Springfield News

Dems divided on big issues as end of session nears SARA BURNETT,Associated Press SPRINGFIELD, Ill.

What happens in Illinois doesn't stay in Illinois - especially when you're dealing with the national ramifications of a combined fracking and coal mining rush unparalleled in recent memory.

Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, argues concealed carry gun legislation while on the House floor during session at the Illinois State Capitol Friday, May 24, 2013, in Springfield Ill.

When Glenview resident Laura Fine ended a 14-year career as a political science professor, she ended up in the classroom again getting schooled in Illinois lawmaking.

Springfield, IL-For the third day in a row, concerned Illinoisans that have requested a meeting with Governor Quinn and that he reconsider his support of allowing hydraulic fracturing in Illinois, have sat-in in front of Governor Quinn's office.

For the past ten years, the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers Safety Committee has encouraged companies to adopt systems and practices that prevent injuries or illnesses by recognizing members with its "Rock Solid" safety award program.

Amy White Binkley, 85, of Joelton, Tenn., formerly of Paducah, died Monday, May 20, 2013, at Golden Living Nursing Home in Springfield.

Illinois Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Buffalo Grove speaks to lawmakers including Illinois Rep.

Security intervenes as Shannon Bennett, an activist with Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, attempts to speak after commandeering the podium microphone Wednesday at a packed meeting of the Chicago Board of Education.

When Republican Jim Edgar became governor in 1991, only one quarter of Illinois residents were "satisfied with the way things were going in Illinois," according to an annual survey by Northern Illinois University.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, introduces State Representative Darlene Senger during the pension reform press conference at the DuPage County Boardroom on Friday, January 4, 2013, in Wheaton IL.

State Rep. John Bradley stops by to discuss the latest from the Capitol as they rush to finish everything before the session ends on the 31st, including fracking.

Shortly before World War II, Norman Rockwell painted an image depicting a workingman standing to speak at a government meeting.

Protesters of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to close dozens of city schools have been removed from a school board meeting in Chicago and from the state Capitol in Springfield.

The flyers in this slideshow were used to promote dogs at Sangamon County Animal Control in Springfield, Ill., but they are also good idea-starters for your shelter staff and volunteers to brainstorm.

Lawrence Eugene Boarman, 82, of Pawnee, Ill., passed away Saturday, May 18, 2013, at St.

A Grayslake resident was recently inducted into the Illinois National Guard Chaplain Corps.

A Vatican spokesman on Tuesday refuted claims that Pope Francis performed an exorcism on a man in St.

The Eli Young Band is coming to New Lenox for the 2nd Annual Country in the Commons Concert.

Every time I see Illinois getting high marks for open government and disclosure - it happened last week when the Center for Public Integrity gave the state an "A" for campaign disclosure requirements regarding super PACs, nonprofits and other groups - I have to laugh.