Illinois quick hits: Vigil held for Mahomet victims; Big Lots closing all remaining stores

By Kevin Bessler | The Center Square

Vigil held for Mahomet victims

A candlelight vigil was held Thursday in Mahomet to commemorate the lives of three people murdered in the central Illinois community. A suspect in the shootings was located in Berwyn where he exchanged gunfire with police and was killed. Police identified him as 24-year-old John Lyons of Westchester. Illinois State Police, which is handling the investigation, has not revealed what connection Lyons had with the victims.  

Big Lots closing

Discount retailer Big Lots announced Thursday that it is closing all remaining stores. The chain closed 400 locations earlier this year, with 963 stores remaining open across the country. According to the company’s website, 17 locations in Illinois remain open, including in Decatur, Quincy and two stores in Springfield.  

New license plate decals coming

Another round of new designs for specialty plates become law in 2025. Created for universal plates are the Illinois United States Tennis Association/Midwest Tennis Foundation for Youth Tennis decal, the Navy Club decal, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers decal, and the 100 Club of Illinois decal.