Police say man robbed ATM, sped off on ATV
The robbery happened at the First Collinsville Bank just after 10 this morning. The man was dressing in camouflage when he drove up to the ATM, stole several canisters filled with cash and sped off. Maryville Police are handling the investigation.
Hearing on concealed carry in Chicago
Friday's hearing is before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday in Chicago, and it follows another hearing held by the same committee earlier this week in Springfield.
Chicago has made national headlines in recent months as the number of homicides climbed - especially in January when Hadiya (hy-DEE'-uh) Pendleton was killed about a mile from President Barack Obama's Chicago home.
Representatives from law enforcement, city and county government and the National Rifle Association are scheduled to speak.
Illinois Medicaid cuts fall short of projections
Illinois lawmaker starts petition in support of conceal carry law
State Representative Dwight Kay of Glen Carbon has co-sponsored a bill to bring conceal carry to the state. Committee hearings are underway today to discuss gun laws in Illinois.
Illinois Senate passes bill to allow gay marriage
In a 34-21 vote, lawmakers approved a measure to lift a state ban on same-sex marriage. The bill now moves to the House, where Democrats also hold a majority.
The Valentine's Day vote came amid concerns from Republicans that the bill would force religious organizations to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their fellowship halls, parish centers or even in their sanctuaries. Bishops in Illinois, led by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, also have said they oppose the idea as against the "natural order."
Gov. Pat Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, has said he will sign the bill if the House approves it.
Poll shows rising support for gay marriage in Illinois
The poll, taken by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, shows support has grown from 33.6 percent in 2010 to 45.5 percent today.
Democrats hold a supermajority in the Senate and believe they will pass the bill. If approved, it heads to the House. Governor Quinn has also indicated he would sign the bill.
IL Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon won't seek re-election
She declined to give details, but she spent much of a news conference yesterday playing up her legal and financial experience.
Political experts say the move points toward exploring a run for attorney general or another statewide office and would allow for Simon to raise campaign funds separately from Gov. Pat Quinn, who's seen his approval rating dip.
It would also allow Simon to see who else is running.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan said yesterday that she hasn't decided yet on a 2014 gubernatorial run.
Simon told Quinn her decision in December. She said that in a few months she'll make another announcement about her future plans.
Illinois prison guards demand stop to violent offender transfer
The letter sent Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press was addressed to Department of Corrections Director S.A. "Tony" Godinez (goh-DEE'-nez).
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says in one instance up to 15 inmates were being moved to medium-security prisons. The inmates allegedly beat two guards and a chaplain at Menard prison last week.
The union is worried increased violence has ushered a return of "circuit riders" - keeping troublemakers isolated by moving them from prison to prison.
The 1998 opening of the high-security Tamms prison ended that practice. But Gov. Pat Quinn closed Tamms in January because of budget cuts.
Illinois receives conditional approval for insurance marketplaces
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued a conditional approval letter Wednesday to Gov. Pat Quinn with a list of six conditions.
Conditions include signing a memorandum of understanding with the federal government for how the state will monitor and approve health plans sold on the exchange by March 1 and a separate memorandum of understanding for how the state will run consumer outreach activities by April 1. Sebelius’ letter acknowledges that “Illinois is working under intense timelines.”
The state is partnering with the federal government to offer the online marketplace.
Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon won't seek reelection
In brief remarks to reporters in Chicago on Wednesday, the Carbondale Democrat refused to go into detail about her future plans.
She says she will make another announcement in a few months.
Simon says she informed Gov. Pat Quinn of her decision in December. Quinn has said he'll seek re-election.
Simon is a former law professor and prosecutor. A brief statement released before her news conference highlighted her legal background.
In that written statement, Simon also said she wants to serve the people of Illinois in a role where she can have "an even greater impact."
Simon was first elected lieutenant governor in 2010.
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