Illinois Briefs - 1/19/13

Flu Activity Widespread In Illinois

(Springfield, IL)  --  Flu activity is officially widespread across the state, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  The CDC classified the virus as an epidemic for the second week in a row, calling it worse than average, especially for the elderly.  That means more than seven percent of deaths across the nation are linked to the flu and pneumonia.  Some areas in Central Illinois haven't even hit its peak while other areas across the state are in the clear.  Still, health officials urge everyone to get a flu shot and stay home if they're sick.

Poverty Rate In Peoria Rising

(Peoria, IL)  --  The poverty rate in Peoria is going up.  A report from the Heartland Alliance Research Group indicates 28-percent more people in Peoria County are considered at or below the poverty level.  It also shows that one-third of the people in the state are classified as poor.

Student Jokes About Gun In School On Twitter

(Belleville, IL)  --  A Belleville West High School student is in trouble after joking about a possible gun at school.  The student allegedly admitted to posting a Tweet about someone bringing the gun to school today.  School officials were notified early this morning and had extra security on hand as

a precaution.  They say they don't believe the student ever had any intentions of harming anyone, but he will still receive a "significant" punishment.

Woman Admits To Putting Dish Soap In Wine

(Mattoon, IL)  --  A central Illinois woman has admitted to putting dish soap in her husband's wine.  According to the "Journal Gazette," Brandis Paige did it because she wanted to wash her husband's mouth out after the two had an argument over their pending divorce.  She was hit with a felony charge of aggravated battery over the incident, which happened last year.  But she struck a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to domestic abuse, which is a misdemeanor.  She was sentenced to one year of supervised release.