Driver walks away with fine in deadly 2024 crash, despite history of DUI offenses

CNN Newsource on January 28, 2026

By WBBM

Click here for updates on this story

    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A violent four-car crash killed a 76-year-old woman on the Tri-State. Some said the crash was no accident.

Police said the driver responsible had alcohol in his system and a long record of drunk driving, but he walked away with nothing more than a speeding ticket.

The view from CBS Skywatch following the crashshowed a crumpled heap of twisted metal. A car that belonged to 76-year-old Bernice Pawilan.

On June 7, 2024, the Wisconsin driver of a Ford 150 slammed into it at 78 miles per hour. Pawilan did not survive. Three other people were also hurt in that crash.

Neighbors said she lived pretty “off the grid,” but the Ingleside woman was remembered fondly by her coworkers at Lambs Farm, a non-profit that helps adults with developmental disabilities.

“We continue to feel the loss to this day. She was an energetic, warm woman who contributed greatly to our mission. We miss her very much.”

“Her life mattered, and he’s had all of this history,” said Sheila Lockwood.

Lockwood is a national ambassador for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. She’s talking about the driver who caused the crash. He is not being named because he hasn’t been charged with a crime. But Lockwood and many others believe he should have been.

“And Bernice deserves all of us to be fighting for her and what’s right,” she said.

CBS News Chicago found that the Wisconsin driver had already been labeled a habitual traffic offender—after three drunk driving convictions in 2007 and 2008, plus two cases of trying to flee police. His license was revoked for five years.

Even after getting it back, the problems didn’t stop. He kept getting pulled over for inattentive driving.

In 2018, he crashed into another car while his three-year-old son was in the back seat.

So when he slammed into Pawilan’s car on I-294, he was driving under a strict restriction — his blood alcohol level could not be higher than 0.02.

When troopers arrived, he refused a DUI kit at the scene. He told police he’d had “less than 12 Busch Light beers” the night before.

Medical records showed his blood alcohol level was 0.076 after his blood was drawn at the hospital. Only after being told his license would be suspended for refusing the test did he suddenly “change his mind.”

Six hours after the crash, he took the official test. That one showed no alcohol in his system.

So how was he able to change his mind?

It was found that in Illinois, there is no legal time limit for when a driver has to take an alcohol test after a crash.

Other states draw a clear line. Iowa, Connecticut, and Colorado require testing within two hours of the incident. Wisconsin allows up to three. But in Illinois, there’s no deadline at all.

State police said they submitted the hospital blood draw, showing a blood alcohol level of 0.076, to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office when they asked for criminal charges, which were denied.

“You have the absolute right to refuse a breathalyzer test, period,” CBS Chicago Legal Analyst Irv Miller.

Miller said a driver can change his or her mind, but it would ultimately be up to a judge to decide whether to allow it.

“Some judges will say, ‘Wait, I’m not going to buy it. You said no, no is no.’ Other judges are going to say, ‘Wait a second. You know, you changed your mind? Fine. So you can keep your driver’s license.’ It, it’s a judicial one-by-one, depending on who the judge is, but it’s not a statutory requirement,” Miller said.

He said the driver being just four one-thousandths of a point below the legal limit makes all the difference. Legally, it means he was not considered under the influence.

But that’s not the whole story.

The driver still violated the strict blood-alcohol restriction on his license.

Here’s where this case gets even messier.

That violation should have triggered a license revocation, but it was found to have never happened.

A spokesperson for Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation said they were never made aware of the fatal crash.

“It is up to law enforcement and the convicting court in each state to determine what constitutes a violation of a license restriction and what citation is issued,” the spokesperson said.

But Illinois State Police said they don’t have the authority to revoke an out-of-state driver’s license.

So, despite a fatal crash, despite a documented alcohol restriction, and despite a history of dangerous driving, and despite the death of 78-year-old Bernice Pawilan, the driver walked away with a $356 fine.

Why even have these restrictions if there’s no way to follow up?

“Loophole after loophole,” Lockwood said. “Why is he still driving? And does he have children? And, you know, are they at risk? Everybody on the road is at risk.”

And there’s one more twist to the story.

At the time of the crash, the driver wasn’t supposed to be on the road at all. He worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and was scheduled to work remotely from home that day. He was fired as a result. Despite everything that was uncovered, he has continued to hold a valid driver’s license since the crash.

When asked why charges weren’t pursued in the crash or if they still could be considered, a spokesperson for the Cook County State’s Attorneys’ Office said that after a thorough review, “the evidence was insufficient to meet our burden of proof to approve felony charges.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Chicago police officer charged with taking bribes for using his encrypted radio

CNN Newsource on January 28, 2026

By Liz Miller

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — The Illinois Attorney General’s office has charged a Chicago police officer with bribery and misconduct.

Officer Alain Dillon, 37, is accused of accepting multiple $500 payments in exchange for using his encrypted police radio.

Dillon has pleaded not guilty to three counts of bribery, each punishable by up to seven years in prison, and 15 counts of official misconduct, each punishable by up to five years in prison.

“Members of law enforcement are rightfully held to a higher standard, making it especially egregious when an officer breaks the law for their own financial gain,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a news release. “I will continue to partner with local law enforcement to hold accountable those who use their positions of authority to betray the public’s trust.”

The Chicago Police Department investigated the case with the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Council member apologizes after using racial slur during public meeting

CNN Newsource on January 28, 2026

By Anna McAllister

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — An El Portal council member has apologized to the community after repeatedly using a racial slur during a public meeting last week, prompting strong reactions from residents and village leaders.

During Tuesday night’s council meeting, residents spoke with “passion and concern” as they addressed the council member. He apologized, saying he used the N‑word to “express how other people speak,” but residents said the explanation was inappropriate and unacceptable.

Remarks spark immediate backlash The controversy began at the end of a planning and zoning meeting last Thursday, when the council member raised concerns about Border Patrol agents stopping people in the community. While recounting the incident, he used the slur twice and made additional inflammatory comments about voters and law enforcement. The vice mayor responded in the moment, calling the word “grossly offensive” and saying, “as a white man, you should not be saying the N‑word in any context.”

Council member issues second apology Five days later, the council member apologized again, telling residents, “All slurs should be globally buried. I acknowledge and understand that the word I used, no matter the context, is beyond offensive and even traumatizing. None of this excuses my choice to use the word, I am sorry.”

Some residents condemned the remarks as “offensive and vile,” while others said they appreciated the council member’s tone and willingness to take responsibility. One woman hugged him after the meeting, telling him, “Sometimes you’re the only one standing up for us.”

NAACP weighs in on language

Before the meeting, the president of the NAACP Miami‑Dade Branch said the council member could have expressed his concerns without using slurs. “Those words do not have to be used against anyone,” she said.

Some residents said any disciplinary action should be left to the village. After the meeting, the council member told CBS News Miami he wants to focus on repairing the relationships he has damaged.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

What happens if someone moves your space saver in Boston? Not everyone is following “snow etiquette” after storm.

CNN Newsource on January 28, 2026

By Mike Sullivan

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — A time-honored tradition has returned to Boston as a major snowstorm brings back space savers. The city permits people in all but two neighborhoods to leave an object in a parking space that they shovel out. The question becomes, what happens when someone doesn’t follow these rules and takes the spot?

“If I came back in an hour, when I was done with this, and someone parked in my spot? I probably would fill their car up with snow, so they would have to dig it out,” said Allston resident Patrick Farrell.

Space savers are allowed for 48 hours after the end of a snow emergency. Only the South End and Bay Village forbid savers due to neighborhood rules, nonetheless, someone attempted to use a space saver in that area with a note posted on the chair that threatened to smash the driver’s windows if they took the spot.

Kylie Furber is a nurse at a local hospital who lives in Allston. She thought her spot was saved, so she could get back to work.

“I came home around 8:15 and then found my chair moved, folded up right there and someone parked in my spot,” said Furber. “I feel like there is snow etiquette around here in the city that you just don’t move it.”

Furber took her frustration to social media. Quickly, her neighbors were ready to retaliate on her behalf.

Kylie Furber is a nurse at a local hospital who lives in Allston. She thought her spot was saved, so she could get back to work.

“I came home around 8:15 and then found my chair moved, folded up right there and someone parked in my spot,” said Furber. “I feel like there is snow etiquette around here in the city that you just don’t move it.”

Furber took her frustration to social media. Quickly, her neighbors were ready to retaliate on her behalf.

“If there is something there, I am not touching it. I don’t want to deal with who is going to come running off of their porch or whatever,” said Farrell.

“I would just go find another spot. I don’t pick fights,” said Allston resident Maureen Prassas. “You aren’t supposed to take someone’s spot if they have a space saver.”

So, what can people do beyond contacting 311? Can action be taken, or are you out of luck? WBZ reached out to the city for an answer. They are working on our request, and once they give WBZ an answer, we will update the information.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Teachers, students throw Hail Mary in attempt to overturn cuts eliminating D49 teachers, programs

KRDO on January 28, 2026

Michael Logerwell

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – Emotions ran high at the D49 special school board meeting Tuesday night. On the docket, the upcoming school budget, as well as Policy JBAA dealing with sex segregated facilities.

At Tuesday’s special board meeting, students, parents, and teachers made one final plea to the board, asking them to reverse their budget cuts and save some of the staff positions and programs that now rest on the other side of the chopping block.

Amid the crowd was a smaller group, attempting to throw one last Hail Mary, one last buzzer beater before time expires.

“It seems like we are getting rid of the people who work with students the most,” said David Jung, a technical education teacher, who received a letter informing him that his position at Horizon Middle School would no longer be needed.

Jung told KRDO13 he speaks with employers to find out what skills kids would need as they enter the workforce, then works to teach those skills to his students. He also runs the school greenhouse, which gives students the opportunity to grow their own food.

It’s a unique feature that he says really resonates with his pupils.

“So often I see students just sitting down there doing worksheets. They’re on a computer. [But] in the greenhouse, we get to go get our hands dirty. We get to do project-based learning. It’s an opportunity that students who, even when they first get into the class, [are] not fully sure what they’re getting into. They always tell me that they were so glad they had that opportunity,” Jung said.

Students spoke too, rallying around the only teacher in the district who offers coding certifications.

“He’s the only person who can do this, a very important job, especially in 2026, where we need coding,” One student said. “And it makes me furious that they cut him.”

It appears those pleas fell on deaf ears. The discussion about the budget was limited tonight. It passed, making those budget and program cuts official.

“It’s not a great day to be a Horizon Panther. I can say that much,” Jung said.

Later in the meeting, after a lengthy back-and-forth discussion, the board repealed Policy JBAA, which they originally passed last fall. You can read more about that policy here.

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U-Haul “U-Box” facility under construction along Highway 97 in Bend

KTVZ on January 28, 2026

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– If you’ve driven down Highway 97 in Bend recently, you may have noticed a bright, colorful building going up — and wondered what it’s going to be.

KTVZ found out it’s an extension of the nearby U-Haul — a new “U‑Box” facility designed to meet growing demand for storage in Central Oregon.

“U‑Boxes” are modular storage containers that customers can rent as a smaller and more affordable alternative to traditional storage units.

Katie Sampson, General Manager, U‑Haul of Bend:“I’m excited to be able to offer our product to the community. The community around here is growing substantially all the time. And this just gives another alternative option for storage.”

Each U‑Box measures roughly five feet wide, eight feet long, and seven and a half feet tall. Customers can choose to keep the containers at home or stored securely on-site at the new building.

Once completed, the massive new warehouse will be able to hold about 1,100 U‑Boxes — significantly expanding storage capacity for the Bend area.

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Parking space savers in snow not allowed on Baltimore streets, mayor says

CNN Newsource on January 28, 2026

By Ashley Paul

Click here for updates on this story

    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott says reserving shoveled parking spaces across the city won’t be tolerated.

On Hanover Street in Federal Hill, residents are using cones, chairs, and even boxes to reserve the parking spaces they cleared of snow.

“If you put a lawn chair out there, and I see it, it’s going away,” Scott said. “But if you’re doing that, take the next step. If you have an elderly neighbor, dig their spot out too. Don’t just dig yours out.”

Sunday’s winter storm dumped up to eight inches of snow in Baltimore City, leaving many cars trapped in parking spaces, and drivers shoveling them out.

Federal Hill residents say they spent hours digging out their parking space, and they’re not going to give it up without a fight.

“My theory is, you’re out here four or five hours, who knows how long, you shovel it, you put something there, that’s your spot,” said Federal Hill resident Joe Stebbings.

It’s not legal, but residents are still trying to reserve their spots.

“It would be nice to know that the spot is there, but I feel like we’ve all kind of have to do our part and obey the law,” said Andrew Adair, who spent hours Tuesday morning clearing out his parking space.

Baltimore City opened parking garages for residents to park for free during the storm, which helps snowplow drivers, including Lisa Bess.

Bess said blocking in parking spots is inevitable.

“We can’t avoid that,” Bess said. “Because if we’re plowing the snow, it’s got to go over. So the residents have to shovel themselves out. That’s a situation that is unavoidable.”

When push comes to shove, residents feel like they are left with no other choice than to reserve the spots they worked hard to dig out.

“Some people might have an emergency, have to pick up a kid or something like that and come back,” Stebbings said. “Don’t make them walk in this stuff. I don’t believe in it, it’s wrong.”

The free parking in Baltimore City lots ends at p .m. on Tuesday, but still, parking is limited in the city.

WJZ asked Baltimore’s Department of Transportation what responsibilities fall on the city versus the residents in situations like this one, but they have yet to reply.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Boise Meteorologist Dies in Plane Crash

KIFI on January 28, 2026

Abi Martin

BOISE, Idaho — (KIFI) A small plane crash has claimed the life of a man from the television news community.

Roland Steadham,  the chief meteorologist for CBS2 in Boise is one of two victims after a plane crashed into the Payette river.

According to authorities, the plane hit a power line, and tumbled into an icy part of the river. Both occupants of the plane died due to injuries sustained in the crash.

Steadham had a career in meteorology spanning 35 years, including work in Florida, Utah, and Idaho. He was 67 years old, and is survived by his wife and six daughters.

The other victim of the crash has not yet been identified.

The Gem County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. We will update this story as more information comes out.

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Bend’s Hawthorne Crossing bridge moves forward with new design and $32M in funding

KTVZ on January 28, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

(adding additional information; adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A long-anticipated bridge project aimed at connecting Bend’s east and west sides is moving into its next stage. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now taking the lead on the Hawthorne Crossing — a planned bridge over Highway 97 that city officials say will make it easier and safer for people to travel through the city.

After months of public outreach and design discussions, the City of Bend settled on a final concept for the bridge: a truss-style design that balances cost and aesthetics.

“It’s definitely a truss design, which is more affordable than the previous concept we explored,” said City Engineer Ryan Oster. “And I think it’s more of a ‘Three Sisters’ compared to a ‘Broken Top.’ Those are just naming conventions people have come up with to describe it.”

The $32 million project is primarily funded by state and federal grants — totaling $31 million — with another $1 million coming from Bend’s 2020 transportation bond, approved by voters.

While much of the early focus centered on the bridge structure itself, city planners are now turning their attention to how the bridge will blend into surrounding neighborhoods.

“A lot of the focus and discussion now is really about the landings — what it’s going to look like next to the bridge and as you come off of it into the environment there,” Oster said.

Those landings are being designed to connect seamlessly with nearby streets, paths, and transit networks. Once complete, city leaders say, the bridge will create a safer and more efficient route across Highway 97 — not just for drivers, but for cyclists and pedestrians, too.

City Council members will receive a detailed update on the Hawthorne Crossing’s design, funding, and next steps during a work session Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Bend City Hall.

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Young Soccer players flock to see U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Win

KEYT on January 28, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Soccer fans and players of all ages filled Harder Stadium at UCSB on Tuesday night, but not to see the Gauchos play, they came to see the USWNT also known as U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team play Chile.

There are 17,000 seats in the stadium named after a football coach when UCSB had football was upgrades about a decade ago.

It is considered one of the best soccer venues and referred to as Soccer Heaven by some athletes.

Some local AYSO players and members of Central Coast Surf club soccer teams got to enter the stadium early and take photos on the field.

Cydney Justman of Girls Inc Santa Barbara brought dozens of girls to the game.

Many of the girls and young women said they couldn’t wait to see a certain Olympic Gold Medalist with a famous last name.

“Trinity Rodman. Why? Because she’s a really good soccer player and i just want to see her really bad”

Leh Gomen Rylee McGill Viviana Reyes and Hazel Mcgill from Central Coast Soccer Club came hours before the games started at 7 p.m.

Brooke, Carter and Ellie Rozhko dressed in team US colors.

Mila Mctiernan, Sierra Hope, Page Hall and Merrick Hope came from San Luis Obispo to watch and went in with the crowd that looked like a sea of fans.

Dennice Marin of Oxnard doesn’t play but appreciated seeing women in the spotlight.

“Also excitingly she just signed the largest women’s project ever she signed with Washington Spirit and we are going to watch her play tonight,” said Sydney Baritone, who used to play club while at UCSB.

The girls also play for Central Coat Surf. They love to play and this is their first time seeing the pros in person rather than on TV.

The U.S. won 5-0 and Trinity Rodman scored one of those goals.

Sports Director Mike Klan has all the highlights.

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