The Associated Press

Some Illinois bar owners say they're already profiting big from video gambling games that went live statewide late last year. Players statewide in December lost nearly $7 million. Establishments kept almost two and a half million dollars, the state earned $1.75 million and cities and counties combined made about $350,000.

A state legislative committee is expected to hear from the head of the embattled Tennessee Department of Children's Services this week. Commissioner Kate O'Day is scheduled to address questions from the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday.

A Tennessee bill that proposes forcing schools to tell parents if their children have talked to a teacher or counselor about being gay has set the stage for a new fight over social issues in the state legislature. Opponents call the legislation unnecessary and a government intrusion in family matters. State Senator Stacey Campfield’s measure is already drawing attention.

Tennessee Senate Republicans are proposing legislation that seeks to prevent expansion of the state Medicaid program under provisions of President Barack Obama's health care law.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says he will sign a proposal to allow wine to be sold in supermarkets into law if it is passed by lawmakers this year.

The National Rifle Association is returning to Louisville for its convention in 2016.

A prison watchdog group is asking Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to reconsider plans to close the Dwight women's prison.

Illinois Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan says public employee unions have offered no cooperation on fixing the pension crisis.

AT&T says their crews plan to reconnect fiber optic lines on the Eggners Ferry Bridge starting about 9 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) night.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared tons of rock from one section of the middle Mississippi River and is now moving work upstream in response to river levels lowered by recent drought conditions.