Chicago man sentenced in stolen property scheme

A Chicago man has been sentenced to serve three and a half years in federal prison following a conviction in Indiana for interstate transportation of stolen property, a crime he previously committed.

According to federal prosecutors, 49-year-old Damiane Harris broke into a truck sales business in South Bend and stole a semi-tractor. He then drove it to a crane rental business in Griffith, where he stole three trailers loaded with more than 68 tons of crane counterweights.

The counterweights were sold to a scrapyard in Chicago Heights, and were reportedly worth more than $300,000. Harris was convicted of an identical crime several years ago and was sentenced to serve two years.

Illinois respiratory virus level is minimal

With the respiratory virus season continuing to wind down, Illinois’ overall respiratory virus level is now minimal and all counties in the state are at Low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations.

According to CDC data for the week ending April 20, the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois declined 22% during the same week.

IDPH has made available a single swab triple-test for flu, RSV and COVID-19, at no cost, to high risk congregate care settings and local health departments.

$30 million Main Street grants launches

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity launched $30 million in funding for the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state.

Officials said the goal of this program is to drive investment in infrastructure and public amenities that will invite more people back into main street districts and local city centers.