Quinn, Illinois lawmakers plan pension talks into July

SPRINGFIELD | Unable to overcome a stalemate on the state's $97 billion pension crisis, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and legislative leaders are working on a new plan that involves forming a bipartisan committee this week and reconvening the Legislature for an additional session in July.

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.

Pension fight reveals Democratic leaders' differences

SPRINGFIELD | As lawmakers strain again this week to find a fix for the state's $97 billion pension crisis, the stalemate between House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton highlights the evolving relationship between two powerful Democratic friends who've seldom had s…

Pension fight shows Democratic leader differences

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, left, and House Speaker Michael Madigan talk with reporters June 10 after their meeting with Gov. Pat Quinn to discuss the state's pension crisis. As lawmakers strain again this week for a compromise on pension reform, their stalemate illustrates the…

Pension fight shows Democratic leader differences

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, left, and House Speaker Michael Madigan talk with reporters June 10 after their meeting with Gov. Pat Quinn to discuss the state's pension crisis.

Gaming board chair: Separate Chicago casino in its own bill

SPRINGFIELD | The head of the board that regulates Illinois' gambling said Tuesday that a proposed expansion calling for five new casinos raises so many questions about oversight of a Chicago casino that it should be separated into its own bill.

Hunting in pens isn't real hunting, harms deer

The Indiana General Assembly is considering legislation that would allow businesses to continue to provide high-paying customers the ability to shoot white-tailed deer within fenced enclosures.

Illinois legislators consider puppy 'lemon law'

Illinoisans who buy a dog or cat that turns out to be seriously ill would have a new legal remedy under a proposal being considered by state legislators.

Gary leaders discuss Buffington Harbor port, trauma center

GARY | A legislative forum to raise local awareness of region issues in the Indiana General Assembly generated discussion about economic development in Gary and a move by Griffith to secede from Calumet Township.

Legislator seeks to ground lame duck flights

SPRINGFIELD | A Republican lawmaker filed legislation this week aimed at discouraging the use of "lame duck sessions" that quickly pass controversial measures by relying on votes from outgoing legislators.

Doctor asks for statewide tanning ban for minors

SPRINGFIELD | Dr. Judith Knox sees patients with skin cancer every day and many come to her “worried” they developed it from tanning.

Cal City amends casino-related ordinance

CALUMET CITY | When, or if, an Illinois governor gives approval to a state law permitting a new gambling casino to be located within the south suburbs, municipal officials want to be ready to pounce on would-be developers.

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.

Quinn signs law inspired by Caylee Anthony case

SPRINGFIELD | Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Friday inspired by a Florida jury’s acquittal last year of Casey Anthony.

Fair victims settlement shields Ind. from company

INDIANAPOLIS | Indiana lawmakers presented their decision to offer an additional $6 million to victims of a deadly stage collapse at last year's state fair as a way to help those who weren't adequately compensated by its first settlement. But buried in the legislation was a clause protecting…

Illinois gears up for the start of video gambling

JUSTICE, Ill. | Diners heading into Chino's Pizzeria in this Chicago suburb will get more than a chance to try the specialty sausage and mushroom calzones — they'll soon be among the first in Illinois to try their hand at video poker.