Local Headlines

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Democratic state Senate President John Cullerton announced Thursday that he’s stepping down from the Illinois Legislature. His retirement will be effective sometime in January and he’s fulfilling a promise to his wife, Pam, Cullerton said in a statement. “So now,

OTTAWA – A 5-part documentary series that aired on PBS that earned an Emmy last year is up for additional awards this weekend in Chicago. “A Golden Cross to Bear: A Story of the 33rd Division in World War 1” is nominated for 7 Emmy® awards in the 61st Annual Chicago / Midwest Emmy

OGLESBY – For the second straight year, Illinois Valley Community College’s administration will recommend no increase in tuition next year. The board’s audit finance committee met Thursday prior to the board’s regular monthly meeting and reviewed a plan to keep the combined tuition

LASALLE – A favorite holiday attraction in the city of LaSalle opens up this Friday night. The 7th annual Celebration of Lights at Rotary Park is bigger and brighter with 30 new displays. City of LaSalle Mayor Jeff Grove says its a team effort making the light display possible. Celebration

STREATOR – Heritage Park in Streator will be getting an information mural. The 48 inch high, 24 inch wide pedestal was created by local artist Ray Paseka to serve as an informational plaque. Steve Broadus says the money that went towards the mural was donated by a number of a people and

PRINCETON – A Spring Valley man charged with murder will face a bench trial. 37-year-old Eddie L. Mentgen is charged with first degree murder for his alleged involvement in the April homicide of 28-year-old Marissa Roberts. Thursday afternoon at the Bureau County Courthouse in Princeton,

CHICAGO (AP) — The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has banned the use of shackles and handcuffs on youths in its custody after two teenage boys were restrained. The 15-year-old and 17-year-old boys were handcuffed and shackled at their ankles on Oct. 1 while being

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The House has overwhelmingly approved a measure ease access to disclosure requirements for lobbyists who try to influence the General Assembly. Debate lasted more than an hour before the 109-5 vote. It would create a searchable database that allows taxpayers to

CHICAGO (AP) — Police looking into an incident at a Chicago-area Buffalo Wild Wings found no indication that workers heard a white patron mention the race of a group of black customers when he asked that they not be seated next to him, but investigators said the employees had heard him make

MARSEILLES – The diver that died after an incident Tuesday afternoon at a power station in LaSalle County has been identified.  The LaSalle County Coroner stated that 37-year-old Brett A. Roberts of Mokena was found deceased after performing work at the lake screen house.  The Nuclear