Associated Press

Two Illinois sheriffs say some violent felons who had faced deportation are instead released into local communities after their prison terms end as a result of a policy change by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration. 

Hundreds of boxes. Millions of records. From Michigan to New Mexico this month, attorneys general are sifting through files on clergy sex abuse, seized through search warrants and subpoenas at dozens of archdioceses. 

They're looking to prosecute, and not just priests.

If the boxes lining the hallways of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's offices contain enough evidence, she said, she is considering using state racketeering laws usually reserved for organized crime.

Prosecutors in Michigan are even volunteering on weekends to get through all the documents as quickly as possible.

A report by the American Civil Liberties Union says African-American motorists in Illinois are more likely than others to be stopped and searched for routine traffic violations.

Northwestern University will be taking additional steps to ensure its campus buildings are bird friendly.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is facing a primary challenge after he infuriated far-right members of his own Republican party with his actions on abortion, immigration and other issues.

A man died and two Davenport police officers were injured in a weekend shooting. 

A monthly survey of business leaders suggests economic conditions continue to improve for nine Midwest and Plains states, including Iowa. 

Iowa has set up a Text-to-911 system for wireless phones. Officials say 94 of Iowa's 113 emergency calls centers can accept text messages from at least one wireless phone carrier. 

Agriculture experts say pumpkin crops in central Illinois are still recovering, but improving two years after heavy rain decimated area yields.