WILL-AM

News Local/State

January 19, 2017

In Rick Perry Energy Hearing, Questions Likely On Nuclear Security, Environment

When former Texas Gov. Rick Perry faces the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for his confirmation hearing on Thursday, his first test could be whether he remembers the name of the agency he's been picked to head.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is one of three agencies Perry proposed eliminating when he was running for president in 2011. During a debate, he successfully listed the Department of Commerce and the Department of Education. But he couldn't bring to mind the name of the third agency — the Energy Department.

News Local/State

January 19, 2017

Obama’s Final Press Conference As President, Annotated

President Obama gave his final press conference at the White House on Wednesday, just two days before Donald Trump's inauguration. He reflected on his time in office and looked toward the incoming administration, ultimately concluding, "At my core, I think we're going to be OK."

News Local/State

January 18, 2017

Rauner Pledges Support For Education As He Tours A Middle School In Champaign

Governor Bruce Rauner dropped in on classes at Franklin Middle School in Champaign on Wednesday, praising educators and pledging his commitment to public school funding.

News Local/State

January 18, 2017

No Injuries In Willard Helicopter Crash During Training Exercise

The two occupants of a small training helicopter walked away without injury after it crashed at the University of Illinois’ Willard Airport around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Willard Executive Director Gene Cossey says during a landing procedure, they lost control of the aircraft, which skidded down the runway and flipped over. 

News Local/State

January 18, 2017

2016 Was The Hottest Year Yet, Scientists Declare

Last year, global warming reached record high temperatures — and if that news feels like déjà vu, you're not going crazy. The planet has now had three consecutive years of record-breaking heat.

News Local/State

January 18, 2017

Education Desk: McConnaughay Sees Signals Of Compromise

For the past 20 years, school funding in Illinois has relied heavily on property taxes, which means schools near prime commercial or residential areas thrive, while others struggle to get by. Since August, a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers has been meeting regularly to try to come up with a better way to fund public schools.

News Local/State

January 18, 2017

Illini Men Suffer Third Consecutive Blowout Road Loss

The Illini men caused few problems for Purdue Tuesday night in West Lafayette, Indiana, losing by a final score of 91 to 68. In three Big Ten road games thus far, Illinois has been beaten by an average of 21 points.

News Local/State

January 18, 2017

Indiana’s Model For Medicaid Could Spread—But It’s Not Working For Everyone

If she’s confirmed, Indiana policy consultant Seema Verma will start work as Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She’ll bring her experience designing Indiana’s unique Medicaid expansion to the national policy conversation.

News Local/State

January 17, 2017

Champaign Permanently Terminates Officer Matt Rush

The city of Champaign has permanently terminated police officer Matt Rush after two-and-a-half years of appeals and litigation. City Manager Dorothy David announced the $50,000 separation agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police at the conclusion of Tuesday's Champaign City Council meeting. Rush was twice fired by the city, and was the subject of multiple excessive force lawsuits, costing the city more than $300,000 in settlements.

News Local/State

January 17, 2017

Magistrate Sets Trial Date For Former Congressman Schock

A federal magistrate has ruled former U.S. Congressman Aaron Schock will be tried this summer on federal corruption charges. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins on Tuesday set the July 11 date for Schock's trial on fraud, filing a false tax return, theft of government funds and falsification of Federal Election Commission filings charges.