Local Headlines

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — Colleges and universities in Illinois are struggling to combat declining enrollment that was spurred by low unemployment rates, a shrinking population, unstable funding sources and increased out-of-state competition. Data show that the state’s community colleges and

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago has a new sister city. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Lord Mayor Clover Moore of Sydney, Australia, say they’ve signed a new sister city agreement. Sydney is Chicago’s 29th international sister city. Emanuel’s office said Thursday that Chicago now has a sister

MENDOTA – The crowd was energetic as over 250 participants braved the icy waters of Lake Mendota to raise money for Special Olympics of Illinois.   Teams adorned costumes and jumped in groups into the water, which was around 28 degrees.   The weather wasn’t that much better, as the

YORKVILLE – A body was discovered near the Fox River, after kayakers came upon what they believed was a dead body in the river. According to Kendall County Sheriffs on Friday after 5 p.m.  a deceased individual was allegedly located near the Fox River. Authorities are working with the

TOWANDA – Two are in custody after a traffic stop made by the Illinois State Police Thursday led to the discovery of over 100 lbs of purported cocaine. A Trooper from the Statewide Criminal Patrol Team stopped a truck tractor-semi trailer on I-55 near Towanda to conduct a safety inspection.

CHICAGO (AP) — R. Kelly, the R&B star who has been trailed for decades by allegations that he violated underage girls and women and held some as virtual slaves, is due in court Saturday after being charged with aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, including at least three between

CHICAGO (AP) — Metra has approved a nearly $71 million contract to buy 15 locomotives and begin replacing the commuter rail agency’s aging fleet. The contract approved Wednesday includes the option to buy up to 27 additional locomotives from Progress Rail Locomotives of La Grange if

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) — An Olympic medalist who became the first athlete to compete for the United States while wearing a hijab will be the featured speaker during an upcoming event at Illinois State University. The university says fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad of New York will speak at the Muslim