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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 years

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been sentenced to 14 years in prison and a fine of $20,000.

Blagojevich spent about twenty minutes on the stand this morning during his sentencing, making his case for leniency from Judge James Zagel. He apologized to his family and the people of Illinois, although he said he had no intention of breaking the law.

Prosecutors sought a sentence of 15 to 20 years for Blagojevich.

Blagojevich was arrested three years ago this week on corruption charges. He was found guilty on one criminal count in his first trial, but the jury was deadlocked on the rest. Blagojevich was found guilty in a second trial this summer on eleven criminal counts related to attempts to “sell” the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Obama. The jury also found him guilty on six counts of seeking campaign donations improperly from a children’s hospital and a horse track owner.