A federal bankruptcy judge has ruled in favor of Patriot Coal, a decision that could cost thousands of Peabody Coal Co. union miners health care and pension benefits.

Here’s the link to the story in the Southern Illinoisan.

The Democrat-controlled Legislature is expected to move forward with a new state budget, despite Republican concerns they’re spending too much.The Democrat-controlled Legislature is expected to move forward with a new state budget, despite Republican concerns they’re spending too much.

Here’s the link to the story in the Bloomington Pantagraph.

The Illinois Senate Executive Committee defeated legislation allowing the public possession of firearms, a bill that just last week passed the House 85-30.

Here’s the link to the story.

The Illinois Senate Thursday approved a bill that bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving.

Here’s the link to the story at the Springfield State Journal-Register.

Franklin County authorities continue to investigate the death of a 23-year-old Whittington woman who was shot and killed Friday night in Benton.

Brittany M. Andrews died as the result of a gunshot wound to the head, according to Franklin County Coroner Marty Leffler.

Donald Lee has been charged with charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

Benton police were called to an East Main Street parking lot where they discovered Andrews.  She was taken to Franklin Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 11:20 p.m.  Donald A. Lee, age 39, of Elkville, was taken into custody at the scene and subsequently charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

A spokesperson at the Benton Police Department said Monday morning that the investigation is continuing.  State police and the coroner’s office is also involved in the ongoing investigation.