// a href = ./ //

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A disease that has decimated bat populations in the eastern United States has been detected in Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said Thursday that two laboratories confirmed the presence of the fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome.

The disease was found in bats from four counties: LaSalle in north-central Illinois, Monroe in southwestern Illinois and Hardin and Pope in the far southern part of the state.

Researchers are especially concerned about the disease because bats play a crucial role in the environment.

In particular, they devour agricultural pests, saving that industry billions of dollars a year.

There is no known way to prevent the disease, which has now been detected in 20 states, most of them in the eastern U.S.

It affects seven hibernating bat species.

Illinois lawmakers are pushing forward with a measure that would repeal the state's ban on same sex marriage.

The State House Executive Committee voted 6-5 late Tuesday to move the measure to the floor, where passage is considered likely.

Advocates say the bill would help eliminate discrimination against children of homosexual couples. But opponents say this measure steps on people's religious freedoms. They argue lawmakers don't have the right to redefine marriage.

The bill was approved by the Senate on Valentine's Day. A House OK would send the matter to Governor Pat Quinn, who says he'll sign it. 

A suspect remains at large after robbing two tellers who were working on an ATM machine in Maryville, Illinois and then driving off on an ATV.

The robbery happened at the First Collinsville Bank just after 10 this morning. The man was dressing in camouflage when he drove up to the ATM, stole several canisters filled with cash and sped off. Maryville Police are handling the investigation.

CHICAGO (AP) - A hearing on how Illinois should carry out a court order to come up with a law to allow people to carry concealed weapons is coming to Chicago - a city that landed in the center of the debate over gun control after a 15-year-old girl was gunned down.

Friday's hearing is before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday in Chicago, and it follows another hearing held by the same committee earlier this week in Springfield.

Chicago has made national headlines in recent months as the number of homicides climbed - especially in January when Hadiya (hy-DEE'-uh) Pendleton was killed about a mile from President Barack Obama's Chicago home.

Representatives from law enforcement, city and county government and the National Rifle Association are scheduled to speak.

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois officials say savings from cuts to the state's Medicaid program have fallen short by $464 million, about 30 percent of the expected $1.6 billion in cuts to the health program for the poor. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Julie Hamos gave a status report on the cost-cutting measures to a legislative committee Thursday in Springfield. Nearly half the gap is because of a delay in implementing a program to check Medicaid recipients' eligibility. In addition, the federal government denied permission to carry out some planned cuts. Hamos says the Illinois Hospital Association won changes to rules that will mean $30 million in cost savings won't be achieved. Repairing a long-term deficit in the Medicaid program was a top legislative priority for Gov. Pat Quinn last year.

One Illinois lawmakers is gathering signatures in support of conceal carry legislation.

State Representative Dwight Kay of Glen Carbon has co-sponsored a bill to bring conceal carry to the state. Committee hearings are underway today to discuss gun laws in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Senate has voted to legalize gay marriage, advancing a proposal that would make the state the 10th in the nation allowing same-sex couples to wed.

In a 34-21 vote, lawmakers approved a measure to lift a state ban on same-sex marriage. The bill now moves to the House, where Democrats also hold a majority.

The Valentine's Day vote came amid concerns from Republicans that the bill would force religious organizations to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their fellowship halls, parish centers or even in their sanctuaries. Bishops in Illinois, led by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, also have said they oppose the idea as against the "natural order."

Gov. Pat Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, has said he will sign the bill if the House approves it.

As the Illinois Senate prepares to vote on a measure that would legalize gay marriage, a new poll shows increasing support for marriage equality in the state.

The poll, taken by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, shows support has grown from 33.6 percent in 2010 to 45.5 percent today.

Democrats hold a supermajority in the Senate and believe they will pass the bill. If approved, it heads to the House. Governor Quinn has also indicated he would sign the bill.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) - Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon says she won't seek re-election next year but is weighing her options when it comes to seeking another public office.

She declined to give details, but she spent much of a news conference yesterday playing up her legal and financial experience.

Political experts say the move points toward exploring a run for attorney general or another statewide office and would allow for Simon to raise campaign funds separately from Gov. Pat Quinn, who's seen his approval rating dip.

It would also allow Simon to see who else is running.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan said yesterday that she hasn't decided yet on a 2014 gubernatorial run.

Simon told Quinn her decision in December. She said that in a few months she'll make another announcement about her future plans.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The union representing Illinois correctional workers is demanding a stop to what it says is the transfer of violent maximum-security prison inmates to less-secure lockups.

The letter sent Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press was addressed to Department of Corrections Director S.A. "Tony" Godinez (goh-DEE'-nez).

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says in one instance up to 15 inmates were being moved to medium-security prisons. The inmates allegedly beat two guards and a chaplain at Menard prison last week.

The union is worried increased violence has ushered a return of "circuit riders" - keeping troublemakers isolated by moving them from prison to prison.

The 1998 opening of the high-security Tamms prison ended that practice. But Gov. Pat Quinn closed Tamms in January because of budget cuts.