COLUMN: The relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and many Christian denominations has a history fraught with misunderstanding, exclusion, and profound hurt. So, it is heartening when faith communities work to grow in understanding and greater acceptance of others.

Dixon City and Dixon Rural firefighters were called at 6:22 a.m. to the 600 block of Logan Avenue for a possible structure fire, according to a news release.

The Mt. Morris Jamboree recently announced the return of Howard and the White Boys to its bandshell on June 19 for a free concert starting at 7 p.m.

The sky turned an eerie blend of orange, pink and red tones after Thursday's storms. Why was that?

State Rep. Bradley Fritts, R-Dixon, is kicking off his fourth annual Summer Tour this month. 

To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.50 or better during the semester, based on 4.0 for straight As.

The Chicago Bears offense was confident about the next step it can take next year during the last month's offseason workout program. Here's why there's confidence at the end of minicamp.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for several counties in and other parts of northern Illinois Thursday evening.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams no longer felt like he was drowning at the end of mandatory minicamp Thursday. Williams and the offense looked comfortable heading into training camp next month. Plus more notes from the final day of minicamp.

More severe weather is expected Thursday across northern Illinois, with the entire region placed under a tornado watch Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening.

Properties within the zone are eligible for state and local financial incentives for redevelopment and historic tax credits aimed at attracting private investment.

Here's a list of area students who graduated from Cedarville University in spring 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins Thursday, June 11. The U.S. men's team plays at 8 p.m. Friday, June 12.

The 73rd annual Fiesta Parade will be held on Sept. 19. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Fiesta Parade grand marshal.

Locations that could be impacted include Sterling, Rock Falls, Morrison, LeClaire, Fulton, Prophetstown, Hampton, Port Byron, Erie, Garden Plain, Rapids City, Albany, Princeton, Tampico, Cordova, Lyndon, and Riverdale.

Reconstruction of the crosswalks at Peoria Avenue and West Second Street in Dixon was in full swing Tuesday.

Odell Public Library on July 12 will show the smash-hit musical, “Hamilton,” the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, ambition and a legacy that shapes the course of a new nation.

After a rollercoaster season, Chicago Bears Braxton Jones has regained trust in himself as he competes for the starting left tackle spot this offseason. Plus more notes from the second day of mandatory minicamp at Halas Hall.

From Capitol News Illinois: A bill that will soon head to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk will officially remove an estimated 10,000 people from the state’s Medicaid program, leaving them without any form of health coverage.

From Capitol News Illinois: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said his office was underfunded by $10 million in the latest budget, and that could make it more difficult to fight legal battles against the Trump administration.

Contests are funny. No one wants to be judged…unless it’s by our peers….and not a jury of our peers.

On this episode of Talk Line, host Brandon Clark is joined by State Senator Li Arellano Jr. for the latest legislative updates facing Illinois, including AI and data center oversight, the future of the Chicago Bears, energy policy and much more. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced June 8 that it will be shutting off roadway lights on the U.S. 52 Mississippi River Bridge in Carroll County and U.S. 30 Mississippi River Bridge in Whiteside County.

From Capitol News Illinois: A federal judge on Tuesday OK’d the release of highly anticipated and extremely rare transcripts from a trio of grand jury sessions in October, showing alleged prosecutorial misconduct by assistant U.S. attorneys.

High heat and humidity will continue over the next two days across northern Illinois, with several rounds of severe thunderstorms expected.

Layoffs began in May for workers of Ideal US Talent Systems in Cook, Kane, Kendall, McHenry and Will counties. Ideal is a platform where workers use their smartphones to find on-demand shift work

Anyone wanting to have yard waste picked up on that day should call Amboy City Hall.

The Amboy Education Foundation awarded $67,500 in scholarships to students in Amboy schools for the 2025-26 school year.

From Capitol News Illinois: Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, plans to file an amended megaprojects bill that would create new requirements that were not included in the original plan passed by the House. Gov. JB Pritzker says he’s open to a special session on the issue

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is expecting to play as a whole different person next season as he enters the final year of his contact. Plus more notes from the Bears' first day of mandatory minicamp.

From Capitol News Illinois: There were some high-profile caveats that underscored the limits of Gov. JB Pritzker's clout among his fellow Democrats who run the state legislature

The Moms’ Group at OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center in Dixon is inviting local families to attend its next quarterly pop‑up playdate at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Lowell Park in Dixon.

Take a look at Shaw Local photographer Alex T. Paschal's favorite photos in his Shutter to Think column.

Crosswalks at three areas in downtown Dixon are under reconstruction.

The multi-use path, which will eventually run to Sauk Valley Community College, is set to enter its next construction phase.

Forecasters warn Thursday could bring tornadoes, destructive winds, large hail, and flash flooding to northern Illinois as a dangerous weather pattern takes shape

The Summer Sounds of the Dixon Municipal Band continue at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Page Park Band Shell.

Here is a list of core screenings men should consider and discuss with their health care provider. The priority for some screenings may depend on age, lifestyle, and family history.

After the Chicago Bears announced last week that they’re advancing a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, a suburban Republican state lawmaker is trying to provide a new framework to keep the team in the Prairie State.

The old prison in Crest Hill will be demolished and rebuilt. The state plans to build two new prisons: one for men and one for women.

More than 2,300 students – including 21 from the area – received their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Northern Illinois University in May.

From Capitol News Illinois: Illinois lawmakers gave hospitals and community health centers much of what they wanted this session by passing a bill that prohibits drug manufacturers from interfering with their access to discounted medications through a federal drug pricing program

In observance of the city of Fulton’s year-long celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the special program will honor all of Fulton’s veterans, with a special focus on the six World War II fallen heroes.

The Chicago Bears board of directors voted to advance its stadium project in Hammond, Indiana. Does that mean the team is moving to Indiana? Shaw Local's Michal Dwojak and Joe Aguilar discuss that and preview this week's minicamp.

Lyndon held its 35th annual car show Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Richmond Park.

Get caught up on news, sports ands features from the Sauk Valley from the week of May 29-June 4, 2026.

The city of Morrison is informing residents, businesses, and other stakeholders that Morrison City Hall will be closed intermittently through July to accommodate staff training and the implementation of a new computer system.

The Chicago Bears will start the latest part of their offseason Tuesday when they start a three-day mandatory minicamp at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. Here are a few storylines to watch at minicamp this week.

Dailey Damhoff of Morrison has made the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater dean’s list for the 2026 spring semester.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA OHS) has tips on how to include your pet in family disaster preparedness plans.