Illinois
Pastor Takes Upskirt Videos | Bed Bug City | Overdose Deaths Drop
ILLINOIS — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across Illinois. Here’s a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.
Upskirt Videos At Target Store: Ex-Church Pastor Pleads Guilty
A suburban church pastor was terminated from his role at the parish after officials learned of the charges against him. The 26-year-old, who faced deportation and attended his sentencing via Zoom from his home country, admitted to taking upskirt videos of women at the local Target store. “Jothi stated that on August 9, 2023, he went to Target to buy milk, at which time, he noticed a lady wearing ‘short clothes’ for which he has a weakness,” a detective wrote after interviewing the pastor. (He) advised that ‘her clothes would reveal things.’”
Chicago Among Worst Cities For Bed Bugs, Ranking Says
Travelers beware: Chicago was recently ranked among the top five worst cities for bed bug infestations in 2024. It’s also held onto its title of “Rattiest City” in the U.S.
Drug Overdose Rates Down In IL, CDC Says In Report
Overdose deaths in Illinois have decreased by 8.06 percent from 2022 to 2023, according to preliminary data released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC officials said they still expect overdose deaths to be down when the final counts are in. It would be only the second annual decline since the current drug death epidemic began more than three decades ago.
‘Bear Down’: NFL Releases Full Schedule For 2024 Season
The 2024 schedule is out, and highlights include the Bears vs. the Titans in London in October, and Chicago taking on Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. Tickets for the London game go on sale in June.

Nurse Aide Says She ‘Probably’ Punched Woman: Cops
A suburban nursing home worker admitted she “probably” punched a resident at least once last month, saying she was frustrated with her, police said. She was under investigation after an allegation of battery against a male dementia patient at the nursing home.
Illinois
Woman found dead near Schamburg, Illinois shopping center, man in custody
A woman was found dead near a shopping center in Schaumburg, Illinois early Tuesday, and a man was taken into police custody.
Around 5:25 a.m., Schaumburg police were called to the 100 block of South Roselle Road. They found a woman dead at the scene.
Police said a man was taken into custody at the scene.
The investigation so far indicates that the incident was domestic, and the man and woman knew each other.
Police said the incident was isolated and there was no threat to the public. But there was a large police presence at the scene, and alternate routes were advised.
Illinois
Illinois officials investigating death connected to Rock Co. homicide
PRINCETON, Ill. (WMTV) – The Illinois State Patrol is investigating a death after officials found a suspect’s vehicle wanted in connection to a Wisconsin homicide, Illinois State Police reported.
Just before 10 p.m. on December 10, ISP troopers and several other agencies attempted to pull a vehicle over in Princeton, Illinois, that was wanted in a Rock County homicide.
Officials did not specify which Rock Co. case this incident is connected to.
Princeton is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Rock County, Wisconsin.
After the driver did not pull over, police chased the vehicle into the Great Sauk Trail Rest Area on I-80 westbound.
When officers went up to the vehicle, authorities stated the driver was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities did not identify the driver.
ISP is working with the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office in this investigation.
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Illinois
Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”
Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.
The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.
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World1 week ago
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