Local Headlines

NEW YORK (AP) — The end is near for department store operator The Bon-Ton Stores, parent company of Bergners. Two liquidation firms are the victors of an auction for the bankrupt company’s assets, after the retailer failed to find a bidder willing to continue operating the business.

CHICAGO (AP) — Several gun rights groups have joined a central Illinois couple in a federal lawsuit challenging a ban on handguns in home day cares. The lawsuit filed against the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services contends the prohibition violates the rights of home day care

ELGIN, Ill. (AP) — A gay teacher has sparked debate after explaining to his students he received flowers from his husband and encouraging them to be respectful and tolerant. At Prairie View Grade School in Elgin music teacher Nathan Etter, 30, received the flowers on Valentine’s Day. He

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A proposal aimed at delaying the effects of helmet-banging head trauma by banning Illinois children younger than 12 from playing tackle football lacks the votes this spring, its sponsor said Wednesday. Rep. Carol Sente said parents and taxpayers “need more time to

SENECA – The Seneca Police Department reported on Wednesday that a resident had received an unsolicited call from an apparent scammer.   The resident stated that the caller wanted information in order to get the resident a new Social Security Card.    Authorities would like to remind

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago’s City Council is watering down a ban on most residents wearing body armor after criticism it could put in danger people such as 7-Eleven store clerks in crime-ridden neighborhoods. On Wednesday, the City Council will vote to revise an ordinance passed last month in

CHICAGO (AP) — A federal appeals court in Chicago will hear oral arguments in the corruption case of U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock as his lawyers seek to have all his charges dismissed. Wednesday’s hearing at the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes amid signs parts of the case against the

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate has approved restrictions on insurance companies writing workers’ compensation policies. The plan that passed 34-21 Tuesday is identical to one Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed last year. The Republican has complained for years that workers’

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers stepped up efforts Tuesday to better protect state workers in vulnerable positions after the death of a child welfare worker who was severely beaten last fall. Two pieces of legislation have been introduced in response to the attack on Department of

SUBLETTE – On Tuesday morning several burglaries were reported to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.  According to authorities someone entered a garage through an unlocked door in the area of Green Wing Road and Shady Oaks Road near Sublette. Items were taken from the garage and from