Senator Durbin: Bin Laden's Death a Clear Warning to Our Enemies

(CHICAGO) -- Senator Dick Durbin, D-IL., says the nation owes a great debt of gratitude to the United States military and intelligence community following the killing of Osama bin Laden.

“Though this is not the end of the threat of terrorism, it is a clear warning to our enemies that when they threaten and kill Americans, they will be pursued and held accountable,” Senator Durbin said in a statement.

Durbin said those who believed that bin Laden and his network were invincible have now been hit with a new reality.

Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted person and the man responsible for the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan on Sunday.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Illinois Closer to Legalizing Medical Marijuana

(CHICAGO) -- Illinois is moving closer towards legalizing medical marijuana. A bill which would legalize the use of medical marijuana for a three-year trial period, may go to a vote as early as next week.

This comes after the House passed an amendment Wednesday that allows not-for-profit dispensaries to distribute cannabis.

The amendment also says any company selling the drug for non-medical purposes would face harsh penalties.

Although the federal government does not allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes, 15 other states do.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Illinois Fire Marshal Works to Prevent Arson

(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) -- Arson Awareness Week begins May 1, and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is taking the opportunity to help Illinois residents prevent arson.

The fire marshal’s office is focusing on serial arsonists and is working in conjunction with law enforcement, fire departments and Illinois communities to ensure the proper tools and tactics are being used to prevent arson.

“A serial arsonist can devastate a community and paralyze residents with fear,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. “The crime can also affect property values and drive up insurance costs.”

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

St. Sabina Church Parishioners Protest Pfleger Suspension

(CHICAGO) -- Members of St. Sabina Church congregated outside Cardinal George's home Thursday to protest his suspension of Father Michael Pfleger.

George announced Pfleger's suspension on Wednesday. Parishioners believe the suspension was personally motivated and abruptly handled, since Pfleger had served St. Sabina's church for 30 years.

A radio interview in which Pfleger appeared to threaten to leave the church rather than be transferred to a local high-school may have prompted the suspension.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Teen Charged with Attempted Murder in Shooting of 12-Year-Old Boy

(CHICAGO) -- A 14-year-old boy is facing multiple criminal charges, including attempted murder, after a 12-year-old boy was shot outside of an elementary school on the city's South Side.

Cameron Howard, 12, is in the hospital after being shot in the back in front of Cook Elementary School Tuesday afternoon in what police believe was a targeted attack. Authorities say the boy is recovering in the hospital and is in stable condition.

Police say the seventh-grader was shot at around 2:45 p.m., just as students were being let out of school for the day.

The teen suspect is being held in custody on charges of first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery, aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Authorities say there are a number of witnesses assisting with the investigation.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio