WILL-AM

News Local/State

A new state law will enable people with certain felony convictions to get a second chance to pursue careers in health care.  Governor Bruce Rauner signed the legislation Thursday at Richland Community College in Decatur. That’s where local resident Lisa Creason earned a nursing degree in 2014, only to learn she didn’t qualify for an RN license because of a conviction nearly 20 years ago.

News Local/State

Bloomington physician David Gill has successfully sued to keep his name on the ballot in Illinois' 13th Congressional race. David Gill is running as an independent, and failed to file the number of valid signatures required by Illinois law. A federal judge says Gill must remain on the ballot, but the Illinois Attorney General is reviewing the judge's order.

News Local/State

Illinois Public Media’s Brian Moline discussed the 13th District with Chris Mooney, Director of the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs.  Mooney says demographically, the district is one of the most even in the country.

News Local/State

Efforts to preserve historic buildings in low-income and inner-city neighborhoods throughout the state face challenges — like the lack of access to financing and restoration projects taking a back seat to more pressing issues in the community. 

News Local/State

Illinois makes running for office much harder for candidates who file as independents than those who identify as Democrats and Republicans. As Brian Mackey reports, that law is being challenged in federal court.

News Local/State

An overhaul of the retirement benefits Illinois gives state employees, public school teachers and university workers has been the subject of talks between state leaders in recent months. Gov. Bruce Rauner said so Wednesday, but he sounded uncertain as to what will come of it.

News Local/State

Illinois voters go to the polls on November 8, but they won't officially cast the votes for the next President. Both state parties have decided the handful of people who will have that privilege.

News Local/State

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk has gained an endorsement in his bid for re-election. It could help him win crucial votes from suburban moderates, but it might also frustrate an important part of the Republican electorate.

News Local/State

Final work is underway to convert a University Avenue site to a medical marijuana dispensary operated by Wheaton-based Nu Med. The CEO of partner group Education to Grow, Ben Rediger, says market demand in the state's pilot program has grown to a point where one dispensary, Phoenix Botantical in Champaign, will not be able to fully handle the flow of new patients in the region.

News Local/State

Legislation curbing the cost of calls made by Illinois prison inmates has been signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner. It sets rates for inmates in Illinois correctional facilities at a maximum of 7 cents per minute for domestic calls. Sponsor and State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) says that's about half the current rate.  Rauner signed four other related measures at adult transition center in Chicago Monday.