WILL-AM | Illinois Public Media

In this aerial photo, floodwater from the Mississippi River threatens the maximum security Menard Correctional Center, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Chester, Ill. Surging Midwestern rivers forced hundreds of evacuations, threatened dozens of levees and — Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

News Local/State

January 01, 2016

Flooding Prompts Evacuation In Portion Of Southern Illinois

Authorities near one levee in far southwestern Illinois are being told to move to higher ground. The county board in Alexander County issued an emergency evacuation Friday. Meanwhile, Governor Bruce Rauner ordered the Illinois National Guard to help with the recovery effort.

A monitor screen in the lobby of the Champaign Public Library displays an ad seeking donations for the Library Foundation. — Jim Meadows/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

December 31, 2015

Public Library Foundations Beef Up Fundraising Efforts

Foundations for the public libraries in Champaign and Urbana are getting more sophisticated in seeking donations to help the libraries with special projects from building maintenance to cultural programs.

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Left to right John Cullerton, Bruce Rauner, and Michael Madigan — Brian Mackey/WUIS

News Local/State

December 31, 2015

Voices In The News 2015

As we get ready to welcome 2016, we thought we’d take a few minutes to listen back to what’s been a difficult year in Illinois government and politics.

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A flooded corn field along Route 130 near Villa Grove. — Andrew Pritchard/SkyDrama.Net

News Local/State

December 31, 2015

Douglas County Among Latest To Be Named State Disaster Area Due To Flooding

Douglas County, where flooding on the Embarras River closed streets in Villa Grove, is among 12 Illinois counties that have been declared named state disaster areas by Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Legislative chamber at the Illinois Statehouse in Springfield. — Flickr: m_t_t (Matt Turner)

News Local/State

December 31, 2015

Illinois Issues: New Year, New Laws

Despite their continued stalemate on a budget, lawmakers approved and Governor Bruce Rauner signed hundreds of new pieces of legislation. More than 200 laws will go into effect in Illinois at the start of the new year — roughly the number that went into effect at the start of each of the past two years. Jamey Dunn talks about the state's new laws with Sean Crawford.

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Michigan's guard Caris LeVert (23) drives into Illinois' guard Kendrick Nunn (25) during the second half of Michigan's 78-68 win over Illinois. — Robin Scholz/Associated Press

News Local/State

December 30, 2015

Illini Fall In Conference Opener To Michigan, 78-68

The Wolverines used a 9-2 run in the second half to take a double-digit lead over Illinois in the Big Ten season opener for both teams. Mark Donnal led Michigan with 26 points, while Kendrick Nunn scored 23 to lead the Illini in a losing effort.

A flooded area just north of Villa Grove, along Route 130. — Photo Credit: Andrew Pritchard/SkyDrama.Net

News Local/State

December 30, 2015

Freezing Temperatures Replacing Rain As Flooding Continues

A flood warning continues Wednesday for much of central Illinois, and seven counties along the Mississippi River have been declared state disaster areas.

In this Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, file photo, comedian Bill Cosby performs at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, in Melbourne, Fla. — Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

News Local/State

December 30, 2015

Bill Cosby Charged With Aggravated Indecent Assault In Philadelphia-Area Case

Bill Cosby is expected to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon on sexual assault charges filed over a 2004 encounter in his home outside Philadelphia. A former Temple University employee says Cosby drugged and assaulted her.