Charges: Galesburg Man Went To Minneapolis To Riot
MINNEAPOLIS — An Illinois man who allegedly said he was traveling to Minneapolis to “riot” after the death of George Floyd has been charged with federal counts. Twenty-eight-year-old Matthew Lee Rupert of Galesville is charged with civil disorder, rioting and possession of unregistered destructive devices. An FBI affidavit says Rupert posted videos to his Facebook page last week that showed him in Minneapolis, handing out explosives to others. Floyd, a black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck, despite Floyd saying he couldn’t breathe. The charges come as civic leaders nationwide have blamed outsiders for bringing trouble into their communities. – Associated Press
974 New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Illinois
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced 974 new COVID-19 cases Monday. The state has now seen 121,234 COVID-19 cases throughout 101 counties. An additional 23 deaths in the last day brings the total number of fatalities to more 5,412. The state’s seven-day positivity rate is now down to 6%. Champaign County reported 14 new COVID-19 cases Monday, with a total of 646 cases. That includes 156 cases in the Rantoul zip code. The Champaign death toll remains at seven. In Macon County, one new case brings the total case count to 196. – Lecia Bushak, Illinois Newsroom
4 Killed In Truck-Auto Collision On Decatur Street
DECATUR — Authorities in central Illinois say four people were killed in a collision in Decatur between a car and a semi-trailer truck. Six people were riding in the auto when it collided with the truck early Monday. Macon County coroner Michael E. Day identified those killed as 23-year-old Shonez Harper; 20-year-old Keithsah C.S. Bowman; 19-year-old Brittany King and 23-year-old Armani Cooper, all of Decatur. Day says all died from injuries ranging from “traumatic arrest” to internal and head trauma. A fifth passenger was hospitalized, however his condition isn’t known. Decatur police say the driver, who hasn’t been identified, fled after the accident and was later found. The truck driver wasn’t injured. – Associated Press
Illinois To Offer Free Meals To Youth During Summer Break
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will offer free meals to school-aged children at hundreds of sites this summer, using options such as home delivery and drive-through distribution to ensure families that need help can get it during the pandemic. The Illinois State Board of Education said more organizations are needed to participate in the summer food program, as the number of families relying on the assistance for meals when school isn’t in session has increased due to the coronavirus outbreak. Schools, faith-based groups, local governments and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to participate, and meals are available to those age 18 and younger. – Associated Press