House committee takes up tough immigration bill

House Judiciary Committee members Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., sponsor of the Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act, left, talks with Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 18, 2013, prior to the start of the committee's hearing to discuss the Strengthen and F…

House committee takes up tough immigration bill

WASHINGTON | A key committee in the Republican-led House moved Tuesday toward approving a tough enforcement-focused immigration bill, over objections from Democrats and disruptions from protesters shouting "Shame, shame, shame!"

House committee takes up tough immigration bill

House Judiciary Committee member Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., sponsor of the Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act, left, talks with Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 18, 2013, prior to the start of the committee's hearing to discuss the Strengthen and Fo…

House takes up far-reaching anti-abortion bill

Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at House Judiciary Committee hearing to discuss the Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act. Republicans in the House of Representatives on Tuesday make their most concerted effort of the year to change…

House takes up far-reaching anti-abortion bill

WASHINGTON | House Republicans on Tuesday make their most concerted effort of the year to change federal abortion law with legislation that would ban almost all abortions after a fetus reaches the age of 20 weeks.

Ind. woman condemned for killing at 15 is freed

INDIANAPOLIS | A woman who was sentenced to death at age 16 for taking part in the torture and murder of a 78-year-old Bible studies teacher was released from an Indiana prison Monday after growing to middle age behind bars.

Court: Ariz. citizenship proof law illegal

WASHINGTON | The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states cannot on their own require would-be voters to prove they are U.S. citizens before using a federal registration system designed to make signing up easier.

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.

Dogs give comfort — and controversy — in court

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The twins were 7, shy and scared. Talking was tough and describing what happened nearly impossible.

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."

Bombing suspect charged, could face death penalty

A moment of silence in honor of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing is observed on Boylston Street near the race finish line, exactly one week after the tragedy, Monday.

Chicago district disappointed in ex-congressman

CHICAGO | Residents in this swath of sprawling Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs have brimmed with loyalty to Jesse Jackson Jr. over the past 17 years, giving him an enthusiastic majority each election — even after questionable links to ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, reports of an extramarital aff…

NFL lifts suspension of Saints coach Sean Payton

NEW YORK | Sean Payton is back as coach of the New Orleans Saints.

NFL lifts suspension of Saints coach Sean Payton

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton following a season-long suspension for his role in the team's bounty scandal.

Goodell: Bounty players should be punished

IRVING, Texas | NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he "fundamentally disagrees" with former league boss Paul Tagliabue's decision not to discipline players in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal.

Goodell: Bounty players should be punished

NFL executive vice president and general counsel Jeff Pash speaks about the decision not to discipline players in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal while meeting with reporters outside the NFL owners meeting, Wednesday in Irving, Texas.

Panel vacates bounty suspensions for 4 NFL players

The suspension of New Orleans' Jonathan Vilma (51) and three other players in the NFL's bounty investigation were lifted Friday by a three-member appeals panel. The league reinstated those players a few minutes later. The ruling does not permanently void their suspensions.

Panel vacates bounty suspensions for 4 NFL players

NEW ORLEANS | Jonathan Vilma, Scott Fujita and Will Smith are back in the NFL. For now.

Lake County prosecutor to seek extradition of Whiting homicide suspect

CROWN POINT | Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said he will move to return a former East Chicago man here to be tried for a 13-year-old Whiting homicide.