PEKIN - Tazewell County Board member Jay Hall was absent from Wednesday's meeting, but if comments from fellow board members and the public mean anything, out of sight does not mean out of mind.

The Associated PressPITTSBURGH - The collapsing Chicago Cubs were eliminated from playoff contention shortly before losing their eighth straight game, falling 4-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.

CHICAGO - Extra time is nothing new for the Bradley soccer team.

NORMAL - Four schools from the Journal Star area will compete this weekend at the 42nd annual Illinois Elementary School Association softball state finals at Champion Fields.