Republicans in the Illinois Senate hold a dubious distinction: because of a November shellacking, every one of them will hold a caucus or leadership post.
Standard & Poor's has lowered Illinois' credit rating due to concern over the state's failure to address its $96 billion pension fund deficit, becoming the second ratings agency to do so.
A judge in Chicago has scheduled a March 12 trial date for Illinois state senator Donne Trotter, who is accused of trying to board a flight with a gun and ammunition in his bag.
