Illinois Reports Second Synthetic Pot Death

The worst of Illinois' problems with dangerous synthetic marijuana are in central Illinois. The state's Department of Public Health yesterday said that a second person, this time from Peoria County, died after smoking the fake pot. The state says 26 of the 56 people who've gone to the hospital with severe bleeding from the eyes, nose, or ears live in Peoria or Tazewell counties. An IDPH spokesperson says some of the fake pot victims have tested positive for a chemical found in rat poison.

Normal Mayor Takes Leave Following Cancer Diagnosis

The mayor of Normal is taking some time away from town hall after a cancer diagnosis. Normal Mayor Chris Koos yesterday said he's been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Koos told councilmen that he will take a four week leave of absence to undergo surgery and focus on his health. Normal's mayor pro-tem, Jeff Fritzen, will take over in Koos' place.

Illinois Pork Farmers Worry About Chinese Tariff

A 25 percent Chinese tariff on Illinois pigs could erase any profit that the state's hog farmers see in their second biggest market. Pork producers in Illinois yesterday said that the tariff from China, imposed as retaliation for a U.S. tariff on steel, is a nightmare for them. China is the second largest market for Illinois pork, and only Mexico is larger. Illinois farmers say they might make a 25 dollar profit on a pig sold at market, but the tariff could cost them almost 40 dollars.

Snow Covered Central Illinois Could Be Slick

It could be a slick drive to work or school across most of the middle of Illinois. The National Weather Service allowed winter weather advisories to expire early this morning. Parts of central Illinois saw three inches of snow yesterday. The Illinois State Police say the snow and slick weather caused a number of accidents across central Illinois yesterday.

Bloomington's Hendricks Murder Case To Get National TV Attention

Bloomington-Normal's most famous murder is getting some national TV attention. The show "The Darkest Night" will feature a story on Sunday about the 1983 murder of Susan Hendricks and her three children. Her husband, David, was charged with the crimes. But a jury acquitted David Hendricks at his second trial. Bloomington Police say the case is closed, but unresolved. The episode will air on Investigation Discovery Sunday night at 7 p.m.

One Dead After Using Synthetic Marijuana

Illinois public health officials are blaming synthetic marijuana for a person's death. The Illinois Department of Public Health on Saturday once again issued a warning about the dangers of using K2, spice, or a number of other varieties of fake pot. The IDPH is not releasing any information about the death, or the dozens of other cases where people were treated for severe bleeding from the eyes, nose, and lungs after using synthetic marijuana. IDPH Director Nirav Shah says synthetic marijuana is not safe for anyone to use.

Governor Rauner Wants Road Building Plan, Not Sure On Funding

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner says he'd love to build new roads in the state. But he's less sure about how to pay for it. The governor told reporters in Springfield yesterday that he fully supports a capital plan to build new roads and bridges, but he won't raise taxes to pay for the work. Instead the governor says finding some efficiencies in state government could produce the money. The governor's comments came a day after a new report said Illinois' crumbling and congested roads cost drivers in the state 16 billion-dollars a year.