Democratic Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker wasted little time after his Tuesday defeat of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and announced members of his transition team, a group that includes former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar.

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

MURPHYSBORO — According to prosecutors in the case, the Illinois Supreme Court has denied a motion asking for time to file a petition for a new trial against Gaege Bethune in the 2014 death of Pravin Varughese.

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

President Donald Trump is urging Republicans to turn out for the midterm elections in order to keep his “political movement going.”

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

THOMPSONVILLE — Three people have been arrested following a Thompsonville break-in.

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

A political reform advocacy group says it has grave concerns about the amount of big money in Illinois elections.

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

The new chairwoman of a committee designed to hold state lawmakers accountable for wrongdoing said she expects a new legislative inspector general to be approved by lawmakers this month.

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

On Tuesday, Illinois voters will choose a governor, as well as numerous federal, state and local officials.

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

Early voting for the upcoming midterm election in Illinois has already eclipsed that of the 2014 midterm statewide, but just what that means for overall turnout is to be determined.

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

On October 23, 2018 at approximately 11:40 a.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 400 block of West Church Street in reference to a domestic disturbance.  Upon investigating, police arrested Kameron S. Russell, age 20, of McLeansboro for unlawful consumption of alcoholic liquor.  Russell was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 24, 2018 at approximately 5:50 p.m. Benton Police were dispatched to the 1200 block of North Main Street in reference to a domestic disturbance.  Upon investigating, police arrested Sisali L. Diggs-Mack, age 29, of Charles City, VA for domestic battery.  Diggs-Mack was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 25, 2018 at approximately 1 a.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 400 block of Lawrence Street in reference to a domestic disturbance.  Upon investigating, police arrested Christopher Garafola, age 60, of Benton for aggravated domestic battery.

Garafola was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 26, 2018 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Benton Police were requested to assist in locating a juvenile taken from Cass County Missouri by the child’s father.  An arrest warrant had been issued out of Cass County for Vance M. Fustin, age 39, of Garden City, Missouri for the offense of Child Abduction in that Fustin, the father, failed to return the child to the legal custodian.  Upon investigating,  Benton Police located Fustin and the child at a residence in the 500 block of W. Sixth Street. Fustin was taken into custody without incident and a legal guardian subsequently took custody of the child.   Fustin was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 27, 2018 at approximately 1:05 p.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in reference to a domestic disturbance.  Upon investigating, police Cynthia R. Keller, age 55, of Benton for battery.

Keller was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 30, 2018 at approximately 11:50 a.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Hudelson Street in reference to a criminal trespass complaint.

Upon investigating, police arrested Eli C. Elders, age 21, of Benton for criminal trespass to real property.  Elders was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

A lawsuit filed by a former campaign worker against the Democratic Party of Illinois alleging harassment and retaliation is moving forward after a judge denied the party’s motion to dismiss the case.

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