Bobcat Killed | Contractor Ghosts Clients | Zip Tied During Robbery

ILLINOIS — On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across Illinois. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Couple Ghosted By Contractor, Left With Mess, They Say

“He was more a BS’er and a schmoozer than anything,” the customer said, alleging they are out nearly $100,000 and their home is in shambles after a contractor demanded cash and then abandoned a large-scale renovation process.

Bobcat Found Dead After Being Run Over In Suburb

The case is not connected to sightings of an African serval cat elsewhere in Illinois.

2 Masked Robbers Plunder Mobile Phone Store, Zip Tie Employees

Two armed men wearing masks held up a mobile phone store Monday night, tying employees’ hands and feet with zip ties and making off with cash and merchandise, police said.

Murder Charges Filed After Illinois Woman Pushed Off German Slope

Illinois native Eva Liu, 22, was hiking with a friend when German police say a man lured them to the Marienbrücke vantage point and attacked. The man, also an American, could face life in prison.

Beloved Boy, Suburb's Superhero, 4, Dies After Cancer Fight

Brendan Burns died Oct. 26. He loved coloring and sparring with his little sister, family said. He fought neuroblastoma since 2021.

Mother Speaks Out After Stabbing, Son's Death: 'She Harbors No Hatred'

The mother, critically wounded in what police have called a hate crime that left her son dead, "harbors no hatred, but believes in the pursuit of justice."

Man Charged In Crash With Metra Train That Killed Wife, Grandson

The 71-year-old is accused of driving his Hyundai Elantra through a lowered crossing gate in front of a train, causing the crash deaths of his wife and grandchild.