Nearly one out of two public school graduates bound for a four-year university chose to leave Illinois rather than studying at an in-state institution, according to a new report.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

For years, Illinois colleges and universities have tried to find new ways to attract more high school graduates from within the state, while young people increasingly are choosing to pursue their degrees elsewhere.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Authorities say sheriff’s police responded to a report of a plane having gone down and came upon wreckage along a highway. Rohlfing says it is suspected engine problems caused the crash.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Nearly three years after a man sexually abused as a teen by Dennis Hastert sued the retired U.S. House speaker for allegedly reneging on a hush-money pact, excerpts from the disgraced politician’s deposition have been made public in the ongoing court battle.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

On March 9th, 2019 at approximately 10p.m., Benton Police arrested Jeremy L. Roberson, age 40, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear. Roberson was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On March 8th, 2019 at approximately 2:30 p.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the public square in reference to a multi vehicle crash. Upon investigating, it was determined the driver that caused the incident suffered from a medical emergency causing him to collide with two other vehicles. The driver was transported by ambulance for medical treatment. No other injuries were reported.

3-8-19 Jamie E. Holland age 33 of Herrin was arrested for a failure to appear warrant for battery and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held in the Franklin County Jail.

3-8-19 Kyle K. Moyers age 31 of Mulkeytown was arrested for domestic battery. He was transported to the Franklin County Jail where he later posted bond.

3-9-19 Christopher W.I. Gustafson age 22 of Mcleansboro was arrested for obstructing a Peace Officer. He was taken to the Franklin County Jail where he later posted bond.

3-10-19 Brooke R. Williams age 25 of West Frankfort was arrested for driving while license suspended. She was transported to the Franklin County Jail where she later posted bond.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SPRINGFIELD — The shortage of teachers in Illinois has gotten more serious over the past year, reaching into virtually every subject area and region of the state, and forcing schools to either cancel programs, enlarge class sizes or use teachers who are not fully licensed in a particular subject area.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

A relative of a man accused of shooting and killing a McHenry County sheriff’s deputy last week said Monday that her half-brother is “not a monster.”

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Becki Keltner, the wife of McHenry County sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Keltner who was shot and killed last week in Rockford, publicly released a letter Monday night in tribute to her husband.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

A Maryland man and his stepdaughter were arrested Sunday near the U.S.-Mexico border and were charged in last year’s killing of the woman’s mother that was once blamed on a panhandler, Baltimore police said.

Here’s link to the story at Fox News.