Mistrial declared in corruption case
A federal judge has declared a mistrial in Illinois state Sen. Emil Jones III corruption case after jurors failed to reach a verdict on all three counts against the Chicago Democrat.
U.S. District Court Judge Andrea Wood made the ruling Thursday after several days of jury deliberations at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. Prosecutors accused Jones of bribery and lying to federal investigators.
Jones is the son of former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr.
New IEMA-OHS secretary
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the appointment of emergency management executive Theodore ‘Ted’ Berger to lead the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security.
Berger has served in various roles in state government, including the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Berger’s appointment is effective May 15 pending Senate approval.
Metro East helicopter crashes
A medical helicopter crashed during a training exercise Thursday night in Metro East.
According to the FAA, the crash occurred while the helicopter was taking off during a training event with the Hartford Fire Department. The pilot and two crew members were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
