Local

Home invading elf discovered

HERSCHER, Ill. (AP) - The home-invading Christmas elf has been identified, and it turns out to be a teen-age prankster.

New Nov 20, 2009 | 3:15 pm | Loading…

100 years of worship

H&Rstaff report

Nov 20, 2009 | 2:00 pm | Loading…

Scientists map the genetic makeup of corn

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Scientists have unraveled the DNA of humans and other creatures. Now, a team led by the Genome Center at Washington University in St. Louis has decoded the genetic makeup of a stalk of corn.

Nov 20, 2009 | 12:00 pm | Loading…

Rural bankers see slow recovery

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - For the third straight month, a survey of rural bankers in the Midwest and Plains suggests the weak economic conditions are strengthening, if slowly.

Nov 20, 2009 | 11:00 am | Loading…

Burris admonished by Senate ethics committee

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate ethics committee today admonished Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., for making "inconsistent, misleading or incomplete" statements about the circumstances surrounding his appointment to the seat once held by Barack Obama. The committee didn't recommend any punishment.

Nov 20, 2009 | 11:00 am | Loading…

Suspect asks victims for legal aid

By TONY REID - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - William Huber, the man accused of ripping off well-to-do clients with a $17 million Bernie Madoff-style Ponzi investment scheme, has now sent out a letter to friends asking them to contribute to his legal defense fund.

Nov 20, 2009 | 10:50 am | Loading…

It's a duty to try 'Modern Warfare 2' online

By AIMEE GREEN - For the Herald & Review

Nearly every year, there's one game that stands out from the rest in sales. This year, it's "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2."

Nov 20, 2009 | 10:30 am | Loading…

Illinois motorists told to prepare for winter

SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Illinois motorists have been urged to start getting ready for winter driving.

Nov 20, 2009 | 10:00 am | Loading…

Illinois launches online hospital report card

SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Illinois has launched an online tool consumers can use to find an unprecedented amount of information on hospitals and surgical centers.

Nov 20, 2009 | 9:15 am | Loading…

Fans excited to hear about Oprah's future

CHICAGO (AP) - Fans who'll be in the audience at "The Oprah Winfrey Show" say they're excited to be on hand to hear the media mogul talk about what she plans for the future.

Nov 20, 2009 | 8:40 am | Loading…

Democrat Halvorson among skeptics of plan to sell Thomson prison to feds

By KURT ERICKSON - H&R Springfield Bureau Chief

SPRINGFIELD - Count Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson among skeptics of a plan to sell the state's unused prison in Thomson to the federal government.

Nov 20, 2009 | 4:00 am | Loading…

Two men sought in armed violence, robbery investigation

By H&R staff

DECATUR - Decatur police are seeking two men for armed violence and residential burglary after a 32-year-old man interrupted the pair while they were ransacking his residence in the 1400 block of East Lawrence Street about 2:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Nov 20, 2009 | 3:00 am | Loading…

Two plead guilty to theft of property

By RON INGRAM - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - Two men charged with home invasion, residential burglary and robbery pleaded guilty Thursday to an amended charge of theft of property having a value of more than $300 and were sentenced to two years in prison.

Nov 20, 2009 | 3:00 am | Loading…

Cut-a-thon to benefit local charities

By SHEILA SMITH - H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR - A fresh new look, from a roller set, short cut or fade hairstyle will benefit Dove Inc. and the American Cancer Society on Saturday.