Arizona Sen. John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer, the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix says. McCain, 80, underwent surgery for a blood clot on July 14.

Brain cancer claims the lives of about 15,000 people every year, and treatments are limited. On the today's show: we spoke with researchers who are trying to change that. Plus, what can we expect from Springfield lawmakers as the final week of session draws to a close?

Benton, who has been with WCIA-TV in Champaign since 2005, had battled brain cancer for about 18 months. He only made the decision to step down from the anchor desk last month, saying the tumor affected his ability to deliver the news.   Benton was 52.

Chemistry professor Paul Hergenrother identified a molecule that appears to cause many cancer cells to self-destruct. This week marks the start of a clinical trial on the potential new drug that has shown promising results when tested on lab animals with cancer. If it is found to be safe and effective in humans, the new drug may improve prognoses for patients with the most aggressive forms of brain cancer and other forms of the disease.