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale, with fireworks lighting up the night sky after dark.

For more than seven decades, the Southern Illinois Airport has served as a gateway to the region, helping connect Southern Illinois residents to destinations near and far while supporting education, business, and aviation training opportunities.

Organizers invited the public to help celebrate the airport’s 76th birthday with an evening designed for all ages.

Whether guests were longtime aviation fans or simply looking for a fun summer outing, the event promised plenty of runway-worthy entertainment.

The highlight of the evening was a large fireworks display expected to illuminate the skies above the airport after sunset.

Attendees were encouraged to arrive early, set up lawn chairs and enjoy the festivities before the fireworks take flight.

The show will provided a fitting finale to an evening celebrating the airport’s legacy and future.

Visitors also enjoyed food and drink specials from St. Nick’s Restaurant, helping keep guests fueled throughout the celebration.

Games and family-friendly activities were also planned, entertaining children and adults alike.

The birthday bash served as both a celebration of aviation and a thank-you to the community that has supported the airport throughout its history.

Officials say the event offerd a chance to reflect on the airport’s contributions to Southern Illinois while bringing residents together for an evening of summertime fun.

A new Illinois law will target so-called “super-speeders,” requiring them to install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles if they commit multiple road violations.

Under provisions of HB 4948, which Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law on Friday, the state will introduce the “Intelligent Speed Assistance Program,” designed to replace license suspension with a different alternative for drivers.

According to the text of the law, the program will require drivers who have committed two qualifying speeding or reckless driving offenses within a 12-month period to install a speed-limiting device on their vehicles, which will prevent them from exceeding the speed limit.

Drivers would have up to 14 days after their second violation to obtain a permit for the device and to have it installed, and would be issued a restricted driver’s license that only permits them to operate vehicles with the device installed.

The measure officially goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2028, and passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly by large majorities.

Virginia and Washington have already passed similar laws according to the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and Illinois officials are touting the legislation as a more effective alternative to license suspension.

The devices are similar to ignition interlock devices that require drivers to prove they aren’t under the influence of alcohol before they operate a vehicle, according to experts.

Persons enrolled in the program will pay all costs associated with enrollment and participation, with exceptions for low-income residents, according to the text of the legislation.

The policy proposal comes due to a rise in vehicle accidents and speed-related fatalities, according to researchers. According to the text of the legislation, approximately 75% of drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive, citing the National Cooperative Highway Research Program.

Speeding is a contributing factor in an estimated 29% of all traffic fatalities, resulting in 12,000 deaths annually according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Illinois lawmakers call fines, licenses points and suspensions “insufficient” in addressing the problem of chronic speeding, and the devices would be aimed at improving driver safety while also allowing drivers to continue operating their vehicles even after multiple traffic offenses, rather than suspending their licenses outright.

Washington lawmakers cited data showing year-over-year increases in speeding-related fatalities since 2019 when they passed their version of the bill last year.