“They’re trying to pit voters against each other,” one Illinois election official said of the threats of disinformation.

A trio of economists just won a Nobel prize for their insights into how democratic and other inclusive institutions are critical for a nation’s prosperity.

Indigenous People’s Day is a holiday that’s been increasingly recognized by more states and more Americans, but it has yet to become a federal holiday and replace Columbus Day, which has been the subject of criticism in recent years. Two local teachers Michelle Cruz Hine and Emily Anderson have spoken out about removing Columbus Day from the Springfield Public School District 186 calendar. They spoke to Community Voices about the problematic history of Christopher Columbus, the history of the Taino people and the values they want to see celebrated in American culture.

Massey’s death at the hands of police has prompted calls for change, but would those changes have been enough to prevent her killing?

The award is shared by Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson of MIT and James Robinson of the University of Chicago for their research on the institutional roots of national wealth and poverty. They will split the prize money of 11 million Swedish krona or about $1.058 million.

Reggie Britton is the lead vocalist, drummer, and harmonica player for central Illinois blues band Black Magic Johnson.Reggie discussed the path of his musical journey including playing with Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks and others. He also shares his challenge with cancer.