There's been some drama happening downstate the past day or so. Hell froze over, Michael Madigan blinked and the state may be close to a pension reform deal. more ›

The lawsuits, filed against the Cook County Clerk, argue that not allowing marriages to gay and lesbian couples in Illinois is a violation of the due process and equal protection provisions in the Illinois Constitution's bill of rights. more ›

Visitors to Wrigley Field may soon see a Jumbotron in right field, enter the ballpark by passing through "Wrigleyville: Home of the Cubs" arches sponsored by advertisers and see Sheffield and Waveland Avenues closed to street fairs on game days under a plan proposed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to help the Cubs raise money to renovate the Friendly Confines without placing the burden on taxpayers. more ›

The stations will be installed in mostly high traffic and dense residential areas, including 7-Eleven stores at Illinois Tollway Oases. more ›

The amendment, which is effective immediately, seems intended to keep Tom Swiss off the ballot for November's general election in the state's 10th legislative district. Swiss, the former chairman of the Chicago Republican Party and until recently the Republican committeeman for the 27th Ward, lost last week's Democratic primary race against State Rep. Derrick Smith, who was charged in the days before the primary of accepting a bribe. more ›

Officials with the city's host committee told the Chicago Tribune that lodging and transportation arrangements have proven to be the most daunting challenges. more ›

And politicians wonder why voter turnout was so low? more ›

An estimated 140,000 students seeking aid will be denied for the academic year. more ›

While Sears has been struggling to stay afloat, shuttering stores and making other cuts to deal with a net loss of $3.14 billion in revenue last fiscal year, its CEO seems to be swimming along just fine financially. more ›

Mayor Eric Gregg of downstate Harrisburg, Ill. said he will move quickly to appeal the Federal Emergency Management Authority decision not to provide federal disaster relief to the town and other parts of Southern Illinois hit hard by severe tornadoes last month. more ›

Today is the deadline day for Gov. Pat Quinn to make a decision on Senate Bill 965, aka the Chicago speed camera bill. more ›

WGN's Jonathon Brandmeier challenged Gov. Pat Quinn to swallow a spoonful of cinnamon this morning. more ›

Governor Pat Quinn gave his “State of the State” speech today to the Illinois General Assembly, stressing the idea that despite its massive problems, “Illinois is moving forward.” more ›

Quinn appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" yesterday, and host Joe Scarborough asked why he gave tax breaks to Sears, the Chicago Board of Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to keep them in the state. more ›

Gov. Pat Quinn has until Feb. 6 to sign Senate Bill 965, aka "the Chicago speed camera" bill, into law or veto it. Public sentiment against it may make it hard for Quinn to approve of the legislation. more ›

The Ho-Chunk Nation is proposing a casino in Beloit, WI, which could affect plans for a casino in Rockford, since the casino legislation passed last year still hasn't been signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn. more ›

A preview of Governor Quinn’s budget shows that he will attempt to avoid cutting education and health care, but there are still cuts to be made. more ›

We conclude our recaps of the top stories of the year by looking back at the heightened tensions between government and labor in Wisconsin, Illinois and Chicago. more ›

Sears Holdings Corp. released a list of 79 of its projected 120 store closings across the country. more ›

(We continue our recap of the top stories of the year by looking back at the Civil Unions Law and its effects.) more ›

The proposed bill would also link the state’s unemployment rate to the corporate tax rate. more ›

Illinois Senate Pres. John Cullerton had decent comedic timing, laying a political burn down on Gov. Pat Quinn. more ›

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan called the House back into session on Monday to put together new legislation for tax breaks for CME Group, CBOE and Sears. The House voted 99-8 last week to reject a tax package for the three for more than $100 million in tax breaks. more ›

Tributes are starting to pour in for former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley, who passed away last night after a long battle with cancer. more ›

The small contingent of activists drummed on cast iron pots and tin cups, entered the Thompson Center, and used the "people’s microphone" to provide the reasons they oppose the bill. more ›

Quinn announced last night that he had accepted an offer from Chicago Archbishop Francis George to sit down with the bishops next month to discuss abortion rights; the Bears; the NBA lockout; the Cubs hiring of Dale Sveum and why the Michelin Guide ignored Next. more ›

The legislation only needs Gov. Pat Quinn's signature to become law. A Quinn spokesperson said he would review the bill. more ›

Cardinal Francis George expressed remorse yesterday at Holy Name Cathedral and said "a rape victim demands all the respect and sympathy that anybody can give." more ›

The funds are from the state, which brings the total dollar allotment for project at $1 billion. more ›

Much like many other politicians, Quinn - a former community organizer - misses the point of Occupy movements. more ›