News

Authorities say a van carrying church members returning from a California religious gathering careened off of a south-central Illinois freeway and overturned several times, killing five people and hospitalizing six others.

Illinois now has tougher penalties for those who use social media to organize violent "flash mobs" like those that have occurred on Chicago's Michigan Avenue and in other tourist areas.

The governor has signed legislation doubling the maximum prison term for offenders to six years.

Bill sponsor, State Senator Kwame Raoul of Chicago, says he recognizes freedom of speech but says there is great responsibility that comes with it..
 

Visitors now have even more time to enjoy their favorite Illinois historic sites.

State historic preservation agency spokesperson Chris Wills says six sites have extended their hours and are now open seven days a week.
 
In addition...Wills says two sites are now open for the season...one of which is the Pierre Menard Home in Randolph County.

For more information on all the historic sites across the state...visit the website: www.illinoishistory.gov.
 

Gov. Pat Quinn says Illinois has a chance to make history before the end of the legislative session this month on the issues of pension reform and same-sex marriage.