On Tuesday, the Trump Administration released details on new policies to ramp up federal immigration detentions and deportations. Ahead of the move, Urbana joined hundreds of other cities in declaring itself a sanctuary city – meaning they’ll offer some protections to people in the country illegally. That could cost the city roughly $1 million in federal funds, based on recent executive orders from the president.

After extensive discussion the last two weeks, the Urbana City Council has approved a resolution reaffirming its ‘sanctuary city’ status. The 5-to-1 vote was met with sustained applause from roughly 50 people who filled the council chambers Monday night. The measure saw changes from the prior week, including language specifying that no city employee can request information about someone's citizenship unless required by court order.

This fall marks the first time Democrat Scott Bennett has campaigned for his Illinois Senate seat. The former prosecutor, who was appointed to the seat, faces Republican Urbana Alderman Mike Madigan on November 8. He says Governor Bruce Rauner needs to make more concessions from his 'Turnaround Agenda' as budget negotiations continue.

The Republican who shares a name with Illinois' longtime Democratic House Speaker is touting a number of Governor Bruce Rauner's business reforms as challenges Democrat Scott Bennett in Illinois' 52nd District. "The Other Mike Madigan" is an Urbana Alderman and restaurant owner who says solutions to Illinois' budget woes start with serious tax reform, and reductions in government spending.

52nd District Senate incumbent Democrat Scott Bennett of Champaign and Republican challenger Mike Madigan found a few areas to agree on during Wednesday's candidate forum in Champaign, but Madigan also endorsed a number of business reforms touted by Governor Bruce Rauner in recent months. The two also looked at where they would make cuts in government operations, and where they stand on pensions.