Illinois Public Media News

Next year Illinois will have a new way to dispose of dead bodies where no next of kin is found, or families don’t have the means to pay for a burial and it could benefit students. 

Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., is the third member of Congress to announce his resignation this week, saying that he had discussed surrogacy with two female subordinates.

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, announced Thursday that he will be resigning. Speaking on the Senate floor, Franken said serving in the Senate has been "the great honor of my life" and that nothing he has done as a senator "has brought dishonor" on the institution. But he said, "it's become clear that I can't both pursue the Ethics Committee process and at the same time remain an effective senator" for the people of Minnesota.

On The 21st: Bus company Suburban Express is facing a civil rights inquiry after circulating an email ad that singled out Chinese students. Plus, what anti-smoking ads look like when tobacco companies are forced to make them as part of a court ruling. But first, some tips on how to make sure you're donating smartly to charities.

Downstate Congressman John Shimkus will help negotiate the final version of the Republican tax reform bill.