Patch Flash: State Rep. Pushes for 'Stand Your Ground' Law in Illinois

The fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager, in Sanford, Fla., has brought critical attention to the "Stand Your Ground" laws in Florida and 20 other states. Amid the controversy, Illinois Rep. Rich Morthland (R-Cordova), said that while the Martin killing was a tragedy, he intended to reintroduce a bill that failed to pass in the state last month. "I support the lawfulness of using very strong force, if necessary deadly force, in self defense when you're off your property," he said.

A bill aimed at dismantling Illinois's abuse-ridden legislative scholarship program last week was approved by the state House, but its future in the Senate remains uncertain even as Gov. Pat Quinn has reiterated his opposition to the program.The Illinois House voted last Wednesday in support of abolishing the program -- which they have done before only to be blocked by the Senate. On Monday, Gov. Quinn reiterated his call for the legislative scholarships --or "political scholarships" -- to be abolished.

A 43-year-old Huntley man was charged with first-degree murder in the death of his 52-year-old girlfriend in the Sun City community. Michelle C. Mathieu, of 12966 Rock Springs Lane, was found unconscious in the master bedroom of the home she shared with Robert Signorile, 43, on Sunday, March 18, police said.  

Donald R. “Juan” Jones, 54, pleaded guilty to juvenile pimping and had the remainder of the charges against him, including possession of child pornography and involuntary servitude of a minor, dropped as part of the negotiated plea accepted by Judge Joseph Condon.

two weeks ago, Wheaton Deputy Police Chief Tom Meloni said Tuesday. The driver was able to exit the vehicle on his own and was taken to Cadence Hospital for treatment.

What would you do with $1 million? Northbrook resident Bill Kirkpatrick plans to pay for his eighth grade son’s college education, pay off the mortgage and perhaps go on a vacation to Hawaii. 

At 12:55 p.m., the headline in this article was changed from Congressman . . . to State Rep.