Illinois quick hits: Concerns raised over grain terminal sale

Concerns raised over grain terminal sale

Illinois’ congressional delegation is asking the U.S. Treasury secretary to examine a recent sale of a stake in a grain terminal in Cahokia to a company affiliated with the Chinese government.

U.S. Reps. Mike Bost and Nikki Budzinski expressed concern for national security over the sale of Growmark’s location on the Mississippi River in the Metro East, which closed last week.

Hazing investigation recommendations

A team of investigators led by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is recommending Northwestern University enhance its hazing prevention measures, after a scandal that rocked the school's athletic department.

Northwestern brought in Lynch and her private law firm to conduct what the school called an independent review of efforts to improve how Northwestern responds to accusations of hazing, bullying and discrimination.

Dozens of former student athletes who claimed they experienced sexual, physical or mental abuse through hazing or racism sued Northwestern.

Grill safety urged

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is reminding Illinoisans to make sure they are following proper safety practices when using their grills this holiday weekend and throughout the rest of the summer.

July is the peak month for grill fires followed by June, May and August. The National Fire Protection Association reports around 64% of U.S. households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smoker. Gas grills contribute to a higher number of fires than charcoal grills. On average, over 10,000 home fires are started by a grill each year.