WILL-AM

News Local/State

A task force that Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed to find ways to shrink Illinois government is recommending several changes that mirror the Republican's anti-union agenda. 

News Local/State

Phoenix Farms expects to open its location, called Phoenix Botanicals, at 1704 S. Neil Street sometime in March.  It's also hired Medical Cannabis Research, which will conduct a series of free seminars in the area to help patients understand the medical marijuana program. They're scheduled for late January and early February.

News Local/State

Awais Vaid, Director of Research and Planning with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, says the county went from 24 mumps cases in early December to just four since.  But he says each case needs to go through two incubation periods before being sure the illness has left the area.

News Local/State

Gov. Rauner's staff would not disclose details about his travels after leaving the country the weekend before Christmas. But Monday, the governor confirmed that he had been to Spain and Morocco.  A day earlier, on a visit to survey flood damage in Douglas County, the governor some information, saying two of his children are currently living overseas.

News Local/State

Marc Loving scored 27 points, including two late free throws, to lead Ohio State to a 75-73 win over visiting Illinois on Sunday.
 

News Local/State

Shortly after declaring 12 Illinois counties state disaster areas, Gov. Bruce Rauner surveyed the damage first hand, making several stops in Central and Southern Illinois.  He made his final stop in Villa Grove on Sunday, calling the state disaster declaration a 'first step' in seeking federal help.

News Local/State

An Associated Press investigation says alumni were upset after the firings of football coach Tim Beckman and athletic director Mike Thomas, shortly after Phyllis Wise stepped down as Urbana campus chancellor. Some were thankful Beckman and Thomas were fired, but wish they were gone sooner.

News Local/State

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.   

News Local/State

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.

News Local/State

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.