Illinois Briefs - 3/14/13

Illinois Reacts To New Pope

Catholic leaders around Illinois are celebrating the appointment of a new pontiff.  Seventy-six-year-old Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the pick by fellow Cardinals yesterday at the Vatican.  Illinois church leaders say they will welcome the new pope, adding his responsibilities will be great.

Madigan Says She's Still Undecided

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says she hasn't made up her mind just yet about whether to run for governor.  In Springfield yesterday, Madigan also told reporters that she doesn't have a timeline for making the decision whether to challenge Governor Pat Quinn in a Democratic primary.  Madigan reportedly met recently in Washington with potential support groups, including EMILY's List, an organization that funds women candidates.  Her father, House Speaker Michael Madigan, shed no light on her plans either, saying he doesn't know where she is in her decision process.

Tanning Ban Moves Forward

Teenagers may soon have to find a new way to tone their skin before the big dance, or before they hit the road for spring break.  State Senator Christine Radogno says those are the most popular times teens hit the tanning beds, but she wants to stop that.  Radogno is pushing a bill that would ban everyone under 18 from using tanning beds.  Experts say indoor

tanning doubles the risk of skin cancer.  The bill passed in committee and now heads to the floor.

Youth Baseball Group To Raffle Automatic Weapon

An Illinois Little League group is gaining notoriety for its decision to raffle off an automatic rifle.  The Atwood-Hammond Little League - from towns located about 25 miles southwest of Champaign - is raffling off an AR-15 rifle provided by a gun shop in Decatur.  Officials say the winner will have to go through all the lawful procedures before taking the gun home.