Ill. special session expected to form pension committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers are convening a special session as called for by Gov. Pat Quinn.

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.

Recent editorials published in Indiana newspapers

It's scary: Uncle Sam knows who's talking to whom

Senate sends Peotone airport plan to Quinn

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | The Illinois Senate has passed an initiative allowing for the construction and operation of the long-awaited third Chicago area airport, along with two other major projects.

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.

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."

Ill. lawmaker gets community service in gun case

Veteran Illinois state Sen. Donne Trotter, seen in a Dec. 15, 2012, appearance in South Holland, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor charge after being accused last year of trying to board a flight with a gun. Trotter's attorney said he entered a guilty plea to reckless conduct in a pl…

Texas governor in Illinois trying to lure business

CHICAGO | Texas Gov. Rick Perry arrived in Illinois on Monday on a determined mission to lure away the state's businesses, blast its nagging financial problems and spark a little interstate rivalry with a simple message to Gov. Pat Quinn.

NCAA says Penn State fine money in special account

HARRISBURG, Pa. | The NCAA said Thursday it has no immediate plans to spend the $12 million already paid to it as part of the sanctions against Penn State over its handling of child sex abuse allegations against former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.

Increase in court cases could impact NCAA image

As the NCAA prepares to open its annual convention today near Dallas, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the body he governs are faced with more than a half-dozen lawsuits across the country in what could signal a new era of court activity.

Increase in court cases could impact NCAA image

INDIANAPOLIS | The NCAA will open its annual convention this week with a host of reform measures on the agenda, part of President Mark Emmert's push to address several years of high-profile scandals.

Ryan: Romney won't 'duck tough issues' on economy

TAMPA, Fla. | Seizing the Republican National Convention spotlight, vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan promised Wednesday night Mitt Romney "will not duck the tough issues" if he wins the White House this fall and their party will move forcefully to solve the nation's economic woes.

GOP convention team reaches out to women, vets

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks Wednesday at the American Legion National Convention in Indianapolis.

Job cuts to cost Motorola tax credits in Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. | Google Inc.'s plan to cut more than 700 jobs at Motorola Mobility's operations in Illinois means the company will lose the tax credits it receives from the state, and experts say it underscores just how little the kind of perks that big companies often insist they need real…

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…

Wrigley renovation plans stalled by political flap

CHICAGO | As the baseball season began, Chicago buzzed about plans to upgrade wilting Wrigley Field. Then word spread that the patriarch of the family that owns the Cubs considered bankrolling a $10 million racially tinged campaign against President Barack Obama, at the same time the team so…

Illinois child welfare agency mulls cuts, layoffs

CHICAGO | Already in open violation of a federal decree on child welfare investigations, the Illinois agency that oversees well-being of families faces new budget cuts that could lead to hundreds of worker layoffs and the elimination of services that have helped keep thousands of children ou…

A roundup of recent Indiana newspaper editorials

Confidence needs a fix

Quinn doesn't favor a detention center in Crete

CHICAGO | Gov. Pat Quinn said he's not a fan of a proposed immigrant detention center in suburban Chicago.

In Illinois, college can be a legislative favor

SPRINGFIELD | Politicians love to talk about the importance of education. In Illinois, legislators go a step further and personally award scholarships to state universities — sometimes to friends, donors and political allies.