Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Wednesday, April 24, 2013  Authorities are investigating the slayings of five people whose bodies were found in a house in the tiny Scott County community of Manchester. A suspect is in custody.

Monday, April 08, 2013  A supplier to heavy-equipment manufacturers plans to open a facility in Anderson County and hire 250 people over five years.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013  Missouri golfer survives frightening fall into sinkhole while playing Illinois course

Thursday, February 14, 2013  Lays released three consumer-inspired potato chip flavors this week: Chicken & Waffles, Cheesy Garlic Bread and Sriracha.

Friday, February 08, 2013  A physics professor from the University of Illinois is visiting the campus of the two-time collegiate baseball champion to talk about the mechanics of America's favorite pastime and why the game is so tough to play.

Thursday, January 31, 2013  School emergency drills have moved beyond the duck-and-cover exercises of the Cold War era. Today's drills practice brace students for the presence of armed intruders.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013  AT&T says it's reached a deal to buy Alltel U.S. wireless operations for about $780 million to boost its spectrum in rural areas.

Friday, January 04, 2013  If Illinois approves gay marriage, it would become the 10th state in the nation to do so.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012  Exultant gun rights advocates, who long have argued that the Illinois ban violates the Second Amendment, are celebrating the ruling.

Thursday, December 06, 2012  The University of South Carolina is planning a celebration to mark the release of a final volume of an anthology describing the contributions of the state's women.

Friday, November 02, 2012  Prosecutor: Illinois woman told children to pray, then stabbed them as they begged for lives

Friday, October 19, 2012  1st Illinois Amtrak train to hit 110 mph in modest milestone for Obama's high-speed rail plans

Friday, August 03, 2012  At least one passenger was killed and dozens of others were hospitalized following a Megabus crash.

Thursday, June 21, 2012  Illinois prosecutors refuse to defend state ban on gay marriage, claim law is unconstitutional

Wednesday, May 30, 2012  Legislation to eliminate the law's language that prohibits gay marriage is pending, but a vote isn't expected.