WILL-AM

WILL AM 580 Live Stream

In this May 26, 2016 file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks in Billings, Mont., Thursday, May 26.
Brennen Linsley/Associated Press

News Local/State

Sen. Kirk, Gov’s Rauner and Pence React To Trump Comments

Republican U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, one of the party's most endangered incumbents, said Tuesday he won't support the presumptive GOP presidential nominee after Trump's controversial comments about a federal judge of Mexican heritage. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said he was 'disgusted' by Trump's words, and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence called them 'inappropriate.'

The Illinois House chamber.
Daniel Schwen / Wikipedia

News Local/State

The Fight For School Funding

The Illinois legislature adjourned last week with no budget in place --- not even a plan to fund public schools. Illinois Public Radio Education Desk reporter Dusty Rhodes takes a look at what issues kept the lawmakers squabbling over school funding until it was too late.

A police line erected in Chicago.
Sarah / Flickr

News Local/State

Illinois Issues: Chicago Mayors Have History Of Axing Top Cops Instead Of Cleaning Up System

After video of a white Chicago police officer shooting a black teenager 16 times was released to the public, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel became the focus of intense backlash. He responded by firing Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. In many ways this was history repeating in a city that has had twice as many police chiefs than it’s had mayors in the past six decades — and more than its share of police scandals.  

The Livingston C. Lord Administration Building at Eastern Illinois University.
Wikimedia Commons

News Local/State

Without Budget, Eastern Illinois May Need Short-Term Layoffs

EIU President David Glassman sent out a mass e-mail Monday to students and staff, saying there were no longer any plans at the school for additional large-scale layoffs, but said those lasting up to 29 days may be needed.  Glassman said more cost-cutting measures may be needed to bridge the school in Charleston through the summer.