Local Headlines

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is aiding farmers hurt by his trade policies against China with $16 billion. As previously reported by the Associated Press, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said that the first of three payments is likely to be made in July or August. “The

STREATOR – A warehouse caught fire Friday morning but the Streator Fire Department quickly extinguished the smoky blaze in around twenty minutes.  Lt. Bryan Park said they were called after 6 AM to the Schultz Monument Company in the 100 block of South Shabbona Street, and when they

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Army engineers say two runaway barges did “minimal” damage when they struck an Arkansas River dam. The barges, filled with 1,500 tons of fertilizer, swept down the flood-swollen river and hit the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam about noon Thursday and sank.

CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. immigration officials have told a pregnant Mexican woman who had taken sanctuary inside a Chicago church that she can stay in the United States until after the baby is born. Adilene Marquina had been told by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that she could be deported

OTTAWA –  Local unemployment rates are down this month and statewide numbers remain the same. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, statewide unemployment rates are steady at 4.4 percent, but local county rates have decreased by nearly 2 percent.  Putnam County

UTICA – LaSalle County Historical Society is Celebrating the life of James Butler Hickock this weekend in Utica. Held at the museum campus, “Wild Bill Days” will feature crafts and vendors, live re-enactments and a barn dance to conclude the weekend. Hickock was born and raised in

SPRING VALLEY – The city of Spring Valley approved a benefit for a Bureau County family whose home had been destroyed in a fire. On May 14th, a family of six in DePue suffered a fire that injured their 4-year-old son. He is currently hospitalized after being airlifted with burn injuries

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump rolled out another $16 billion in aid for farmers hurt by his trade policies, and financial markets shook Thursday on the growing realization that the U.S. and China are far from settling a bitter, year-long trade dispute. U.S. Agriculture Secretary

CHICAGO (AP) — A northern Illinois man accused of killing a 2-year-old son of his daughter’s friend and dumping the dismembered remains in a Chicago lagoon was acquitted Thursday of murder charges. Kamel Harris of Rockford was found not guilty of first-degree murder, dismemberment and

OTTAWA – Local pro choice activists are protesting in downtown Ottawa, in response to state legislations that prohibits abortions after detectable heartbeats. The “Stand with Planned Parenthood” group rallied around Washington Square Park Wednesday evening, and will continue