It’s Friday! And 2020 has been a long year. Here’s what you need to know today. (PS: You can have this delivered to your inbox by subscribing here.)

1. Russian cyberattacks have grown more sophisticated ahead of 2020 election

Russian hackers have become more stealthy as this year’s election looms, warns the National Security Agency, and many vulnerabilities exploited in the 2016 election remain. The New York Times looked at how Russian hackers have evolved and how other American rivals, like Iran, are presenting new threats, like ransomware attacks that hit towns and cities over the last year.

Some experts say the fear of a cyberattack influencing an election is just as dangerous.

“You don’t actually have to breach an election system in order to create the public impression that you have,” said the director of Alliance for Securing Democracy, which tracks Russian disinformation efforts. “Chaos is the point.” [New York Times]

2. Authorities launch investigation into “rape in Champaign” email scandal

State and federal law enforcement agencies have launched a “comprehensive investigation” into a 2012 email written by a former powerful Springfield lobbyist that referred to an unspecified “rape in Champaign,” WBEZ has learned.

The email was written by Mike McClain, a close ally to Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, and addressed to two aides of then-Gov. Pat Quinn. McClain sought leniency for a state worker facing discipline. McClain lauded the worker because he “kept his mouth shut” about “ghost workers” and “the rape in Champaign,” though it’s unclear what he was referring to.

The investigation includes the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Illinois Attorney General, the Illinois State Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois. [WBEZ]

3. Iraqi leader asks U.S. to start troop withdrawal

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi has asked the U.S. to create plans for pulling American troops out of the country, but he stopped short of requesting an immediate withdrawal. The move comes as tensions between the U.S. and Iran have strained America’s support from Iraq.

But the U.S. State Department rejected the request today, saying that Iraq and America should “recommit” to their partnership. [AP]

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s administration announced a new round of sanctions against Iran in response to Tehran’s missile attack this week on two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq. [AP]

And Iran continued to deny one of its missiles hit a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed near Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. [AP]

4. Pelosi plans to send impeachment charges to Senate next week

The standoff over President Trump’s impeachment trial appears to be winding down as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., today said she plans on sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate next week.

Pelosi said she will consult with her caucus on Tuesday about what steps to take next. Asked if she thought a Senate trial would be fair, Pelosi said “no.” [NPR]

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell so far has remained mum on details regarding the trial, such as how long it will last. But here’s a look at how the trial could play out. [NPR]

5. Australia now faces a “megafire”

Australian authorities are urging a quarter of a million people to evacuate as two bushfires merged into a massive blaze that’s “more than three times as large as any known fire in California,” reports NPR.

The “megafire” measures nearly 1.5 million acres. At least 26 people have been killed and more than a billion animals have died from bushfires since September.

More than 30,000 people protested in Sydney to denounce the government’s handling of the fires and voice their frustration with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has rejected links between climate change and the country’s unprecedented fires and drought. [NPR]

Here’s what else is happening

• Hiring slowed down in December, with U.S. employers adding 145,000 jobs. [NPR]

• Boeing documents show employees mocked the Federal Aviation Administration and “clowns” who designed the 737 Max. [NPR]

• A Chicago pastor has been charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for needy children. [Chicago Tribune]

• Feeling sleepy and don’t want to get busted at work for taking a nap? [Chicago Tribune]

Oh, and one more thing …

A coyote was captured last night in Chicago in what looked like a police raid. Seriously, check out this video.

Authorities caught the coyote not far from Steppenwolf Theatre on the city’s North Side last night, ending what had become the latest animal saga to grip Chicago.

Really trying to keep a straight face here, but the cash-strapped city is literally doing DNA tests (like this is the O.J. Simpson trial) to determine if the captured coyote is responsible for two attacks earlier this week. If the fur don’t fit, you must acquit. [Chicago Sun-Times]

Tell me something good …

So I’m trying to eat more healthy foods, but I’d like to know what’s your favorite guilty pleasure when it comes to food.

Helen Cuprisin writes:

“As a Type 2 diabetic, I shouldn’t give in to guilty pleasures. I love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.”

Allen Epley writes:

“My guilty pleasure is always nature’s most perfect food — Peanut M&Ms.”

And Carol Niepokoj writes:

“Guilty pleasure ? Goldkenn Captain Morgan Rum filled chocolate — by far the most satisfying guilt!!”

Thanks for all the responses this week! It was nice hearing from y’all.

Thanks for reading and have a nice night! I’ll see you on Monday. And if you like what you just read, you can subscribe to the newsletter here and have it delivered to your inbox.