Illinois quick hits: Illinois prison staff hospitalized; kanes reopen for holiday weekend

Illinois prison staff hospitalized

Staff members at a southern Illinois correctional facility were taken to a hospital after experiencing some medical symptoms.

Twelve staff members at the Menard Correctional Center had medical symptoms and were taken to a hospital by ambulance. It is unknown what caused the illnesses. The Illinois Poison Control Center, along with the St. Clair County EMA's Hazmat Team is assisting with the investigation.

Lanes reopen for holiday weekend

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Labor Day holiday weekend to minimize travel disruption.

Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Monday. There is expected to be a heavy police presence on the roadways by Illinois State Police and local police agencies as part of their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

Chicago among most expensive cities

Chicago has been ranked as one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. for 2024.

U.S. News and World Report ranked cities around the country based on median gross rent and annual housing costs for homeowners. The Windy City ranked as the 23rd most expensive city. The No. 1 spot belonged to Hartford, Connecticut, followed by Los Angeles.