Homeland Security Has Seized $200 Million From Travelers At O’Hare Airport Since 2000, Report Finds
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has seized more than $203 million in cash from travelers at O’Hare International Airport since 2000 – more than any other airport in the country, according to a report released Thursday. And more than $270,000 was seized at Midway Airport during that time, according to the report. The seizures were done under laws meant to curb drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises, but in most cases there were no charges filed. Around the country, federal agencies seized more than $2 billion at the nation’s airports between 2000 and 2016, according to the report from the Institute for Justice, a non-profit law firm. The government can seize cash amounts greater than $10,000 if not properly documented, but around the country no arrests were made 70% of the time, according to the report. – Elliott Ramos, WBEZ
Rockford Police Internal Investigation Justifies Officer Use Of Force During May 30 Protest
The Rockford Police Department announced that the use of force at a police protest in May was lawful and justified. After reviewing 120 hours of video footage and 90 police reports, the Rockford Police Department concluded that its use of pepper spray, tear gas and less lethal munitions during the May 30th protest were within proper procedure. Mayor Tom McNamara said the decision was unanimous. “Both the Response to Resistance Review Board and the Winnebago County State’s Attorney Marilyn Hite Ross agreed that all actions they’ve reviewed were legally justified,” he said. “This does not stop us from learning from our experiences and working to improve.” Hite Ross announced that her office has pressed charges on 10 individuals, which she estimated was just 3% of the approximately 300 protestors present at the protest. – Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, WNIJ
Rally Calls For Sharper Focus On Black Contributions, History In Public Schools
A call for change echoed through the streets of Normal on Wednesday night. For parents, students, and teachers, that change should begin in schools. Demanding an increase of Black education and better representation in curricula overall, the Normal West Black Student Union and Next Gen Initiative gathered for a rally at Martin Luther King Park. Speaking to a crowd of about 50, Bloomington High School teacher Brandon Thornton said it’s time for local schools to back up their foundational words with action. – Tiffani Jackson, WGLT
Census Workers Starting to Canvas in Peoria
U.S. Census Bureau workers have started going door-to-door in the Peoria area to boost participation in the nationwide population count. The city has been identified as one of 35 areas in the nation with a high non-response rate, and Peoria City Council member Sid Ruckriegel is encouraging residents to get counted as soon as possible. According to Ruckriegel, estimates indicate every individual yields around $1,900 per year in federal dollars coming back to the community. Ruckriegel said the census also helps to define the diversity among Peoria’s population. – Joe Deacon, WCBU
SIU Carbondale Recognized Again For Outstanding Green Campus.
For the fifth year in a row, SIU Carbondale has earned national recognition for its tree friendly campus. David Tippy, Superintendent of Grounds say getting the community involved is required to win the designation. “In the spring we do a volunteer tree-planting, we’ll plant you know 10 to 25 trees with the help of anybody that wants to volunteer.” – Kevin Boucher, WSIU