Illinois quick hits: More than 1.8 million votes cast; check smoke alarms with time change
State police make Metro East arrests
Illinois State Police are releasing the results of an anti-crime operation in the Metro East region. The agency says the operation took place Oct. 28 and 29, and involved using technology to target areas known for high crime rates.
Troopers made 27 arrests, 16 firearms were seized, and one stolen vehicle was recovered. Investigators were able to bring about 33 felony charges and 27 firearm-related charges.
More than 1.8 million votes cast
As of Friday morning, more than 1.8 million registered voters have cast their ballots early.
Data from the Illinois State Board of Elections shows nearly 700,000 have already returned their mail-in ballot, but more than 1.1 million have physically voted early. There are more than 8 million registered voters in Illinois. The election is Nov. 5.
Check smoke alarms with time change
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Department of Public Health remind residents to test, inspect and replace any broken or expired smoke and CO alarms while they change their clocks this upcoming weekend. Daylight saving time comes to an end Sunday morning.
In 2023, there were 89 residential fire deaths in Illinois with the majority of these deaths occurring in homes without working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms only have a life span of 10 years before they need to be replaced.
