Illinois cigarette tax falling short of estimates

State officials say Illinois' $1-per-pack cigarette tax increase isn't bringing in as much money as they'd hoped. Read More

Prairie animals raised by zoo, released into wild

What do the ornate box turtle, the meadow jumping mouse and smooth green snake have in common? Read More

Toddler's drowning is 4th reported in past week

The drowning of a 2-year-old suburban Chicago child Tuesday is the fourth drowning reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in the past week. Read More

Ill. state workers to see pay raises

The Associated Press has learned that Gov. Pat Quinn's administration will begin July 1 to pay union workers at the contractual wage rate called for in 2011. Read More

Davis disavows email calling rival `street walker'

Republican Congressman Rodney Davis is distancing himself from a GOP supporter who made harsh remarks about a Davis challenger. Read More

Legislature takes action to form pension committee

The Illinois Senate has taken action to create a committee to deal with the state's $97 billion pension crisis. Read More

OfficeMax wants tax breaks to stay in Illinois

OfficeMax Inc. is asking the state of Illinois for tax breaks to keep the company's headquarters in-state after the office supply chain's merger with Office Depot Inc. is complete. Read More

Wooden beam could be detached part of 17th Century shipwreck

Archaeologists say a wooden beam found embedded in the floor of Lake Michigan could be a detached piece of wreckage from a ship that disappeared in the 17th Century. Read More

Ill. House speaker to Quinn: Sign concealed carry

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is urging Gov. Pat Quinn to sign legislation allowing the carrying of concealed guns. Read More

1 in 12 Illinois bridges 'structurally deficient'

A transportation advocacy group says about 1 in 12 Illinois bridges are ``structurally deficient.'' Read More