SPRINGFIELD — For the first time ever, still pictures and limited video recording will be allowed in Illinois courtrooms.

Photo by News Bulletin staff.

More food price increases likely in 2012

Last year's high grocery prices had many west suburban residents scrambling for ways to save at the at their neighborhood Jewel, Dominicks or other food store.

The upswing in prices over the past 12 months may have you wondering what will happen this year at your local grocery store.

The North Aurora Lion’s Club has named Ryan McKinness as 2011 North Aurora police officer of the year. 

The award was made at the recent Lion's Club awards dinner at the Lincoln Inn, in Batavia. On hand in the audience were members of the police and fire departments’ command staffs, Lion’s Club members, and the nominees and their families.

Burglary reduction is objective for new year

Reports of serious crime in Elgin dropped by more than 7 percent in 2011 – the single, largest decline seen in the city in the past five years.

Photo by News Bulletin staff.

A traveling exhibition on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War is continuing through Feb. 17 at Aurora University's Phillips Library.

Naperville Police Chief David E. Dial has announced he will retire in May after 22 years on the job.

A view of one of two Downer Place bridges from Waubonsee College's downtown Aurora campus.  Photo by News Bulletin staff.

Benton Street between River Street and Broadway Avenue in downtown Aurora has been reduced to one eastbound lane through Monday, Feb. 6.

The north lane has been closed while the south lane remains open to eastbound traffic. The intersection at Benton Street and Stolp Avenue has been turned into a three-way stop with the traffic lights flashing red.

- Contributed by Jeff Long

Those New Year’s resolutions are now four weeks old. Made any progress? If yours was a commitment to start a fitness program and get in better shape, this first month is barely a blip on the radar in terms of the big picture.

The highly acclaimed, multi-media production Songs My Mother Taught Me is a celebration of the music and life of Judy Garland, and a theatrical extravaganza melding one of the world's most familiar songbooks with personal memories of her loving daughter, Lorna Luft.

By Jerry Riley

Attending County Board meeting as well as County Board committee meetings has given me some unique observations. Most of those elected to office understand their obligations, as well as their limitations. It appears to me, though, that a few of the elected Board members lack a basic understanding of their authority.

By Amy Hageman

Newswise — MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Corporations are clamoring to be green, but their environmental reputation may depend more on what they say rather than what they do, according to a study by a Kansas State University researcher and other collaborators.

EUREKA – The Richard W. Sanders Atrium in the new Ivy Hall at Eureka College will be dedicated in a ceremony at 4 p.m. Feb. 2. A reception will follow.