Slain Cop's Family Bans Officials, Chained Up Dog Dies: Illinois News

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.

Slain Officer's Family Tells Mayor And Gov Not To Attend Funeral

The 26-year-old police officer was gunned down Nov. 4 while conducting a traffic stop. A man who was free on electronic monitoring stands accused of killing the officer, along with one of his own companions, with a modified weapon. "Enrique Martinez, a three-year member of this department, who was yet another bright star and the future of this department snatched way too soon by a piece of garbage who never should have been on the streets thanks to ridiculous laws, SAFE-T Act considerations and judges who don’t seem to give a damn about society and are more concerned about their bedsheets than doing what’s morally right for the public," the police union president said.

Man Charged After Yorkie Dies In Backyard, Pit Bull Saved

Police say they found both dogs chained up in the backyard. The pit bull was alive but in very poor health, officials say.

Film Showcasing Career Of Iconic DJ Dick Biondi Debuts

Legendary WLS DJ Dick Biondi was the first to play the Beatles on American radio, nine months before the Fab Four's debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. He broke the Beach Boys and set them on their path to global stardom. He also knew Elvis. Biondi wrote song parodies like
"On Top Of A Pizza" (to the tune of "On Top Of Old Smokey"), which became regional novelty hits among his legions of teen fans. He’s also a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame. He spent 60 years in radio, and was still spinning tunes on WLS at the age of 85 before he was sidelined by an injury.

Sex Offender Visits High School Campus: Prosecutors

He's accused of driving nearly 50 miles from his home to a suburban high school, despite being a child sex offender. A judge denied pretrial release.

Social Media Sleuths Help Police Nab Accused Thieves

Police turned to their social media following for help identifying two people suspected of stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise from a local hardware store—and it worked.

Def Leppard To Play Illinois State Fair

After the rockers played before a packed Wrigley Field this summer, they'll return to perform at the state fair. "Def Leppard's catalog of hits is iconic. Songs like ‘Pour Some Sugar on Me,’ ‘Foolin'' and ‘Rock of Ages’ immediately have you singing along, maybe strumming an air guitar," Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark said.

Bald Eagle Makes Veterans Day Appearance

"He just landed to check up on us," the photographer wrote. "Thank you for remembering our veterans!"