WILL-AM

WILL AM 580 Live Stream

Hazmat crew enters the governor's office at the Illinois Statehouse Thursday.
.
Amanda Vinicky/WTTW

News Local/State

Woman Who Triggered Lockdown Known For ‘Calm’

Thurday's controversial Illinois House override vote that increased the state income tax rate was delayed by about two hours when the capitol building was put on lockdown, due to reports of a woman throwing or spilling an unknown substance near the governor’s office and other locations. Reporter Dusty Rhodes knows the woman, and spoke with a lobbyist who witnessed her detention.

US Senator Dick Durbin speaking Thursday at a news conference at Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.
Brian Moline/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

Durbin Urges President Trump To Take Tough Stance In Meeting With Russia’s Putin

Ahead of President Donald Trump’s first meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin is urging the president to take a tough stance on Russia’s meddling in US elections. Durbin is one of five Democratic senators to sign a letter to the president asking him to address findings of U.S intelligence that Russia attempted to interfere in the 2016 elections.

Jenna Dooley/WNIJ

News Local/State

Illinois Has A Budget After Lawmakers Override Rauner Vetoes

The Illinois House has voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner's vetoes of a budget package. The action Thursday gives Illinois its first annual spending plan since 2015.

The House voted to override the Republican governor's veto of a $5 billion increase in income taxes and a $36 billion spending plan.

Jeremy Flynn (left) of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin at a news conference in Urbana.
Brian Moline / Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

Durbin Wants ‘Medicare For All’ Health Program In Long Term, ‘Public Option’ Now

US Senator Dick Durbin wants to see the United States eventually implement a “Medicare for all” type health care program. The Illinois Democrat acknowledges that isn't likely with Republicans in control of both houses of Congress and the White House, but says a "public option" on current health insurance exchanges could be an interim step.