December in northern Illinois has so far been pretty mild, but deep winter freezes can blow in at any time. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency offers these tips to keep your home safe and warm during extreme cold and snow.

Authorities have no answers yet on what caused the death of a Crest Hill man who was taken into custody by Joliet police on Christmas morning and later died at the hospital. Police officials won't release videos because of a task force investigation.

A Joliet man has been indicted on charges alleging he fraudulently obtained $20,833 from a federal program that helped businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kellie Barnett, 50, of New Lenox, had been staying the night with relatives in a Schaumburg home when she was fatally shot early on Christmas morning.

Mike Rank, who served as the children’s librarian at the Joliet Public Library's downtown branch for seven years, died in 2024. He is remembered for his "unique gift for connecting with kids and teens."

A new Illinois law that takes effect Jan. 1 prohibits discrimination based on a person’s reproductive health decisions, including fertility care and abortion.