Topic: Illinois

Religious freedom no match for Washington gridlock?

US Commission for International Religious Freedom, created in 1998, will cease to exist Friday unless lawmakers renew funding. Its aim: make religious freedom a priority of US foreign policy.

State, local policies emerge on illegal immigrants

More illegal immigrants moving beyond the border states to follow jobs and a lack of federal immigration reform has some states and communities coming up with their own enforcement policies – written or not.

Proposal to make Chicago a state shows Illinois divide

Whether it's the state's shaky finances, its recent tax hike or strict gun laws, downstate Illinois knows it can always vent its frustration by blaming Chicago.

Rod Blagojevich 14-year sentence a warning to corrupt politicians

Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison, a decision some legal experts found harsh. But the judge said the sentence was meant to send a message – and not just to Rod Blagojevich. 

Rod Blagojevich offers no apologies at sentencing hearing

Witnesses testified Tuesday that Rod Blagojevich had good intentions at heart and that he received bad advice from aides and advisers. The judge disagreed, saying Blagojevich 'was not a supplicant.'

Can Congress force Supreme Court to let in cameras?

The Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011 would require TV coverage of all open sessions at the Supreme Court. Any legal challenge to the mandate would ultimately arrive at the Supreme Court – prompting a constitutional showdown.

Dodge Dart returns, based on Fiat compact

Dodge Dart: Chrysler said Tuesday that it will use the Dart name for a new compact car based on Italian technology that it will introduce in the US next year.

Rod Blagojevich sentencing: Does he deserve at least 15 years in prison?

Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois, appears in court Tuesday for sentencing. Prosecutors are pushing for a 15- to 20-year sentence, and they have the upper hand, experts say. 

Occupy Wall Street, Act II: Go local

With many encampments razed or in jeopardy, Occupy Wall Street needs a second act. For now, many activists are settling on issues of concern to local residents. Will that weaken the movement, or strengthen it?

Political sex scandals: Who survived – and who didn't

Herman Cain’s chance of winning the GOP presidential nomination has virtually disappeared amid allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. But against all odds, some candidates or incumbents survive sex scandals. Here’s a list of politicos whose careers continued in spite of their slips – and some whose didn’t.

Rod Blagojevich should get 15 to 20 years: Prosecutors

Rod Blagojevich: In arguing for a sentence that would be one of the longest for corruption in Illinois' sordid political history, prosecutors said Blagojevich — convicted, among other things, of trying to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama — deserved more than two other figures now in prison.

Mystery of the missing money: FBI befuddled by disappearance of $43,643

A veteran FBI agent in Illinois has been sentenced to serve five months in prison for lying about the disappearance of over $43,000. Interestingly, he was not accused of stealing the money.

Moss rocks

Cute little ceramic 'rocks' with live moss make fun gifts as well as educational.

Absent a super committee, now who'll lean on Congress to cut US deficit?

Global markets or deadlines for extending tax breaks may yet force Congress to try again for a 'grand bargain' to shrink the US deficit. But big action before the 2012 election is unlikely. 

Pakistan scoffs at US apologies after NATO strike

US attempts to soothe tensions after a NATO strike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers have been mostly rebuffed. NATO claims the strike was 'unintended.'

Illinois utility targeted by cybersaboteurs? US pours water on the idea.

The Illinois water utility supposedly was the first critical bit of US infrastructure damaged by foreign cybersaboteurs. The DHS and FBI found no evidence it was hacked, but are now investigating another suspected attack.

Why Indiana GOP wants to attack labor unions, despite Midwest backlash

Indiana failed to pass a law to curtail the rights of labor unions this year. Key lawmakers say they'll try again, even though voters have struck out against similar laws in Ohio and Wisconsin.

Ron Paul's strength in Iowa shows it's too soon to write him off

Though he has a large and loyal following, Ron Paul's positions on key issues sets him apart from many Republicans. But he keeps moving steadily toward a position of strength in the early voting – especially in Iowa.

Cyberattack on Illinois water utility may confirm Stuxnet warnings

A state report claims that a foreign cyberattack disabled a water pump at an Illinois water utility, say experts who have seen the report. After discovery of the Stuxnet cyberweapon a year ago, many experts predicted that cyberattacks on US infrastructure were imminent.

Punish Iran for its nuclear secrecy? How sanctions could work.

The UN's nuclear watchdog is set to rebuke Iran over its nuclear program. No sanctions are planned, but the US will keep pushing, and some experts say diplomacy could still work. 

Bill O'Reilly's 'Killing Lincoln' continues to stir controversy

Citing errors, some Lincoln-related historic sites are refusing to carry the book, although O'Reilly accuses critics of nitpicking. 

Election 101: What's the Republican primary calendar for 2012?

Here are the ins and outs of the road to winning the Republican Party presidential nomination.

Jack-o'-lanterns and more: five symbols in the history of Halloween

Halloween has its own collection of seasonal iconography, much like a Christmas tree or an Easter basket. Since the October holiday straddles the line between celebration and superstition, it's no surprise some of the day's symbols are of a darker origin.

Here are five things that are intertwined with the history of Halloween.

Obama vs. GOP on jobs: Let the blame game begin

The essence of the divide remains: Increase federal investment to stimulate job creation versus easing environmental and other regulatory restrictions that critics say can hinder job creation.

Penn State: College football record one win away for Joe Paterno

Penn State’s head coach Joe Paterno has long been a Nittany Lion in winner’s mode. With a victory over Illinois Saturday, Paterno will have the most wins in the major-college ranks.