Category Archives: Top Stories
US begins blockade of Iran's ports, Tehran threatens to retaliate
WASHINGTON/DUBAI, April 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. military began a blockade of ships leaving Iran's ports on Monday, President Donald Trump said, and Tehran threatened to retaliate against ports of its ...
Apr 13, 2026 A billboard with a graphic design about the Strait of Hormuz on a building in Tehran, Iran, April 13, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
Skeletal remains found in East Peoria
EAST PEORIA, Ill. - Authorities are investigating after a possible human skull was found partially buried in East Peoria on Sunday afternoon. Tazewell County deputies responded to the 1300 block of Co...
Apr 13, 2026 Midwest Communications/Shutterstock
Northern Tazewell Fire Protection District planning to shut down in wake of service challenges
TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. - An all-volunteer fire district in Tazewell County is planning to cease operations in the next few weeks. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the Northern Tazewell Fire Protection D...
Apr 13, 2026 (Northern Tazewell Fire Protection District Facebook)
Coroner identifies pedestrian struck and killed on the Murray Baker Bridge
PEORIA, Ill. - The Peoria County Coroner's office has identified the pedestrian killed after being struck by a vehicle on the Murray Baker bridge early Friday morning. Coroner Jamie Harwood says the v...
Apr 13, 2026 (Peoria County Coroner)
Trump's lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein story dismissed for now
April 13 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge dismissed on Monday Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over an article asserting the U.S. president's name was on a 2003 birthday greet...
Apr 13, 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 12, 2026. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Swalwell suspends campaign for California governor amid sexual assault allegations
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss NEW YORK, April 12 (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell on Sunday said he was suspending his campaign for governor of California, as he faces calls from fellow Democrat...
Apr 13, 2026 FILE PHOTO: California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell speaks during the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 21, 2026. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo/File Photo
Vacant house fire under investigation in Peoria
PEORIA, Ill. - The Peoria Fire Department is investigating a vacant house fire that occurred Saturday evening. Fire Battalion Chief Mike Ralston said around 5:40 p.m., crews responded to a structure f...
Apr 13, 2026 (Midwest Communications)
Trump criticises Pope Leo; pontiff says Christian message is being 'abused'
By Kanishka Singh and Joshua McElwee WASHINGTON/ROME, April 13 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Pope Leo as "terrible" in an unusual, direct attack on the pontiff, who responded ...
Apr 13, 2026 Pope Leo XIV leaves after presiding over a Prayer Vigil and Rosary for Peace, in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, April 11, 2026. REUTERS/Remo Casilli
Oil tankers steer clear of Hormuz ahead of US blockade
By Florence Tan and Jonathan Saul SINGAPORE/LONDON, April 13 (Reuters) - Two Iranian-linked tankers exited the Gulf on Monday as other vessels began avoiding the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. said i...
Apr 13, 2026 FILE PHOTO: A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and a 3D printed oil pipeline are seen in this illustration taken March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Firefighters prevent garage fire from spreading to nearby Dunlap home
DUNLAP, Ill. - Firefighters contained a garage fire in Dunlap Sunday morning, preventing it from spreading to a nearby home. Crews were called to the 4800 block of Koerner Road around 11:30 a.m. While...
Apr 13, 2026 (Midwest Communications)
