Before any tuggers jump into a trench or take on a rope, they first must go through a process probably more important than any: They must tape up. The process of taping up involves covering a shoulder, underarm and part of a forearm with padding, towels...

When Laura Houston thinks of her friend Marlon Blue, she is reminded of his outgoing personality and his cheerfulness. On a more personal level, Houston, an NIU student, said she is reminded of how he always was there for her whenever she needed someone...

The body of a 21-year-old NIU student was found Sunday morning in a retention pond off Hillcrest Drive. He was a victim of an apparent drowning, said Lt. Jim Kayes of the DeKalb Police Department. Marlon Devon Blue, a Homewood resident, last was seen...

It started in 1967 as a friendly tug-of-war match over the East Lagoon during NIU’s Spring Fest. Any group or organization could participate, and the biggest obstacle was attempting to keep a strong grip on a wet, slippery rope. Now, however, Tugs is...

Lions and scouts will crawl through wooded areas in DeKalb County this weekend searching for trash. The DeKalb County Forest Preserve planned two events for Saturday’s volunteer day. The first event, sponsored by the Sycamore Lions Club, is the annual...

A nearly one-mile police chase Wednesday afternoon through DeKalb ended with the arrest of four Chicago-area residents who allegedly are part of a ring that has been passing fake checks throughout the Chicago area. Police said they received a call of...

The U.S. Department of Education is giving school districts more options in the classroom. A proposed amendment to Title IX would expand flexibility in providing same-sex classrooms in elementary and secondary public schools. Ken Marcus of the U.S. Department...

Dry weather, warm temperatures and 15 to 30 mph wind speeds Thursday afternoon prompted the National Weather Service in Chicago to issue a first-ever Red Flag Warning for DeKalb County. The conditions created a higher-than-normal risk for wildfires in...

The DeKalb Plan Commission approved the final plan for Mason Townhouses Suites, located at The Knolls at Prairie Creek, at its meeting Wednesday. Principal Planner Russ Farnum said the only minor issue with the plan is the landscaping plan has not been...

Last week, the Illinois House of Representatives voted on a Clean Air-Repeal Home Rule, which would allow local communities to prohibit smoking sections in public places including restaurants and bars. The bill failed by one vote. "It’s a matter of...

Illinois teenagers soon may be able to purchase firearms without parental consent if a piece of legislation can get enough support from state lawmakers. A law making its way through state legislature would allow 18-year-olds to sign for their own Firearms...

About 80 people gathered at noon Wednesday to stretch a blue ribbon around the DeKalb County Courthouse for Child Abuse Prevention Month. DeKalb County Circuit Court Judge Robbin Stuckert addressed the line of ribbon-holders, thanking them for their support...