Remember back to last year on this same day. Then governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested by federal prosecutors. As reported by The Quad, the former govoner was arrested in early December on federal corruption charges. He was officially impeached in early January, and was officially replaced later that month. It’s been a fun year for Illinois politics, but the questions about Blago still remain. He’ll get his chance to speak at his federal corruption trial in June.

John Kass of the Chicago Tribune writes this as he reflects upon this anniversary:

Throughout the year, Blagojevich has amused many of us, me included. His wife, Patti, showed up on reality TV, eating jungle bugs and blubbering that her husband is not a crook, with the bugs still on the back of her teeth.

Rod plays the jester. All that’s missing are the curly-toed boots, and Rod holding a wooden rattle carved in his own likeness, a smirk on the tiny Rod head, as Rod himself waves his arms, gesturing at the unfairness of it all.

It’s all so amusing, so droll. But the joke’s not on him.

It’s on us. On every man, woman and child in the state of Illinois.

Christopher Willis of the Associated Press thinks that Blago has caused a shift in Illinois politics:

The scandal could have a national impact by tipping a U.S. Senate seat — the one previously held by President Barack Obama — into Republican hands. The GOP also hopes to reclaim the governor’s office, and they could be helped if Blagojevich stays in the spotlight with a role on “Celebrity Apprentice” next year and a federal trial during election season.

What do you think about our former governor?

Blagojevich’s legacy no joke – Chicago Tribune

Holy mackerel! 1 year since Blagojevich arrest – Associated Press

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn approved a new law yesterday that bans Illinois motorists from texting while driving. The restriction is in hopes to curb distracted driving from Illinois roads. There were 1,192 accidents related to distracted driving in 2008 which lead to 411 injuries and two deaths. The new law takes effect January 1, 2010.

Things you can’t do

• Can’t send or read a text message.
• Can’t send or read an e-mail.
• Can’t Web surf.
• Can’t download ring tones.
• Can’t send an instant message.

Things you can do

• Can text if traffic is stopped and your car is in park or neutral.
• Can text if you pull over onto shoulder.
• Can text if you’re reporting an accident or emergency.
• Can use GPS, even if it’s on your cell phone.

Other fast facts:

• Ticket fines start at $75.
• Text messaging while driving becomes a primary offense that officers can pull you over for, similar to not wearing a seat belt.
• Those under 19 already couldn’t use a cell phone while driving.
• Three text messaging convictions in a year could lead to a suspended license.
• Fourteen other states plus Washington, D.C., already banned text messaging while driving.
• Drivers still can talk on mobile phones without an earpiece, as long as they’re outside Chicago.

Chicago Tribune – Text-ban law for drivers signed by Gov. Pat Quinn

We mentioned in February about how Lincoln Hall is empty, waiting for funds to be allocated to its renovation. Good news is here: The renovation of Lincoln Hall is among the $220 million in capital projects included in Quinn’s budget plan, which must now go to the General Assembly.

In applauding Quinn’s budget, a joint statement from UI President B. Joseph White and board of trustees Chairman Niranjan Shah said it “will reduce pressure on how much to raise tuition for incoming students and will allow us to address deferred maintenance of our classrooms, research laboratories and other academic facilities.”

Governor’s budget proposal has funds for UI’s priorities

The state’s new governor Pat Quinn will make his first official visit to the university today. He plans to meet with university officials and check out the men’s basketball game.

Quinn will join UI Chancellor Richard Herman and President B. Joseph White, Board of Trustees Chair Niranjan Shah and other officials at the new, sustainable Business Instructional Facility on Wednesday afternoon.

There, they’ll celebrate the University of Illinois’ three campuses joining the Sustainable University Compact. The compact outlines 12 goals for universities and community colleges, according to Quinn’s Web site, including promoting sustainable transportation methods, reducing water use by 15 percent and buying 25 percent of the food served in campus dining facilities from local farms and vendors. About 60 Illinois colleges have signed the compact, according to Quinn’s Web site.

Afterward, Quinn will watch the Illini basketball team play Penn State.

Gov. Quinn coming to Champaign-Urbana tomorrow – The News-Gazette

The Illinois Senate elected to remove Rod Blagojevich from office today in a 59-0 vote.

As reported by The Quad, the former govoner was arrested in early December on federal corruption charges. He was officially impeached in early January, as also reported.

Today, he has officially been removed from office.

Blagojevich was ousted from office Thursday by the Illinois Senate, which found him guilty of abusing his power. The Senate action means Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn immediately becomes governor.  

Good luck Govenor Quinn!

59-0 Senate vote removes Blagojevich – The News-Gazette

If you haven’t heard already, one of the biggest stories of the year… Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been arrested on corruption charges.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald says the corruption charges against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich represents “a truly new low.”

At a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday, Fitzgerald called it a sad day for the citizens of Illinois.

Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on charges that he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.

Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in the sale of Wrigley Field, according to a federal criminal complaint. In return for state assistance, Blagojevich allegedly wanted members of the paper’s editorial board who had been critical of him fired.

Complete Story from The News-Gazette