Antique Handgun From Early 1900s Discovered Hidden Inside Walls of Historic Thornton Distilling Company

Antique Handgun From Early 1900s Discovered Hidden Inside Walls of Historic Thornton Distilling Company

An unexpected find inside one of Illinois’ most historic buildings has uncovered a piece of early 20th-century history. According to the Thornton Police Department, officers were called to the Thornton Distilling Company after employees discovered a firearm concealed within the walls of the building during routine work. Distillery owner Andrew Howell told Region News Source … Read more

Minnesota Teen Daycare Worker Confesses to Suffocating Baby in “Attention-Seeking” Act

Minnesota Teen Daycare Worker Confesses to Suffocating Baby in “Attention-Seeking” Act

A Minnesota community is in shock after an 18-year-old daycare employee confessed to suffocating an 11-month-old boy and attempting to kill another infant, allegedly calling the attacks an “attention-seeking act.” Theah Loudemia Russell, a recent hire at Rocking Horse Ranch daycare in Savage, was charged with second-degree murder and multiple counts of assault. Savage Police … Read more

Evening Crash Shuts Down U.S. 30 in Merrillville

Evening Crash Shuts Down U.S. 30 in Merrillville

A multi-vehicle crash closed a section of U.S. 30 in Merrillville Thursday evening, according to police. Merrillville Police said an officer observed the crash around 9:10 p.m. on January 15, 2026, at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Merrillville Road. The collision involved three vehicles, and all occupants suffered serious injuries. The Merrillville Fire Department … Read more

Georgia Man Sentenced for Exploiting Homeless in Massive Illinois Check Fraud Scheme

Georgia Man Sentenced for Exploiting Homeless in Massive Illinois Check Fraud Scheme

A federal judge has sentenced an Atlanta man to nearly six years in prison after identifying him as the mastermind behind a large-scale identity theft and check fraud operation that targeted businesses across central and southern Illinois. Traveon H. Reese, 31, received a 70-month federal prison sentence after admitting he led a conspiracy involving stolen … Read more

Highland and Gary Women Charged Following Theft at Hobart Beauty Store

Highland and Gary Women Charged Following Theft at Hobart Beauty Store

Two Northwest Indiana women are facing criminal charges after allegedly stealing merchandise from a beauty supply store in Hobart, according to court records. Destinee Mikaela Keil, 22, of Highland, and Danielle Lea Jones, 35, of Gary, were charged following a reported retail theft at Sally Beauty Supply, located in the 7700 block of East Ridge … Read more

Lake County Jury Convicts Crown Point Man in Long-Running Child Sexual Abuse Case

Lake County Jury Convicts Crown Point Man in Long-Running Child Sexual Abuse Case

A Lake County jury has convicted Michael Langford on multiple felony charges stemming from the sexual abuse of minors, concluding a years-long investigation by local law enforcement and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. According to court records and trial testimony, the investigation began in August 2019 after a report of suspected child abuse was made … Read more

Merrillville Man Charged After Alleged Gun Threat During Road Rage Incident

Merrillville Man Charged After Alleged Gun Threat During Road Rage Incident

A 29-year-old Merrillville man is facing multiple felony charges following an alleged road rage incident in which he reportedly pointed a firearm at a woman while her children were inside her vehicle. According to court documents, Travis Furi Filipiak, 29, was accused in an incident that occurred around 6:23 p.m. on November 22, 2025, near … Read more

Two Elkhart Residents Charged After Alleged DEA Impersonation Fraud Scheme in Hobart

Two Elkhart Residents Charged After Alleged DEA Impersonation Fraud Scheme in Hobart

Two Elkhart residents are facing multiple felony charges after a Hobart woman was allegedly targeted in a fraud scheme involving callers impersonating a federal drug enforcement agent and demanding cash payments. Court documents say Jose Segura, 21, and Zaidy Arellano, 23, took part in a scheme in which suspects posed as agents with the U.S. … Read more

Chicago Heights man faces felony charges after wife run over during DUI incident in Schererville

Chicago Heights man faces felony charges after wife run over during DUI incident in Schererville

Maurice Berthal Spencer, 39, of Chicago Heights, Illinois, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he drove while intoxicated and ran over his wife during an argument in Schererville. According to a probable cause affidavit, Schererville Police responded around 6:58 p.m. on January 13, 2026, to the 800 block of West Lincoln … Read more

W.Va. Education Board Calls for Reform of School Aid Formula

W.Va. Education Board Calls for Reform of School Aid Formula

Reforming West Virginia’s school aid funding formula has been discussed for years, but this session, West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty is urging lawmakers to take action to level the playing field and address declining enrollment and school consolidations. “We have to tweak this formula to where it works for all of West … Read more