On April 23, 1934, the Dixon Evening Telegraph led with a gripping manhunt update: “Dillinger Eludes Officers in North Wisconsin.” The notorious outlaw had narrowly escaped a federal trap at a resort, leaving two dead and four hurt. Locally, the paper remained focused on the community, reporting on the funeral of E.D. Alexander and the ongoing impact of the “Blue Eagle” NRA codes on local industry.

By 1945, the world was on the precipice of peace in Europe. The DeKalb Daily Chronicle blared the historic news: “Berlin is Taken; Armies are Near Junction.” As Soviet tanks reached the German capital, the paper also looked ahead to the “Session at San Francisco,” where world leaders were gathering to form the United Nations. Even amidst global triumph, local news persisted with reports on patent filings and community waste paper drives.

The April 23, 1990, edition of the Northwest Herald balanced international relief with local celebration. The lead story, “Captors free hostage,” detailed the release of Robert Polhill after 39 months in captivity in Lebanon. Closer to home, the front page was dominated by the spirit of the environment, with the headline “Earth Day celebrated at home, abroad,” featuring photos of residents gathering at Pleasant Valley in Woodstock to “hear the cry of the Earth.”

In 2004, the focus was entirely on local recovery following a devastating natural disaster. The Times-Press featured a somber headline: “Utica residents struggling to cope,” documenting the aftermath of a deadly F3 tornado that leveled much of the nearby town. The edition served as a vital resource for the community, providing information on federal relief funds and heart-wrenching “eyewitness” accounts from those who survived the storm.

On April 22, 1913, the Joliet Evening Herald featured a mix of progressive social ambition and local industry. The front page was dominated by the story of Miss Genevieve Clark, daughter of the Speaker of the House, who sought a life as a “real newsgatherer.” Locally, the paper tracked the expansion of the “Standard Oil to Locate New Plant Near Lockport” and a heated debate over “Rigid Blue Laws” that aimed to close all stores on Sundays.

By 1995, the news cycle was gripped by one of the most significant domestic tragedies in American history. The lead headline, “2 bomb suspects in custody,” detailed the feds linking men to paramilitary groups following the Oklahoma City bombing. Alongside this national crisis, the paper maintained its local heart, honoring a “Firefighter [who] answers final call to quarters” and reporting on a “Harvard custody conflict” that had moved into the courtroom.

The April 22, 2002, edition reflected the aftermath of 9/11 and the start of the War on Terror. Under the banner “A Soldier’s Story,” the paper featured a local officer recalling his mission in Afghanistan. The page balanced these heavy global themes with resilient local business news, reporting how “Water, structural damage won’t slow down Ralph’s News Stand,” a beloved neighborhood staple in DeKalb.

The April 22, 2020, edition of The Times serves as a stark reminder of the COVID-19 pandemic. The headline “AN OPEN DISCUSSION” focused on the potential risks and steps involved in reopening La Salle County’s economy. The “Local News” sidebar highlighted the immediate impact on community life, noting that “No spring sports” would be played as the IHSA officially canceled the season.

In the final weeks of World War II, the April 21, 1945, edition of the Morris Daily Herald was dominated by the rapid collapse of the Axis powers. The massive lead headline, “Reds’ Entry Into Berlin Is At Hand,” captured the global anticipation of the war’s end. Domestically, the paper noted the transition of power following FDR’s death, reporting on “Truman Learning About Problems From The Cabinet.” Locally, the community remained focused on the war effort, highlighting “1,800 Fliers Subjected To Torture March” and a call for residents to “Keep Buying War Bonds.”

By 1996, the focus in McHenry County shifted to domestic economic pressures. The front page featured a prominent look at how “Seniors face housing squeeze,” with residents expressing fear that rising property taxes would force them from their long-term homes. In contrast to community spirit, the paper also highlighted a “Make A Difference Day” initiative where “Cary neighbors team up with Cub Scouts” to collect food for the hungry, showcasing the enduring local tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.

The April 21, 1999, edition of DeKalb’s Daily Chronicle reflects one of the darkest days in American school history. The headline “16 dead in school killing spree” reported on the initial, tragic details of the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. While the nation grieved, the paper also maintained its local watch, reporting on the “New council” in DeKalb and a positive economic milestone: the “March unemployment rate drops to 10-year low of 3.3 percent.”

In 2004, the news was dominated by local devastation closer to home. The April 21 edition of The Times-Press led with the sobering headline “Utica hit hard” after a deadly tornado tore through the village. The front page detailed “Widespread damage in village; at least 4 dead,” while noting that the “Killer storm skirts Streator.” The coverage focused on the immediate aftermath, showing volunteers and emergency personnel searching through the rubble of what was once the Milestone tap.

On April 20, 1928, the Morris Daily Herald featured a hopeful lead headline, “Parties Gather in Harmony,” detailing a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation at a local political banquet. The page also provided a first look at international aviation history with a “First Picture of German Plane” regarding the trans-Atlantic flight of the Bremen. Locally, the community was focused on progress, as teams prepared to launch a “Drive for New Hotel in Morris.”

By 1945, the world was on the brink of monumental change. The Streator Daily Times-Press blared the historic headline “Russians at Berlin Gates,” signaling the approaching end of World War II in Europe. Simultaneously, the paper tracked the Pacific theater with reports on the push toward Okinawa. Closer to home, the news was more somber, reporting a “Plane Crash” in Texas that claimed 25 lives, including several Army transport personnel.

The April 20, 1993, edition of the Northwest Herald captured the horrifying conclusion of a national standoff with the headline “Cult standoff ends in flames.” The report detailed the deaths of 86 people at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. Locally, the paper balanced this heavy news with community-focused stories, including a “Wary eyes watch water” report on rising flood levels in McHenry County and a feature on an architect’s plan to save a historic school in Marengo.

Exactly two years later, the April 20, 1995, Daily Chronicle was dominated by the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. Under the somber headline “Day of terror,” the paper provided heartbreaking details of the search for survivors at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The local impact was immediate, as the edition detailed how “Local law enforcement tightens security” at the DeKalb County Courthouse in response to the national tragedy.

This week’s playlist covers April 12-18 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across the Illinois Valley. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 12-18 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across McHenry County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 12-18 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across Kankakee County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

On April 19, 1911, the Joliet Evening Herald highlighted a major civic milestone with the headline, “Voters Allow Bond Issue to Better Water Supply.” Beyond local infrastructure, the page was a window into a tumultuous era, featuring a gritty report on “Shoots Alleged Plotter to Save Self from Death,” detailing a “Black Hand” connection in a local shooting. The paper also captured the political climate of the time, noting a significant showing for the Socialist party in local polls.

By 1988, the front page of the Northwest Herald was dominated by international military action with the bold headline, “U.S. blasts Iran oil rigs.” The report detailed the destruction of Iranian platforms in the Persian Gulf as a “proportional response” to a mine attack on a U.S. frigate. Closer to home, the paper tracked the 1988 presidential primary, reporting that Michael Dukakis was leading Jesse Jackson in New York polls.

The April 19, 2003, edition of DeKalb’s Saturday Chronicle mirrored a nation divided over the Iraq War. Under the banner “WAR AND PEACE,” the cover featured photos of both pro-troop and anti-war demonstrators gathering in downtown DeKalb. This edition also carried the heavy national news of the Laci Peterson case, reporting that her husband, Scott Peterson, had been arrested and was facing murder charges.

Rounding out the collection, the April 19, 2011, Kane County Chronicle focused on a pressing community safety question. With a large photo of students boarding a bus, the lead headline asked “SAFETY FIRST?” highlighting the discrepancy between seat belt requirements in cars versus school buses. The edition also covered local governance, noting that a Geneva bed and breakfast proposal passed by a narrow 6-4 vote.

This week’s playlist covers April 12-18 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across the Sauk Valley. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 12-18 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across Kane County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 12-18 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across DeKalb County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 12-18 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across Will County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 12-18 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across Kendall County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

The 27th Annual Spaghetti Supper to benefit Lighted Way will be on Monday, April 20, 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., at the Uptown Grill in La Salle. It’s $15 for a spaghetti meal that includes a large helping of spaghetti, salad, bread, and cake for dessert. There will also be $5 cash raffle tickets and $1 raffle basket tickets available

Like what you hear? Be sure to listen to Walls 102 online. You can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.

The show starts Friday, April 17, and runs through April 26.

Like what you hear? Be sure to check out the Q Hit Music Shaw Local Radio website here.

Listen to this interview on Spotify here.

Like what you hear? Be sure to listen to WYYS Classic Hits 106 online.

You can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.

On April 18, 1938, the Woodstock Daily Sentinel led with a major infrastructure update: “Relocate Routes 12 and 14.” The change aimed to eliminate dangerous intersections in Crystal Lake and shorten the route to Chicago. Beyond the roads, the paper featured a charming “Crop Control” cartoon and reported on a push for a special legislative session to address relief and housing, highlighting the local impact of the tail end of the Great Depression.

By 1945, the world was gripped by the final stages of the war in Europe. The DeKalb Daily Chronicle blared the massive headline: “Patton Cuts Off Escape Route of Germans.” While global news dominated, the paper also mourned a legend, reporting that beloved war correspondent “Ernie Pyle is Killed in War.” Closer to home, the edition noted the re-election of Mayor Hakala and “Press Gals” worrying over the future of their social lodge.

The April 18, 1990, edition of the Morris Daily Herald captured a community focused on the 20th anniversary of Earth Day. The front page detailed “County plans activities for Earth Day,” including the planting of a perennial garden and classroom projects. Legal news also took center stage, with a ruling that the county’s insurance was not required to pay a lawsuit settlement regarding a drainage problem that had persisted for years.

In 2006, the Northwest Herald focused on a monumental moment in Illinois political history. The bold headline “GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS” announced the conviction of former Governor George Ryan on racketeering and fraud charges. The page balanced this political earthquake with local education concerns, questioning if the “No Child Left Behind” act was failing to count minority students in smaller school districts.

Two tornado watches cover all of northern Illinois, but they expire at different times.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch covering much of the state around 3:30 p.m. Friday. That watch expires at 11 p.m. Friday.

Counties in the watch include Adams, Bond, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Clinton, Cook, DeWitt, DuPage, Fayette, Ford, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Iroquois, Jersey, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, Lake, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Menard, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Peoria, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, St. Clair, Stark, Tazewell, Washington, Will and Woodford.

The National Weather Service issued the other tornado watch about 12:45 p.m. Friday, and it is set to expire at 8 p.m. Friday.

Counties included in the watch are DeKalb, La Salle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Whiteside, Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Hancock, Henderson, Jo Daviess, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson, McDonough, Warren and Winnebago.

A tornado warning was issued at about 7:50 p.m. Friday effective until 8:30 p.m. for parts of southeastern Ogle and northern DeKalb Counties, including Kingston, Genoa, Kirkland and Rochelle, according to the NWS.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep across northern Illinois Friday evening, with the greatest threat arriving after a warm, windy day.

According to the National Weather Service, dense fog developed early Friday morning, especially near Lake Michigan, reducing visibility to a half-mile or less in parts of the Chicago metro area. Conditions will improve quickly after sunrise as gusty southerly winds increase.

Those winds will help push temperatures into the lower 80s on Friday afternoon with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph. That warmth and moisture will set the stage for potentially severe storms later in the day.

Forecasters say the main window for severe weather will be between about 5 p.m. and midnight, as a cold front moves west to east across the region. Storms are expected to organize into a fast-moving line, entering areas near Rockford and the Interstate 39 corridor early in the evening before pushing toward DeKalb, Joliet, and eventually Chicago later at night.

The primary threat will be damaging winds capable of downing tree limbs and causing power outages. Large hail also is possible, along with a limited risk of brief, embedded tornadoes, especially along and near the I-39 corridor.

In addition to severe weather, heavy rainfall could lead to flooding issues. Soils across the region are already saturated, and rivers including the Rock River, Fox River and Des Plaines River are running high. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are possible in some areas, and even a half-inch could trigger localized flooding.

Storms are expected to weaken as they move east later in the evening, though showers may linger into the overnight hours.

Behind the cold front, a dramatic temperature drop is expected. Highs this weekend will fall into the 40s and 50s, more than 30 degrees cooler than Friday, with frost or freeze conditions possible Sunday and especially Monday morning.

Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and to stay alert for rapidly changing conditions on Friday evening.

On April 17, 1929, the Morris Daily Herald featured a mix of local politics and national infamy. The lead headline centered on the local election of Herbert Clayton as Mayor. However, the page was dominated by the sensational news of organized crime, reporting that “Scarface Al Capone Broke While His Gang is Facing Worst Crisis of Existence.” From “Torcher” murders in New Jersey to Babe Ruth’s early morning wedding at 6 a.m., the paper captured the high-energy, often lawless spirit of the late twenties.

By 1945, the world was on the brink of monumental change. The front page of the Streator Daily Times-Press was headlined by “TRUMAN TELLS POLICIES,” marking the transition of power following FDR’s death. The war news was equally historic, reporting that the “Seventh Army Enters Nuernberg” and “Reds Drive to Link Up With U.S. Troops.” Even amidst global conflict, the paper touched on the personal, noting that the late President Roosevelt’s name would soon appear on a 3-cent stamp.

The April 17, 1970, edition of the Dixon Evening Telegraph focused on a sigh of relief felt across the nation: “Apollo Crew Safe on Carrier.” After a harrowing mission, the paper detailed the “Dramatic Struggle with Space” as the Apollo 13 astronauts were recovered in the Pacific. Closer to home, the news was more somber, with headlines addressing an “Economy in Sharp Slump” and Governor Ogilvie’s promise that there would be “No Mass Mental Health Layoffs” despite budget tightening.

Rounding out the collection, the April 17, 2015, Daily Chronicle looked back at a community’s resilience one week after a devastating tornado. Under the headline “WE SURVIVED,” the page documented relief efforts in Fairdale, featuring a moving photo of a resident drawing a stick-figure family on a van window. The edition also balanced recovery with local governance, reporting on a “County Board revisits jail plan” and a restoration of state school funds that still fell short of offsetting budget cuts.

Just one day after the tragedy, the April 16, 1912, edition of the Morris Daily Herald was dominated by the “Greatest Steamship Afloat” meeting its end. With a massive headline reading “868 Known Saved as Titanic Sinks,” the paper attempted to parse early, conflicting reports of the death toll. The front page also featured somber sketches of prominent passengers like John Jacob Astor and Isidor Straus, illustrating the profound shock felt by the local community as the “Old World is Given Shock.”

By 1970, the news was a mix of cosmic triumph and earthly tension. The Dixon Evening Telegraph tracked the harrowing journey of Apollo 13 with the headline “Apollo Passes Halfway Mark; ‘We’re in Beautiful Shape,’” quoting the astronauts shortly before the mission turned into a rescue operation. Closer to home, the paper reported on a deepening labor crisis and a tragic “Worst Ever Avalanche” in France that hit a children’s tuberculosis ward, showcasing the paper’s role in connecting Dixon to global events.

The April 16, 1993, edition of the Northwest Herald focused on a battle against the elements. A large photo of a lockmaster checking precipitation levels accompanied the headline “Forecast: Rain and more of it,” as local river and lake levels threatened homes in McHenry County. The front page also captured a heated local dispute over a proposed gravel pit in Algonquin, proving that land-use debates have long been a staple of community discourse.

In 2003, the focus turned to the human cost of the Iraq War. Under the “Dispatches from the Front” banner, the Daily Chronicle shared the poignant stories of local servicemen Johnathan Harper and Neil Smith. The front page balanced these heavy narratives with local growing pains, reporting on a “Sycamore proposal [to] limit permits for developers” as planners sought ways to curb rapid residential growth in the county.

The April 15, 1931, edition was dominated by a sensational local crime story with the bold headline, “Blame Jealousy for Stabbing Affair Last Night.” The front page chronicled the fallout of a domestic dispute involving a local resident and an accused assailant. Beyond the local drama, the paper kept its readers informed on international turmoil, reporting that the “Spanish Royal Family Leaves for Exile Home” following the fall of the monarchy, and detailing a “Reprisal Fight” in Nicaragua involving Sandino rebels.

By 1936, the Woodstock Daily Sentinel’s “Extra” edition focused heavily on the political landscape. The massive banner headline “Carroll, Cowlin, Cook Win” announced the results of local primary races for State’s Attorney, Judge, and Coroner. The page also tracked the state-level success of candidates like Henry Horner for Governor. Amidst the political fervor, the paper maintained its community roots, reporting on the start of the “Major League Season” and the “Fine Athletic Program for High School” sports.

The April 15, 1970, front page captures one of the most harrowing moments in American history: the Apollo 13 crisis. The headline “Disabled Apollo 13 Spaceship Off Course” detailed the desperate efforts of scientists and astronauts to bring the crew home safely after an oxygen tank explosion. The global tension extended to the Middle East, with reports of a “Mob Storms U.S. Amman Embassy” in Jordan, illustrating how local papers served as a window into a world in flux.

Fast-forwarding to 2003, the Northwest Herald led with the announcement of a turning point in the Iraq War: “Major combat ‘over’ in Iraq.” The coverage detailed the fall of Saddam Hussein’s hometown, Tikrit, and the lingering questions about the nation’s future. Closer to home, the paper focused on the growth of McHenry County, reporting on a significant construction project on “Lake Avenue” in Lakewood and a deal to end a long-standing “land spat” in Huntley.

The area includes Kane, McHenry, Lake, Whiteside, DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, Rock Island, Boone, Stephenson, Carroll, Jo Daviess and Winnebago.

Forecasters have warned that severe storms could erupt late Tuesday in northern Illinois, with rising tornado risk.

Severe thunderstorms could develop across northern Illinois later today and tonight, with forecasters warning that any storms that form may quickly become dangerous.

According to the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center, much of the region is under a Level 2 (slight) to Level 3 (enhanced) risk for severe weather on Tuesday, April 14. The greatest threat area includes far northern Illinois, roughly along and north of the Interstate 88 corridor, including communities such as McHenry County, Rockford, Dixon, and DeKalb.

The main window for severe weather is expected from late afternoon through midnight, though confidence remains lower on exactly when, or even if, storms will develop locally before evening. Forecasters say it’s possible that much of the afternoon could remain dry before storms rapidly intensify if they do form.

That includes the potential for large, destructive hail greater than 2 inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes. The highest tornado and significant hail threat is expected across far northern Illinois, especially near the Wisconsin border.

Additional rounds of storms are expected overnight, increasing the risk for heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding, especially if storms track over the same areas.

Warm, summer-like temperatures in the 70s and 80s will continue through midweek before a more unsettled pattern brings additional storm chances into Wednesday and beyond.

Just one day after the passing of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Morris Daily Herald captured a nation in mourning. The front page features a solemn photo of the honor guard attending FDR’s bier, while the lead headline, “Battle For Berlin Enters Final Hours,” signaled the imminent end of the war in Europe. Locally, Morris observed a mourning period, closing schools and businesses to pay tribute to the fallen leader.

The April 14, 1970, edition focused on a crisis of a different kind: the “Abandon Moon Landing” headline. The paper detailed the harrowing struggle of the Apollo 13 crew as they battled to bring their “crippled craft back” following an oxygen tank explosion. While the world watched the stars, local news touched on a “Burglar Alarm Foils Break-In” at a Streator hardware store and ongoing strike actions idling thousands of truckers.

By 1985, the headlines turned toward local development and public safety. The Daily Chronicle reported on the county board’s decision to “nix” a proposed mall plan, alongside a dramatic photo of an overturned tanker carrying liquid ammonia in Sycamore. The edition also highlighted the fiscal struggles of local education, with “Sycamore schools may seek alternate tax for repairs” as a looming strike by DeKalb teachers threatened the school week.

The April 14, 1992, edition was dominated by a bizarre infrastructure disaster: “Downtown Chicago shuts down.” A leak in a freight tunnel under the Chicago River caused massive flooding in the Loop, sparking power outages and stalling the financial district. For McHenry County residents, the disaster hit home as “Commuters jam trains,” waiting hours for rides back from the flooded city.

On April 13, 1945, the Morris Daily Herald featured a massive, somber headline: “WORLD MOURNS DEATH OF FDR.” The front page was dedicated almost entirely to the passing of the 32nd President, including a poignant center-page portrait. Amidst the national grief, the paper kept residents informed of local happenings, such as a devastating tornado in Quincy and progress reports from the Western Front as U.S. troops rolled toward Berlin.

The April 13, 1945, edition of The DeKalb Daily Chronicle also focused on the transition of power, with the headline “HARRY S. TRUMAN ASSUMES POST OF PRESIDENT.” The page detailed the funeral train’s journey and Truman’s first acts in office. Locally, the paper noted that DeKalb stores would close to honor the late president. Even in a time of national crisis, local news remained vital, with reports on a clothing drive and a DeKalb school board election scheduled for the following day.

The Streator Daily Times-Press used its boldest typeface for the headline “NATION MOURNS” on April 13, 1945. Below the national news, the front page highlighted the rapid movement of the war in Europe with the headline “YANK ARMY 45 MILES FROM BERLIN.” The edition balanced the weight of the presidency with local concerns, reporting on the $500,000 in property damage caused by a tornado in Quincy and an “Entire State of Illinois in Mourning” as schools and public offices closed their doors.

By April 13, 1955, the focus in Dixon had shifted to a breakthrough in public health. The Dixon Evening Telegraph led with “Lee County Ready for Vaccine,” reporting on the distribution of the Salk polio vaccine to local schoolchildren. The front page also tackled regional politics, including a warning that “Remapping Would Be Disastrous” for Lee County’s representation in the House, and a local legal update regarding the conviction of a Buda youth for murder.

According to the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center, much of the region, especially areas near and north of Interstate 80, is now under an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms.

Storms could begin developing as early as Tuesday afternoon and continue into the overnight hours, with multiple waves possible. The most intense storms are expected from mid-afternoon through the evening.

Forecasters warn that all severe hazards are on the table, including destructive hail larger than 2 inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts, and the potential for a few tornadoes.

“There is potential for very large hail and a few tornadoes, particularly across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin,” the Storm Prediction Center said in its latest outlook.

In addition to severe storms, repeated rounds of heavy rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding, especially on Tuesday night.

Monday’s weather will serve as a precursor, with scattered thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening. While any storms that develop Monday could produce hail and gusty winds, they are expected to be more isolated and less intense, with a lower-end severe threat (level 1 of 5).

Temperatures will remain unseasonably warm through midweek, with highs in the 70s to low 80s, helping to fuel the stormy pattern.

Residents are urged to review their severe weather safety plans now, particularly because storms may occur after dark. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings and know where to seek shelter quickly if a warning is issued.

The fashion show will be from 2-4 p.m. on April 25 at The Silver Fox in Streator.

The event will be focused on empowerment and bodily autonomy. Participants will be treated to a fashion show courtesy of local designers and models, a cash bar, complimentary appetizers, and a silent auction. All proceeds will help Safe Journeys continue carrying out our mission of empowering survivors of domestic and sexual violence and working to end such violence in our communities

Like what you hear? Be sure to listen to Walls 102 online. You can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.

This week’s playlist covers April 5-11 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across the Illinois Valley. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 5-11 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across DeKalb County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 5-11 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across Will County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

On April 12, 1922, the Dixon Evening Telegraph focused on the fallout of local elections and the strict enforcement of Prohibition. The bold headline “Allen, Byers, Tourtillott Apparent Winners” dominated the page, but the most striking local story involved a “Youthful Moonshiner” who was slapped with a $1,000 fine, a massive sum at the time, for a raid conducted by the Sheriff. Even a “Cold Rain” couldn’t stop the community from turning out to cast their ballots.

By April 12, 1945, the world was on the brink of monumental change. The Morris Daily Herald blared the historic news: “Yanks Cross Elbe; Nearing Berlin.” As local readers followed the “Violent Fighting” on the approach to the German capital, the paper also balanced somber local news, including a “Million Dollar Fire” that razed a local lumber yard and the sudden passing of a well-known local businessman, John Jachimowicz.

Fast forward to April 12, 2011, and the tone of the Kane County Chronicle reflected the optimism of spring. The front page featured a massive, heartwarming photo of Ozzie T. Cougar leaning over the dugout to connect with a young fan. While the headline “Playing Ozzie Ball” celebrated the Cougars’ home opener, the news remained grounded in local reality with reports on a “D-303 Suit” heading to federal court and a showcase of local artistic skills at the Kaneland Fine Arts Festival.

The April 11–12, 2020, weekend edition of The Times captured a community in the early, uncertain grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lead story, “A Spirited Effort,” highlighted the Star Union Distillery’s pivot to producing hand sanitizer for the “war effort.” Sidebars tracked the sobering rise of local cases, while a priest and bishop took to the sky to rain blessings upon the Peoria diocese, illustrating the unique ways the community sought hope during a lockdown.

This week’s playlist covers April 5-11 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across Kendall County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 5-11 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across Kankakee County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 5-11 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across Kane County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 5-11 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across McHenry County. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

This week’s playlist covers April 5-11 and includes the biggest headlines and local favorites from across the Sauk Valley. Just press play to hear them all, or skip ahead to the stories that matter most to you. It’s the same trusted reporting from Shaw Local, now in a format that fits your life.

On April 11, 1888, the Evening Telegraph focused on community improvement and civic duty. The front page featured an “Arbor Day Proclamation” from Governor Richard J. Oglesby, urging citizens to plant trees to “beautify the State.” Locally, the paper tracked the pulse of Dixon through its “Locally Speaking” column, noting everything from new residence construction on West Main Street to updates on the local “Southern Illinois High School” curriculum.

By 1928, the Morris Daily Herald was dominated by the high-stakes world of state politics. The bold headline “Emmerson Majority Growing” detailed a major upset in the Republican primary, where Louis L. Emmerson secured a commanding lead for the gubernatorial nomination. Beyond politics, the edition captured a somber mix of news, including a “Third Victim of Auto Crash” and a mysterious report regarding a “Lost Navy Flyer’s Body Washed Ashore.”

The April 11, 2009, edition of the Northwest Herald balanced environmental concerns with legal drama. The lead local story, “Waterway no-wake penalties increase,” addressed new rules on the Fox Waterway, while a central investigative piece titled “Coincidence or Cluster?” explored a disturbing trend of cancer cases in the McCullom Lake area. National tension was also high, with reports on a “U.S. hostage” failing in an escape attempt from Somali pirates.

In 2015, the Daily Chronicle documented the somber aftermath of a natural disaster. Under the heavy headline “Relief Efforts Begin,” the paper provided harrowing coverage of the EF-4 tornado that struck Fairdale, killing two and injuring many others. The front page served as a call to action and a record of resilience, detailing how DeKalb and Ogle counties were declared disaster areas as rescue work continued through the wreckage.

On April 10, 1912, the Morris Daily Herald dedicated its entire front page to a scathing indictment of local politics with the headline: “The Most Corrupt Nominating Primary in Years.” The paper alleged that a “slush fund” and “corrupt officials” had interfered with the democratic process. Beyond the political firestorm, the edition carried smaller, curious dispatches from the era, including a report on a Navy experiment testing how “Radio Waves” affected the growth of vegetation.

By 1928, the headlines turned even darker as the Streator Daily Times-Press reported on the infamous “Pineapple Primary” in Chicago. Under the banner “Bloodshed, Rioting Mark Chicago Election,” the paper described a city paralyzed by “gangster rule,” where polling places were bombed and officials were kidnapped. In contrast to the urban chaos, the local Streator news focused on a “spirited” voter turnout across LaSalle County and a tragic fatal mishap near Morris.

The April 10, 2003, edition of the Northwest Herald captured a definitive moment in world history with the massive headline “Baghdad falls to coalition.” The front page featured the iconic image of a U.S. Marine placing an American flag over the face of a Saddam Hussein statue before it was toppled. Locally, the paper remained grounded in community transitions, reporting on a former Arthur Andersen employee starting her own business after the company’s high-profile collapse.

In 2015, the Daily Chronicle documented the harrowing aftermath of the Fairdale tornado with the headline “Path of Destruction.” The front page featured a striking photo of a business ripped apart by a tornado that claimed at least one life and injured several others. Below the fold, the paper transitioned to the evolving legislative landscape of Illinois, detailing the Sycamore Planning Commission’s first steps in weighing requests for medical marijuana dispensaries.

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