The presidential election highlighted a divide that is so deep, citizens in Illinois and across the country can’t even agree on the same set of facts. Dan Hagen explores the topic this week for Illinois Issues.
Former Congressman Aaron Schock has pleaded not guilty in federal court to misusing government and campaign money for personal use. Schock appeared Monday in U.S. District Court in Springfield to be arraigned on a 24-count indictment. It includes allegations of wire and mail fraud and theft of government funds. U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough set a trial date for Feb. 7.
Some of the electricity used on the University of Illinois Urbana campus now comes from a central Illinois wind farm. The university says it’s signed a ten-year power purchase agreement with the Rail Splitter Wind Farm near Lincoln, and began using its electricity in November.
The Chinese government has expressed "serious concerns" over President-elect Donald Trump's comment to Fox News that he wouldn't feel "bound by a one-China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade."
Former Congressman Aaron Schock is due to be arraigned in a Springfield courtroom Monday afternoon. The 35-year-old Republican is charged with scheming to defraud the government, campaign donors, and constituents. Federal prosecutors say it adds up to thousands upon thousands of dollars for everything from cars and cameras to vacations and Super Bowl tickets.
A reporter for Inside Higher Ed has talked with university administrators across the country about how they are handling the "sanctuary campus" issue, both in rhetoric and in practice. Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline spoke with Inside Higher Ed's Elizabeth Redden.
Urbana aldermen will have their first opportunity Monday to consider making the community a "sanctuary city," protecting undocumented residents. Alderman Eric Jakobsson says he's behind the idea, but is opposed to the measure on the agenda for Monday night's City Council Committee of the Whole meeting, calling it "rhetoric" that doesn't address any real issues. Jakobsson says he instead favors an earlier draft resolution put together by a member of the city staff.
The sixth-year senior's career-high 31 points led the Illinois men's basketball team to its fourth straight win, 92-73 over Central Michigan. The Illini are now 8-3 this season.
Updated at 1:49 p.m. ET with confirmation from the U.S. official and comments from Sen. Ron Wyden
The CIA has concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 election specifically to help Donald Trump win the presidency, a U.S. official has confirmed to NPR.
Four Illinois counties, including Champaign, are leading the effort to better understand those who suffer from mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Data-Driven Health and Justice is a nationwide effort to reduce the financial and human costs associated with those who frequently end up in hospitals and jails, or 'superutlizers'. The Illinois Criminal Justice Authority held a conference Friday in Urbana to help other parts of the state find preventative measures.