Legislature targets juvenile abuse

The state’s troubled juvenile justice system would undergo a sweeping overhaul under a bill approved Wednesday by a key Senate panel.

Lawmakers are trying to clean up a system scandalized by allegations of inmate sexual abuse and a possible cover-up by top-level officials.

The bill appears set to easily pass the full Senate, where 30 of 31 members have already signed on in support. The House is working on its own reform plan.

On Tuesday, a former principal and assistant superintendent of a state juvenile prison were indicted on charges they sexually abused teenage inmates. The charges are the most serious to emerge from the youth prison scandal that erupted after news accounts revealed that a 2005 report by the Texas Rangers alleging rampant sexual abuse at the remote facility languished without any action.

CHICAGO

Snowstorm blamed for delays, deaths

Hundreds of airline flights were grounded Wednesday and six people were killed in accidents on icy roads as yet another spring snowstorm hit the upper Midwest.

North Dakota and South Dakota both measured about 7 inches, and 5 inches fell in Madison, Wis.

About 400 flights were canceled at O’Hare International Airport because of poor visibility, said city aviation spokesman Gregg Cunningham.

Six people were killed in two separate accidents in Iowa, including a woman and her two children when their minivan collided with another minivan.

WASHINGTON

‘Forever’ stamp goes on sale today

The “forever” stamp will go on sale today, with an opening day ceremony at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

The stamp, which carries an image of the Liberty Bell, will sell for 41 cents and will remain valid for first-class postage regardless of future rate increases.

The current 39-cent price for first class mail rises to 41 cents May 14, but buyers can use the forever stamps before that if they wish.

The stamps will be sold in booklets of 20 and postal officials said there is no limit on purchases.