A bid to establish a ballot initiative in 2026 to reform the redistricting process for Illinois state legislative map-making has kicked off, led by former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and ex-Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Texas Democrats staying in Illinois were evacuated from their hotel on Wednesday morning over a potential bomb threat, authorities said.

The attorney general is calling on the “full faith and credit” clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says states should typically honor each other’s judicial proceedings.

Some Texas House Democrats confirmed they were leaving after the first special session in the Lone Star state ended Friday, and as California's own redistricting maps were expected Monday, meeting both the conditions laid out for their return.

Cindy Sanchez, 47, of Fort Worth, Texas, was arrested and charged with two counts of kidnapping two counts of child abduction and two counts of unlawful restraint, all felonies. She was taken to Kane County Jail where she is being held until her pre-trial hearing.

Judge Scott Larson ruled that the Texas speaker and attorney general had “failed to present a legal basis for the court” to take up the issue.

A 63-year-old man from Texas was arrested in Kankakee County after a drug bust by Illinois State Police revealed 15-kilo bundles of suspected cocaine in a truck tractor.

Texas state Rep. James Talarico received almost a familiar welcome as he delivered a rare politician-led sermon to the historic Trinity United Church of Christ on the South Side.