MARION — The announcement that the long-beleaguered Illinois Star Centre Mall will finally be closing its doors came quietly Friday.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

A Chicago police officer and two other people were killed in an attack at a South Side hospital Monday afternoon that sent medical personnel and police scrambling through halls, stairwells and even the nursery in search of victims and the shooter before he was found dead

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Republicans will have to reach pretty far across the aisle in the 101st General Assembly if they want to get anything done next year.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

If you are driving or flying for Thanksgiving, expect a lot of company

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Illinois is a step closer to giving more legal protection to illegal immigrants. 

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Lawmakers in the House could soon decide to raise the age limit for buying tobacco products to 21 despite a veto from the governor.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Prosecutors plan to drop charges against Gaege Bethune.

In June, a jury convicted Bethune of murder in the death of Pravin Varughese in February 2014.

Here’s a link to the story at WSIL-TV.

An early-season snow storm rolled through the Midwest on Wednesday night and Thursday morning forcing school closings and other delays. The Southern Illinois region was expected to receive three to six inches of snow accumulation before tapering off at mid-morning on Thursday.

Here’s a link to area closings at WSIL-TV.

The Poshard Foundation usually makes the news giving away money. Today, they are receiving money.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Small businesses in Illinois and across the country can’t find enough workers to fill open positions.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.