Democratic Sen. Warnock wins Georgia runoff against Walker

Democratic Sen. Warnock wins Georgia runoff against Walker

ATLANTA — Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock has defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a runoff election in Georgia. The victory by the state’s first Black senator ensures Democrats an outright majority in the chamber for the rest of President Joe Biden’s term. That means the party won’t have to negotiate a power-sharing deal with Republicans…

No. 17 Illinois rallies late, beats No. 2 Texas 85-78 in OT

No. 17 Illinois rallies late, beats No. 2 Texas 85-78 in OT

NEW YORK — Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 12 of his 16 points in overtime, including the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 3:34 remaining, and No. 17 Illinois rallied for an 85-78 victory over second-ranked Texas in the Jimmy V Classic. Matthew Mayer, who faced Texas several times at Baylor, tied a career-high with 21 points as he…

Holiday displays – including the Satanic Temple’s – return to Illinois Capitol

Holiday displays – including the Satanic Temple’s – return to Illinois Capitol

SPRINGFIELD – The Satanic Temple of Illinois debuted a new display in the Illinois Capitol rotunda Tuesday, taking its place next to the annual Christmas and Hanukkah displays. For Christmas, that means the Springfield Nativity Committee has once again placed a manger scene featuring Mary, Joseph and Jesus. It was dedicated in a Nov. 30…

With a 16-6 Democratic majority, the Champaign County Board reelects Kyle Patterson as their chair.
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With a 16-6 Democratic majority, the Champaign County Board reelects Kyle Patterson as their chair.

Newly elected Champaign County Board members held their organizational meeting Monday night. The meeting opened with Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons swearing in the assembled board members, which include six new Democrats replacing four Democrats and two Republicans. After losing two seats in the November election, Republicans have just six of their own on the…

As Champaign prepares to open new homeless shelter, officials ask what else can be done

As Champaign prepares to open new homeless shelter, officials ask what else can be done

CHAMPAIGN – Lined up shoulder to shoulder on an early November morning, volunteers prepared to hand out free mid-morning meals at the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in Champaign.  Outside of the building stood a few guests waiting to pick up hot meals. These guests were people from around the community who struggle with food insecurity…

Jan. 6 ‘heroes’ honored for defending Capitol from Trump mob

Jan. 6 ‘heroes’ honored for defending Capitol from Trump mob

WASHINGTON — Top House and Senate leaders have bestowed Congress’ highest honor on law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The Congressional Gold Medals were presented Tuesday in a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, which was overrun that day nearly two years ago by supporters of then-President Donald Trump in…

217 Today: As Champaign prepares to open new homeless shelter, officials ask what else can be done

217 Today: As Champaign prepares to open new homeless shelter, officials ask what else can be done

Tuesday, December 6, 2022 Today’s headlines: A report from the State Executive Inspector General shows a climate of hazing and sexual discrimination created a hostile work environment at the state prison in Pontiac. The Illinois Department of Public Health will begin offering a new HIV treatment in January.  Come January, Nabeela Syed will be the…

Inspector General slams Pontiac prison workplace culture
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Inspector General slams Pontiac prison workplace culture

PONTIAC — A scathing report from the State Executive Inspector General show a climate of hazing and sexual discrimination created a hostile work environment at the state prison in Pontiac, including stating there is reason for disciplinary action against 10 employees for discriminating against a guard who was perceived to be gay. The guard was…

‘Timing is right’: Barickman leaving Illinois Senate in January

‘Timing is right’: Barickman leaving Illinois Senate in January

BLOOMINGTON — Less than a month after winning an uncontested new term in office, State Sen. Jason Barickman said Monday he’ll resign instead of taking office again next year. The Bloomington Republican said it was not an abrupt decision. “Your kids develop so quickly. One year is quite different than another. I have really struggled…