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Senate gun plan would let towns set limits May 16, 2013 12:00 AM
Many individual suburbs would get the opportunity to decide where people could carry concealed guns under a plan approved by a Senate committee today. The proposal does not limit the kind of restrictions suburbs could impose, but they couldn't ban concealed carry completely. "If you get a community that is very restrictive it could trample on someone's second amendment rights," said Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont.
Badgered: Obama acts, but Republicans unsatisfied May 16, 2013 12:00 AM
President Barack Obama, seeking to regain his footing amid controversies hammering the White House, named a temporary chief for the scandal-marred Internal Revenue Service Thursday and pressed Congress to approve new security money to prevent another Benghazi-style terrorist attack.
GOP demands more despite Benghazi email release May 16, 2013 12:00 AM
The White House release of some 100 pages of emails and notes about the deadly attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, last year has failed to satisfy congressional Republicans, who are demanding more information. "Why not release all of the unclassified documents?" said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah.
Obama: No special prosecutor to investigate IRS May 16, 2013 12:00 AM
President Barack Obama dismissed the idea of a special prosecutor to investigate the Internal Revenue Service Thursday, saying probes by Congress and the Justice Department should be able to figure out who was responsible for improperly targeting tea party groups when they applied for tax-exempt status.
Tea Party groups call IRS process ‘nightmare’ May 16, 2013 12:00 AM
Anger over President Barack Obama's policies drove businessman Tom Zawistowski to file with the IRS nearly three years ago to create the Ohio Liberty Coalition. The group raised thousands of dollars to bus activists to rallies, run phone banks, and knock on doors. All the while, the group fought the IRS over its tax-exempt status. "They expected me to turn over the names of our members to the IRS. You'd have to kill me to get me to do that," said Zawistowski.
State representative drops from GOP chairman race May 16, 2013 12:00 AM
A candidate for the chairmanship of the Illinois Republican Party who supports gay marriage has pulled out of contention for the post. State Rep. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove told the Chicago Sun-Times he doesn't have the needed Republican Central Committee votes.
Editorial: Assaults on core values of freedom cry out for responseMay 15, 2013 12:00 AM
As with the government's abuses at the IRS, a Daily Herald editorial urges Illinois' Washington delegation to demand answers on the secret subpoena of AP telephone records and hold those responsible accountable.
17-year-olds could get primary voting rights soonMay 15, 2013 12:00 AM
If Gov. Pat Quinn approves, 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote in the 2014 Illinois primary election if they are set to turn 18 before Election Day in November.
Home brewing legislation goes to QuinnMay 15, 2013 12:00 AM
Home brewers of beer would be able to legally share their specialized suds outside of their homes under legislation that was sent to Gov. Pat Quinn Wednesday.
Suburban mayors steel themselves for own pension crisis May 15, 2013 12:00 AM
As lawmakers work toward an end-of-May deadline to approve a state budget and deal with $100 billion in pension debt, DuPage County officials lobbied in Springfield Wednesday for legislative attention to their own retirement and budgeting issues. Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed freezing how much the towns get from income taxes as the state tries to cope with its massive budget problems.
Lawmakers: Tied-up dogs must have long leashes May 15, 2013 12:00 AM
A suburban Democrat's plan to require Illinoisans to use a rope or chain at least 10 feet long when they tie up their dogs was approved by the state Senate Wednesday.
‘Fracking’ bill ready for vote in House May 15, 2013 12:00 AM
Supporters of high-volume oil and gas drilling say a bill to regulate the practice in Illinois is ready for a vote after last-minute negotiations over hiring and environmental concerns. Supporters say fracking will create jobs; opponents worry about pollution.
Health law may penalize some American Indians May 15, 2013 12:00 AM
Some American Indians in Illinois may have to pay a fine if they're uninsured under the nation's health care law, even if they're entitled to free or subsidized health care under other federal obligations.
House panel set to OK cut in food stamp program May 15, 2013 12:00 AM
The House Agriculture Committee is considering a five-year farm bill that would make small cuts to the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program. The cuts are part of massive legislation that costs almost $100 billion annually and would set policy for farm subsidies, rural programs and the food aid. The House bill would cut about $2.5 billion a year — or a little more than 3 percent — from the food stamp program.
Lawmakers allow DuPage board to pare back government May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
Gov. Pat Quinn will soon get to decide whether DuPage County officials will be allowed to eliminate as many as 13 local governments in an effort to save money. The Illinois House sent Quinn legislation Tuesday allowing the cuts by a 108-6 vote.
Suburban lawmakers want answers in AP scandal May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
Some suburban lawmakers are demanding an explanation of why the U.S. Department of Justice aggressively pursued phone records of Associated Press journalists last year. Illinois Republicans and Democrats alike joined the chorus of outrage Tuesday. "I am very concerned whenever I hear of any government secretly monitoring the press," said U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky.
State officials: Lowering DUI limit worth a look May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
Secretary of State Jesse White said the idea of reducing Illinois’ drunk-driving threshold from a .08 to a .05 blood alcohol content deserves “further study,” a spokesman said Tuesday after a federal agency recommended the change.
Dalai Lama tells Wisconsin legislature to be compassionate May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
The Dalai Lama, speaking on the floor of the Wisconsin Assembly where lawmakers just two years ago hurled expletives at each other while angry protesters screamed insults, said Tuesday that the key to a happy life isn't power or money but compassion.
Chicago senator touts his compromise bill on concealed carry May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
An Illinois senator seeking to keep some concealed carry limits in place after a federal judge found the state's ban unconstitutional said Tuesday that his compromise plan would allow large cities to customize their lists of places that are off limits to concealed weapons.
Audit: Less than half of Road Fund spent on roads May 14, 2013 12:00 AM
The audit released Tuesday states that in eight of the past 10 years more than half of the road funds went to pay salaries, construction bonds and other costs.