WILL-AM

WILL AM 580 Live Stream

University of Illinois Law professor Francis Boyle argues the case for Urbana's "sanctuary" status before the Urbana City Council on Dec. 19, 2016.
Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

Lawmakers Consider Expanding Illinois Immigrant Protections

Illinois legislators are hoping to boost immigrant protections in response to President Donald Trump's executive orders, a move advocates say would essentially give the state "sanctuary" status. One proposal says schools, medical facilities and places of worship could bar access to federal immigration authorities or law enforcement working on their behalf.  A second proposal would limit cooperation between police and immigration authorities.

This Aug. 17, 2016, file photo shows, then Republican Illinois state Comptroller Leslie Munger in Springfield, Ill. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has hired former state Comptroller Munger to serve as a deputy governor.
Seth Perlman/Associated Press

News Local/State

Rauner Hires Munger As A Deputy Governor

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has hired former state Comptroller Leslie Munger to serve as a deputy governor. In a statement released first to The Associated Press on Friday, Rauner says Munger will focus on long-term budgeting and work with human services organizations hit hard by the state budget impasse.

Illinois Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, left, speaks to reporters, while Illinois Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, right, looks on, during a news conference at the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016.
Seth Perlman/Associated Press

News Local/State

Lawmakers Draft Plans To Keep Illinois Paychecks Flowing

Illinois lawmakers are preparing legislation to ensure state employees continue receiving paychecks if a judge agrees with the attorney general's argument to halt paychecks during the budget impasse. Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) and Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) introduced similar measures on Wednesday to keep paychecks flowing in response to a motion filed by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan last week.