WILL-AM

WILL AM 580 Live Stream

In this June 9, 2015 photo, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees protest outside the in Chicago.
Christian K. Lee/Associated Press

News Local/State

AFSCME Members To Vote On Strike Authorization In Illinois

The largest public-employee union in Illinois will ask its members this month whether they'd support a strike in a contract dispute with Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration. The state council of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees told members Friday that they'll vote on authorizing the union's bargaining committee to call a strike.

Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing says losing Carle hospital and clinics from tax rolls has shifted the burden onto other taxpayers.
Brian Mackey/NPR Illinois

News Local/State

Illinois Supreme Court Weighing Hospital Tax Status

The Illinois Supreme Court considered a case Thursday that asks whether not-for-profit hospitals have to pay property taxes. The case involves Urbana-based Carle hospital and clinics — though it could affect health systems across Illinois. At issue is the constitutionality of a state law that exempts not-for-profit hospitals from paying property tax.

Urbana resident Bryton Mellott (middle) addresses the media, along with ACLU of Illinois attorney Rebecca Glenberg and spokesperson Ed Yohnka.
Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

Urbana Man Arrested In 2016 Flag-Burning Incident Files Lawsuit

Bryton Mellott, who was arrested last July for burning an American flag and posting pictures of it on Facebook, has filed a federal lawsuit against four Urbana police officers. He wants to see Illinois' flag descreation law officially declared unconstitutional. The 22-year old Urbana resident says he burned the flag in response to the current political climate, and mass shootings, including the incident that claimed 49 lives at a gay nightclub in Orlando last summer.