Illinois news in brief: Prosecutors indict felon on pretrial release for fentanyl trafficking; Rockford men charged after child abuse investigation; Cairo bridge to reopen

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Prosecutors indict felon on pretrial release for fentanyl trafficking

A federal grand jury has indicted a Chicago man for allegedly trafficking fentanyl while on state pre-trial release for a felony drug charge in Cook County. Prosecutors say Rishone Raspberry, 32, sold about 52 grams of fentanyl to an undercover federal law enforcement agent in Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood on May 27. At the time, Raspberry was on pre-trial bond for a pending felony drug charge. He was also serving a three-year probation term for a 2025 drug conviction.

Rockford men charged after child abuse investigation

Police say two Rockford men are facing felony charges after a child abuse investigation led to an illegal drug operation. Noah Webb, 20, was charged with possession of child sexual abuse materials after officers executed a search warrant at his home on Thursday. While executing the warrant, officers located an illegal cannabis operation and took Robert Webb, 43, into custody.

Cairo bridge to reopen

The U.S. 51 Ohio River bridge connecting Cairo, Illinois, and Wickliffe, Kentucky, is expected to reopen late Friday afternoon after repairs and a walk-through inspection. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said a federally-mandated Nonredundant Steel Tension Member inspection has been moved up from August to next week. Drivers can expect one lane of alternating traffic on the Cairo bridge from July 20 to 24 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Smoke leads to Secretary of State changes, soccer cancellation

Smoke from Canadian wildfires led to several changes and cancellations in the Chicago area. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in a social media post that Chicago area DMV facilities will not have same-day appointments for road tests on Friday. The Chicago Fire soccer match with Vancouver, scheduled for Thursday night at Soldier Field, was postponed due to the poor air quality conditions. The match was rescheduled for October 6.

America 250 celebration continues in Springfield

More America 250 events are planned at the Illinois State Museum and the Illinois State Library in Springfield this weekend. Families can enjoy presentations from acclaimed Illinois children’s authors, an American eagle flight demonstration, a Route 66 exhibit and other interactive experiences. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday throughout the Capitol Complex.