WILL-AM

News Local/State

As the midterm election draws near, some state lawmakers want to change the way Illinois’ political districts are drawn. They want to do that by giving voters a chance to change the constitution. 

News Local/State

A contentious proposal that sought to ban youth tackle football in Illinois is dead, for now. 

News Local/State

It’s been more than three years since then-Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation creating the Secure Choice program. But the retirement savings program for workers whose employers don’t offer one is finally becoming a reality.

News Local/State

Gun control advocates assembled again at the state capitol to call for an override of Governor Bruce Rauner’s veto of the Gun Dealer Licensing Act. 

News Local/State

Illinois state legislators and advocates say state employees need more protection from a growing trend of workplace violence. But statehouse measures addressing that have gotten a mixed reception. 

News Local/State

Former first lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92, according to a family spokesman.

News Local/State

A new seventeen-story building is being planned for Champaign’s Campustown, according to documents for Tuesday evening's Champaign City Council meeting. 

News Local/State

Illinois’ bicentennial commission finds ways to commemorate the state’s 200th with little time and limited budget.

News Local/State

An analyst with the price-tracking website GasBuddy says there are many reasons why we are seeing a rise in gasoline prices nationwide.

News Local/State

Last year, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) spent $276 on books for its educational programming across 28 correctional facilities, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. In the early 2000s, however, the state prison system spent roughly $750,000 each year on books. The dramatic decrease in funding stands in contrast to research that shows educational programming for inmates can significantly impact recidivism rates. Prison librarians, academics and a former Illinois inmate all agree that prison libraries play an important role in that work.