WILL-AM

News Local/State

May 28, 2016

After School Program Supplements Art Education & More

Often times kids need a place to go after school lets out, especially in places like the east side of Springfield - where Feithsans Elementary School is located. About 90% of the kids who attend come from low-income families, though many parents work long hours to make ends meet. That's where the 21st Century program comes into play - it's a joint effort of District 186 and the Springfield Urban League - and relies heavily on the time and talents of volunteers.

News Local/State

May 27, 2016

Rauner Reverses Course On Medical Marijuana, Backs Expansion

There's an agreement in place between Gov. Bruce Rauner to extend Illinois' medical marijuana pilot program.  Legislation filed Friday would extend the program to July 2020, and add two more qualifying conditions - post-traumatic stress disorder and terminal illness.  The measure still requires a vote by lawmakers.

News Local/State

May 27, 2016

Dick Van Dyke Officially Returning Home Next Month

The 90-year old actor's return to Danville will include fundraising events to preserve his childhood home.  Public events will include a tribute at Danville High School, following by a reception at Harrison Park. "Through all my 90 years, I've remained, in my heart, the same Midwestern nerd you knew so long ago," Van Dyke said in a statement released by Mayor Scott Eisenhauer.

News Local/State

May 27, 2016

Illinois Legislature Approves Eliminating Tampon Tax

The Illinois House passed a measure Thursday to removes sales tax on feminine hygiene products sold in the state.  The measure now goes to Governor Bruce Rauner.

News Local/State

May 27, 2016

‘A Sense Of Urgency Is Palpable’ As State Budget Clock Ticks

On Wednesday, tempers at the capitol flared; but Thursday the legislature's top Republicans shifted toward an optimistic stance on the budget situation.  Amanda Vinicky has the details.

News Local/State

May 26, 2016

Where Illinois’ Medical Marijuana Program Stands

The pilot program currently has about 6,000 patients, not close to what advocates were hoping for at this point.  They say there are number of reasons behind that - including the application process, and the state's failure to expand the list of qualifying conditions.  Without legislative action, it will expire in January 2018. 

News Local/State

May 26, 2016

To The Brink And Back: Resources On The Road To Recovery

The number of overdose-related deaths in Illinois could be higher, were it not for drugs that can save a person from opioid abuse. But that is just the beginning of a long road to recovery.

News Local/State

May 26, 2016

House Democrats Defy Governor, Push Own Budget

A potential new state budget barely passed the Illinois House Wednesday night,  but Governor Bruce Rauner is already signaling a veto.

News Local/State

May 25, 2016

Illinois House Speaker Writing Own Budget, Defying Governor

An attempt to reach a deal on Governor Bruce Rauner's pro-business, anti-labor demands isn't working out for House Democrats, who are set to go it alone on a new state budget.  House Speaker Michael Madigan says he told the Republican governor during a meeting Wednesday "he's not being real persuasive'' in negotiations that he's established with various groups of lawmakers. The measure passed later Wednesday, as House Republicans howled in protest.

News Local/State

May 25, 2016

Bill Requiring Hospital Protocols For Sepsis Heads To Governor’s Desk

Legislation requiring all hospitals in Illinois to maintain procedures for diagnosing and treating sepsis or septic shock cases is headed to Governor Rauner’s desk.