Dems divided on big issues as end of session nears

SPRINGFIELD | Illinois Democrats seemed poised to rule almost unchallenged in the state Capitol after winning super majorities in the House and Senate last fall.

House OKs guns plan opposed by governor

SPRINGFIELD | Gun owners in the only state still banning concealed weapons would win that right under a plan approved by the Illinois House on Friday, but the governor and other powerful Democrats oppose the plan because it would wipe out local gun ordinances — including Chicago's ban on ass…

Text of President Obama speech on terrorism

Text of President Barack Obama's speech on the fight against terrorism at the National Defense University, as provided by the White House:

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill.

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

This undated photo provided by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., shows its co-founders David and Barbara Green who are asking a federal appeals court in Denver on Thursday, May 23, 2013, for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that…

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

Customers are seen at a Hobby Lobby store in Denver on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. A challenge to the federal health care law faces its most prominent test yet in a full 10th Circuit hearing in Denver on Thursday. Hobby Lobby stores is challenging a federal mandate requiring it to offer employe…

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

Customers are seen at a Hobby Lobby store in Denver on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. A challenge to the federal health care law faces its most prominent test yet in a full 10th Circuit hearing in Denver on Thursday. Hobby Lobby stores is challenging a federal mandate requiring it to offer employe…

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

This undated photo provided by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., shows its co-founders David and Barbara Green who are asking a federal appeals court in Denver on Thursday, May 23, 2013, for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that…

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill.

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

DENVER (AP) — In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill.

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

This undated photo provided by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., shows its co-founders David and Barbara Green who are asking a federal appeals court in Denver on Thursday, May 23, 2013, for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that…

Birth control coverage up for federal appeal

Customers are seen at a Hobby Lobby store in Denver on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. A challenge to the federal health care law faces its most prominent test yet in a full 10th Circuit hearing in Denver on Thursday. Hobby Lobby stores is challenging a federal mandate requiring it to offer employe…

Brown v. Board site to mark anniversary of ruling

The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic site will display a black doll used in a series of famous race studies to mark the 59th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that ended legal segregation in public schools.

High court rules against Indiana farmer in patent case

WASHINGTON | The Supreme Court said Monday that an Indiana farmer violated Monsanto Co.'s patents on soybean seeds that are resistant to its weed-killer by growing additional crops without buying new beans.

Sheriff proposes Cook County concealed-carry ordinance

CHICAGO | Cook County's sheriff is proposing a countywide concealed-carry ordinance, saying if state lawmakers don't pass a law by next month as a federal court has ordered, Illinois could turn into the "Wild West."

Senate blocks expanded gun sale background checks

WASHINGTON | Senate Republicans backed by a small band of rural-state Democrats scuttled the most far-reaching gun control legislation in two decades Wednesday, refusing to tighten background checks on firearms buyers or ban assault weapons.

Indiana's Donnelly, North Dakota's Heitkamp now support gay marriage

WASHINGTON | Two freshman Democratic senators from conservative states — Joe Donnelly, of Indiana, and Heidi Heitkamp, of North Dakota — have joined the growing chorus of lawmakers who say they support gay marriage.

Sports are a civil right for disabled, U.S. says

WASHINGTON | Breaking new ground, the U.S. Education Department is telling schools they must include students with disabilities in sports programs or provide equal alternative options. The directive, reminiscent of the Title IX expansion of athletic opportunities for women, could bring swee…

Chicago teachers vote to return to classroom

CHICAGO | Teachers agreed Tuesday to return to the classroom after more than a week on the picket lines in Chicago, ending a combative stalemate with Mayor Rahm Emanuel over evaluations and job security, two issues at the heart of efforts to reform the nation's public schools.

Republicans nominate Romney, lambaste Obama

TAMPA, Fla. | Mitt Romney swept to the Republican presidential nomination Tuesday night at a storm-delayed national convention scripted to propel him into a close race for the White House in tough economic times.