Texas Democrats who fled to Illinois to block a GOP-led congressional redistricting plan said they would return after lawmakers adjourn Friday and California Democrats introduce their retaliatory

A federal judge in Illinois has rejected Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's request to enforce arrest warrants for Democrats who fled the Lone Star State earlier this month to block Republican redistricting plans.

A truck driver from Texas is facing charges after a traffic stop netted 15 kilos of cocaine Saturday morning in Kankakee County.

Gov. JB Pritzker in Springfield on Aug. 6 called the Texas House Democrats who fled the state for Illinois to thwart a Republican quorum to vote on a controversial congressional redistricting plan "heroes (who) are standing up for democracy."

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.

In response, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to try to remove the Democrats from the state Legislature and said some of them may even be "felons."

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.

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.