The Associated Press

Harold L. Volkmer, a 10-term Democratic congressman from northeast Missouri, has died. He was 80.

The James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal. Mo., says Volkmer died there Saturday after several bouts of pneumonia.

Volkmer served in the Missouri Legislature before being elected to Congress in 1976. He served on several House committees, including Judiciary and Agriculture, and chaired the Agriculture Subcommittee on Small Farms and Forests.

Sen. Thomas Eagleton nicknamed Volkmer "The Roadrunner" for his tirelessness.

Illinois lawmakers have set aside billions of dollars to pay state obligations as part of what Democrats call a more responsible approach to the budget.

The state Senate sent the governor legislation that devotes nearly $8 billion to paying off debt and making pension payments.

Senate President John Cullerton said Friday the goal is to make sure the state doesn't duck these obligations or pay them with borrowed money.

Ill. Senate Unanimously Approves Legislation Reducing Teacher Job Security

The Illinois Senate has unanimously approved sweeping legislation that would reduce teachers' job security and emphasize performance over seniority. The legislation would make it harder for teachers to achieve tenure. Even after getting tenure, bad teachers could be fired.  If a district has to make layoffs, jobs would be protected based on classroom performance instead of seniority.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has given the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Creve Coeur $8.3 million to increase the nutritional value of a staple crop in Africa.

Mo. Lawmakers Approve Overhauling Prop B

Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to legislation replacing many provisions in a dog-breeding law approved by voters in November. The House approved the legislation 85-71 on Wednesday. It cleared the Senate last month and goes now to Gov. Jay Nixon.