Robert Becker

Like the debate over who really discovered America, candidates in the 5th Congressional District spent Columbus Day arguing over who discovered welfare reform. U.S. Rep. Michael Flanagan (R-Ill.), the incumbent,...

The only wailing louder than the police sirens in the latest radio ad for Democratic congressional candidate Rod Blagojevich comes from the camp of Republican U.S. Rep. Michael P. Flanagan....

Prosecutors responded this week to a legal appeal by convicted murderer Gary Gauger, saying, "There is no doubt the defendant was correctly convicted." In its 46-page response, the McHenry County...

Federal investigators are focusing on a suspected mechanical flaw in a safety system at the Fox River Grove rail crossing where a commuter train slammed into a school bus this...

At 6:10 a.m., Zach Davis, a 15-year-old freshman, got up, threw on jeans and his Reeboks and hustled down a bowl of shredded wheat before he bolted to the bus...

Police department officials have decided not to pursue major punishment against an officer who criticized the police chief on a call-in radio program. Police officials said during a closed meeting...

Convicted sex offender Mel Reynolds told a national TV audience Friday night that he will resign from Congress effective Oct. 1 and used his appearance on "Larry King Live" to...

The Willow Creek Community Church has donated $10,000 to an Oklahoma City church that was heavily damaged in the bomb blast at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The non-denominational...

During a break in last year's legislative session, some state senators were milling about the ornate Springfield office of Senate President James "Pate" Philip when they spotted an unusual display...

Wanted: a 4-acre parcel set back from a major thoroughfare and far from railroad tracks. Would prefer vacant land, but willing to consider knocking down houses. Displacing businesses, though, is...