 Schools
and HIV
Illinois lawmakers are challenging a policy that makes school
officials aware of students who have HIV or AIDS. But as Jenna
Dooley reports, some think the practice should be left in
place.... (2/22/2008)
Gambling
In Illinois
Last year, insiders were placing their bets that gambling
would be the way Illinois could fund a statewide infrastructure
program. Amanda Vinicky takes a look at where the issue stands
now... (2/22/2008)
Governor
Offers Familiar Ideas
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich wants to provide families
tax relief ... expand health care ... and put more money into
schools. But few in the Illinois legislature seem willing
to jump on board. That's because the Governor's annual budget
address left them with more questions than answers. Sean Crawford
reports...(2/21/2008)
Governor's
Budget Speech
Governor Rod Blagojevich's speech to the Illinois General
Assembly on Wednesday, February 20, 2008. Runs
22 minutes. (read the text) Listen to the entire coverage from WUIS , including anlaysis by UIS Professor of Political Science Kent Redfield and the response by top appropriations expert for the senate GOP, Republican Pam Althoff. Runs 59 minutes.
State
of the State Broadcast
February 20, 2008 Broadcast of Governor Rod Blagojevich's
"State of the State" and "Budget" address
to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly. WUIS's
Sean Crawford and Rich Bradley, co-anchors, with analysis
by Republican Senator Pam Althoff of McHenry and Kent Redfield,
Professor of Political Studies at the University of Illinois
at Springfield. Runs 1-Hour.
County
Jail Study Completed
The average daily jail population in Sangamon County has
grown rapidly... increasing 60% between 2000 and 2006. One
year... it peaked at 422 inmates. The county board commissioned
a study... primarily to see whether a new facility is needed.
But... as WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza explains... the study found
that is not necessary... (02-20-2008)
Budget
Preview
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich lays out his new budget
plan to lawmakers this week. The Governor's speech on Wednesday
is expected to carry familiar themes... including health care
expansion and taxing businesses to pay for it. But... as WUIS's
Sean Crawford reports... Blagojevich will face an uphill battle...
(02-19-2008)
Campus
Security
Illinois senators Dick Durbin and Barak Obama are sponsoring
a bill to improve campus safety across the nation. WUIS's
Kavitha Cardoza reports... (02-18-2008)
Conceal
Carry Debate Revived
Last week's shooting at Northern Illinois University has
re-energized the debate over gun control. But as WUIS's Amanda
Vinicky reports ... while some want to limit the availability
of firearms... others want to go a different route... (02-18-2008)
Durbin
on Amtrak
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin says he wants Union Pacific...
the company that owns the railway track lines in Illinois...
to make million of dollars of infrastructure improvements.
WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (02-18-2008)
NIU
Shooting
Police are sifting through evidence as they try to figure
out why a former graduate student opened fire in a lecture
hall at Northern Illinois University Thursday afternoon. The
gunman shot 22 students in the classroom, then turned the
gun on himself. Six of his victims are dead. Illinois Public
Radio's Susan Stephens reports from DeKalb... (02-15-2008)
Restriction
Proposed
An effort's underway in the Illinois House to restrict Democratic
Governor Rod Blagojevich's authority. As WUIS's Amanda Vinicky
reports ... Blagojevich's fellow Democrats are behind the
effort, while Republicans are protesting it... (02-15-2008)
What's
in a Word?
When it comes to the state's moment of silence law, legislators
are hung up over a single word. WUIS's Jenna Dooley has more…(02-15-2008)
More
Bad News
Springfield residents will see an increase in their water
rates... if a new proposal to deal with the budget deficit
and infrastructure needs... is approved by the city council.
WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports on what people can expect...
(02-14-2008)
Expanded
Health Insurance
A legislative panel has put off a decision on Governor Rod
Blagojevich's plan to expand state-financed health insurance.
WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports... (02-14-2008)
Black
Boiling Point
Talk of allowing exemptions to Illinois' new smoking ban
reached a boiling point Wednesday at the state capitol. WUIS's
Jenna Dooley reports... (02-14-2008)
Paying
the Bills?
The person who pays the bills for the State of Illinois
is warning of fiscal trouble as work begins on the next state
budget. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (02-14-2008)
Lawmakers
Return
A backlog of state bills to pay... coupled with a rocky
national economy... indicate it will be a tight year for the
state budget. As WUIS's Jenna Dooley reports... legislators
will begin to deal with the budget and other policy matters
when they return to Springfield on Wednesday... (02-13-2008)
Demands
on the Budget
The annual process of crafting a state budget will soon
begin... which means competing interests will make their case
as to why they deserve increased funding. As WUIS's Amanda
Vinicky reports... higher education advocates are using a
new strategy to get money... (02-13-2008)
Task
Force on Pensions
Springfield has among highest pension debt of Illinois cities.
The Mayor and other officials are launching a panel to study
the problem and come up with solutions. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza
reports... (02-12-2008)
Social
Networking Permission
Parents would have to give written approval before their
children could create profiles on social networking sites
if a new proposal becomes law in Illinois. Here's WUIS's Amanda
Vinicky with details... (02-12-2008)
Water
Damage in the Statehouse
Cleanup is underway at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield
after a portion of the building was damaged when a water line
broke. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (02-12-2008)
Birds
of a Different Feather
Lawmakers do plenty of squawking inside the Illinois Capitol.
But... outside the building... the focus is on birds of a
different feather. WUIS's Jenna Dooley has more... (02/11/2008)
More
Bad News
There's more bad news for Illinois state government finances.
State investment income is expected to drop in coming months.
WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (02-08-2008)
Edgar
on Presidential Sweepstakes
Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar says the state's Republican
Party is in good shape for the general election despite a
strong turnout of Democrats coming out for the primary. WUIS's
Jenna Dooley has more... (02-08-2008)
Objection
to PayDay Loan Stores
Residents who live near Macarthur Boulevard in Springfield
have rasied concerns about businesses selling alcohol recently.
And a business group trying to revitalize the road has their
own concerns.... trying to limit the number of Payday loan
stores on MacArthur Avenue.... the third most heavily travelled
road in the city. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (02-08-2008)
Expansion
Opposed
Most of the Springfield residents who live near MacArthur
Boulevard were opposed to a Mobil Super Pantry gas station
selling alcohol. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports on a discussion
at a community meeting last night... (02-07-2008)
Green
Party Complaints
The Illinois Green Party says a number of its supporters
got the cold shoulder during the primary election. WUIS's
Jenna Dooley reports... (02-07-2008)
Senate
Hopeful Ready to Challenge Incumbent
A U.S. Senate hopeful says he's ready to challenge a heavily
favored incumbent. WUIS's Jenna Dooley reports... (02-07-2008)
Early
Primary Date in Illinois Questioned
Illinois moved up its primary to become more of a player
on the political scene. But one Illinois analyst says the
state might have been better off staying put. WUIS's Sean
Crawford reports... (02-06-2008)
No
Surprises
Despite anticipation that Tueday's primary would lead to
the ousting of state legislators... just the opposite occurred.
WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports... (02-06-2008)
Fruits
of the Illinois Primary
While most expect Barack Obama will roll to victory in this
week's Illinois primary... his rival could also get some help
from the state's voters. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (02-04-2008)
Library
Referendum
Residents in Athens are being asked to approved a referendum
that will extend the library district boundaries from the
municipal limits to match it's public school district boundaries.
And they're also being asked to increase property taxes to
pay for increased library services. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza
reports... (02-04-2008)
The
Rudy Issue
The departure of Rudy Giuliani from the presidential race
is catching some top Illinois Republicans by surprise. WUIS's
Sean Crawford reports... (01-31-2008)
Pitfalls
of Early Voting
As more people take advantage of early voting... many will
wind up voting for presidential candidates who never made
it to primary day. WUIS's Jenna Dooley reports… (01-31-2008)
Actors
in Medicine
Medical personnel at the Southern Illinois University School
of Medicine... are helping Springfield actors in a local play...
more accurately portray their roles. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza
reports... (01-31-2008)
Democrats
Debate in the 19th
U-S Congressman John Shimkus is running unopposed in the
republican primary for Illinois' 19th congressional district.
WUIS's Jenna Dooley has more on the two democratic challengers
vying for a spot against Shimkus on the November ballot...
(01-30-2008)
Lake
Springfield Two Update
After about 50 years of what's been called "great ambivalence"...
Springfield officials want to make a decision soon on whether
or not.... to build a second lake. Last night.... city residents
listened to the pros and cons of such a decision at a Citizen's
Club of Springfield forum. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza has this
report.... (01-30-2008)
Consumerism
Sparks
Sparks are again flying between utility companies and consumer
advocates. The two groups battled much of last year after
a freeze on electricity rates ended and prices soared. WUIS's
Amanda Vinicky reports... (01-30-2008)
Big
Jim No Help
Former Illinois Governor Jim Thompson won't shed any light
on the mounting legal bills of one of his law firms' most
high profile clients.... current Governor Rod Blagojevich.
New documents show Blagojevich has racked up more than 2 million
dollars in attorney fees. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports...
(01-30-2008)
Reorganization
Changes
A Springfield District 186 reorganization plan... that moves
nine principals into new positions has changed slightly. WUIS's
Kavitha Cardoza has this update... (01-29-2008)
Constitutional
Question
Illinois' largest pension system is opposing efforts to
hold another state Constitutional Convention... over fears
of how it could impact retirement benefits. WUIS's Sean Crawford
reports... (01-29-2008)
Convention
Economics
Springfield recently lost out on its bid to host the Vietnam
Veterans of America convention.... and plans to attract the
High School Rodeo also are in jeopardy. But... as WUIS's Kavitha
Cardoza reports... city officials are playing down the importance
of their top two events... (01-28-2008)
Selling
Billboard Space
Billboards are a big business across lllinois' landscape.
One lawmaker says the state should cash in on a new type of
highway advertising. WUIS's Jenna Dooley has more... (01-28-2008)
Quinn
Supports Recall
Giving unsatisfied voters the ability to kick a politician
out of office is at the top of Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn's
agenda for 2008. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky has more... (01-28-2008)
Real
ID
Ever since the terrorist attacks of 2001... federal authorities
have tried to make it more difficult to get a driver's license...
or state I-D card. But... as WUIS's Jenna Dooley reports...
those changes could bring headaches to state governments and
their residents... (01-24-2008)
Public
Works Budget Scrutiny
Springfield aldermen went through the proposed public works
budget for the next year. Several aldermen say they want more
emphasis placed on infrastructure needs. The city has proposed
spending 400-thousand dollars on repairing sidewalks but no
new money on street paving. And as WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza
reports... some aldermen even said they want to see crews
pay more attention to certain basic services... (01-24-2008)
Cease
Fire
Supporters of a violence prevention program say they won't
give up on efforts to get funding. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports...
(01-24-2008)
Get
a Job -- A State Job
Applicants trying for a state job can now do so over the
Internet. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports... (01-24-2008)
Sex
Education in District 186
Almost all the Springfield school board members want sex
education for seventh graders in the district to include choices
other than only abstinence. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports
on a topic of discussion at last night's school board meeting...
(01-23-2008)
Q-5
Update
The public-private partnership "Q-5"... aimed
at improving the Sangamon County economy.... has completed
its first year. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza has an update on its
progress... (01-23-2008)
Obama's
State Senate Record
Presidential candidate Barack Obama's primary opponents
have criticized the Democrat for sidestepping sensitive votes
as an Illinois state legislator. But one expert in Illinois
politics defends Obama's record as typical. WUIS's Amanda
Vinicky reports... (01-23-2008)
Pedestrians
and Cell Phones
Driving while using a cell phone can be a deadly habit.
But an Illinois official says pedestrians on wireless phones
can be just as dangerous. WUIS's Jenna Dooley reports... (01-23-2008)
Governor
on a Mission
Soon... all seniors in Illinois will be able to ride public
transportation for free. Governor Rod Blagojevich made several
stops on Monday to promote the program. WCBU's Jonathan Ahl
reports from his stop in Peoria... (01-22-2008)
Federal
Funds in Jeopardy
A large chunk of federal money is at stake in Illinois as
lawmakers have been unable to reach a deal on an infrastructure
program. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (01-22-2008)
A
Plan for a Sticker
If you get pulled over in Illinois you need to have an insurance
card on hand. One lawmaker wants to help drivers get out of
a potentially sticky situation if they are unable to find
their card. WUIS's Jenna Dooley explains... (01-22-2008)
Peace
Corps Bound
While most of us have just gotten over Christmas shopping
and saying hello to the New Year... Jan Droegkamp is doing
just the opposite. She describes herself as a "crazy
60's idealist"... believing the way to world peace is
by immersing yourself in other cultures. So... she's moving
to Albania... where she'll serve as an assistant peace corps
director. She is a longtime Springfield resident... and Professor
Emeritus at the University of Ilinois at Springfield. Droegkamp
talked with WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza about giving up all of
her possessions... and saying goodbye...
Doomsday
Averted
A so-called "doomsday" for Chicago area's mass
transit riders has been averted. The Illinois legislature
has voted for the governor's plan to give seniors free public
transportation in order to resolve the systems' funding crisis.
But as WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports... many lawmakers gave
their approval with reluctance... (01-18-2008)
Changes
Contemplated
Even before Illinois seniors will be able to take advantage
of getting free public transportation... movements are underway
to change the program. WUIS's Jenna Dooley reports... (01-18-2008)
Help
for the Homeless
Springfield residents soon can help the homeless through
their utility bills. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (01-18-2008)
State
of Springfield's Downtown
Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin's "State of the Downtown"
speech highlighted accomplishments from the past year. Kavitha
Cardoza reports... (1-17-2008)
Springfield
Hotel Future
Illinois is on the path to taking over a troubled Springfield
hotel that Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias says has been a burden
to taxpayers. Amanda Vinicky reports... (1-17-2008)
18th
District Republicans Debate
The three Republicans vying for retiring Congressman Ray
LaHood's seat in the U.S. House are trying to woo voters to
choose them in the upcoming primary. But it became clear at
a debate in Springfield last night that the candidates themselves
have some decisions to make before next month's election.
Amanda Vinicky has more (1-16-2008)
Downstate
Denied
Downstate lawmakers in Illinois tried to tie a statewide construction
program to the issue of mass transit in the Chicago area. But when
Illinois lawmakers finally signed off on a transit bailout... those
looking for help with needs in other parts of the state were left
wondering if that derailed their best chance at getting projects
for their districts. WUIS' s Sean Crawford reports... (01-15-2008)
Women
in the Legislature
There is a movement... reported to be growing world-wide... toward
constitutional requirements that a certain percentage of a country's
legislature be composed of women. The current Iraqi constitution...
for example... has such a requirement. That's the subject of a presentation
tomorrow evening at the monthly program at the World Affairs Council
of Central Illinois. Adriana Crocker... an Assistant Professor of
Political Studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield...
and a native of Argentina... will discuss the trend. Her speech
to the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois... begins at 7:30
in Brookens Auditorium on the UIS campus. It is free... and open
to the public.
CTA
Bailout
Chicago's mass transit system could finally be on the road to recovery.
Efforts by the legislature to come to the financially-ailing systems'
rescue had failed for months. But lawmakers came to an agreement.
They voted to save the Chicago Transit Authority from its so-called
"doomsday" by raising the sales tax in Cook and the surrounding
suburban counties. But as WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports ... public
transit still has yet to reach its final destination. (01-11-2008)
City
Hiring Freeze
The Springfield city administration will have to come before the
city council if they want to hire someone new. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza
reports... on the hiring suspension that passed by a 6-4 vote...
(01-09-2008)
Gambling
in Danville
The focus of gaming expansion in Illinois has been on Chicago.
But a downstate community also wants a piece of the action. WUIS's
Jenna Dooley reports... (01-09-2008)
Victory
for UIS Innocence Project
For the first time in nearly 21 years... Herb Whitlock is a free
man. WILL's Jeff Bossert reports... (01-09-2008)
CTA
Labor Issue
A state lawmaker says mass transit workers who strike deserve
to be punished. The proposal comes after a union representing Chicago
Transit Authority employees has threatened work stoppages. WUIS's
Amanda Vinicky reports... (01-09-2008)
The
Capstone Loan
A new Illinois student loan is geared for those who need extra
financial aid as they near completion of their degrees. WUIS's Sean
Crawford reports... (01-08-2008)
District
186 Academic Standards
District 186 officials discussed the need to raise academic standards
in all Springfield schools at last night's school board meeting.
WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (01-08-2008)
To
Terminate the Bird Whisperer Contract
The Springfield city council is getting ready to take a vote on
whether the man they hired to rid the downtown of birds... should
pack up and fly away. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (01-07-2008)
To
Build or Not to Build -- Hunter Lake
The idea of a second lake as a water source for Springfield has
been talked about for nearly half a century. Now in the final stages
of the permitting process... both sides seem to be waiting on the
other... to make the first move. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports...
(01-07-2008)
Schools
Hurry Up and Wait
Illinois schools have been waiting since last summer for money
promised to them by the legislature. The Governor took action on
Friday that could mean districts will finally be on the way to receiving
the cash... or it could delay the process even further. WUIS's Amanda
Vinicky reports... (01-07-2008)
Obama
in New Hampshire
Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama won the Iowa caucuses among
Democrats last week. But there's already another big test for the
candidates coming up. WUIS's Jenna Dooley reports... (01-07-2008)
Illinois
Primary to Benefit GOP
Illinois moved up its primary this year to help Democratic candidate
Barack Obama. But it also will give the state more say about the
Republican nominee. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (01-07-2008)
Preliminary
NTSB Report
The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a preliminary
report on the December 20th plane crash that killed three men. WUIS's
Kavitha Cardoza reports... (01-04-2008)
More
Legislating on Sex Offenders
An Illinois lawmaker wants to make sure the newspaper delivery
person in your neighborhood isn't a child sex offender. WUIS's Jenna
Dooley has more... (01-04-2008)
The
Governor Denies
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich flatly denies allegations he
is "Public Official A" in an on-going corruption investigation
by federal prosecutors. That's after numerous published reports
say the governor is the unnamed official. Chicago Public Radio's
Mike Rhee reports... (01-03-2008)
No
Go Special Session
A special session convened by the Governor Wednesday lasted only
minutes before lawmakers adjourned ... leaving Chicago's mass transit
problems unresolved. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports... (01-03-2008)
Peggy
Boyer Long Retiring at Illinois Issues
Today... the last day of 2007 also marks the retirement of the
long-time Executive Editor of Illinois Issues Magazine... Peggy
Boyer Long. Boyer Long took over the reigns of the magazine in the
Summer of 1994... after earlier stints as Statehouse Bureau Chief
for WUIS and Illinois Public Radio. Illinois Issues is published
at the University of Illinois at Springfield... and has a readership
of about 12,000. The magazine has reported on legislative issues...
political trends... and the state's quality of life... since 1975.
Peggy joined WUIS News Director Rich Bradley in the studio to talk
about retirement... and about her tenure at the Magazine... (12-31-2007)
Smoking
Ban Takes Effect
On New Year's Day... Illinois will join the ranks of 23 other
states that ban smoking in public places. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky
reports... (12-31-2007)
Agriculture
Census
The federal government wants those involved in agriculture to
stand up and be counted. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (12-31-2007)
The
Iowa Advantage
Despite polls showing tight races for both the Democratic and
Republican Presidential nominations... a University of Illinois
researcher says two candidates have big advantages. WUIS's Sean
Crawford reports... (12-27-2007)
Christmas
Tree Farming
A symbol of the season... the Christmas Tree... adorns many homes
this time of year. But WUIS's Amanda Vinicky talked with one woman
for whom Christmas Trees are a year round job... (12-24-2007)
Early
Primary Evaluation
In less than six weeks... Illinois voters will go to the polls...
the earliest ever... in an election cycle. Last year... state lawmakers
moved the primary election up... to the first Tuesday in February.
The intent is to give Illinois more influence in the selection process
for Presidential candidates. But... is the move working? Here's
an early evaluation from Brian Gaines... a political science professor
at the University of Illinois... Urbana-Champaign. He talked with
WILL's Tom Rogers... (12-24-2007)
Governor
Calls a New Year Session
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says he'll call a special session
of the legislature for the day after New Year's. WUIS's Sean Crawford
reports... (12-21-2007)
Three
Dead in Springfield Plane Crash
Three Springfield area men died Thursday when a small plane crashed
into a corn field west of Springfield... near Curran. WUIS's Kavitha
Cardoza has more... (12-21-2007)
Presidential
Politics and Holiday Shopping
Illinois is one of a bunch of states that bumped up the date for
a primary election. Because of all the reshuffling... it'll be just
two days after New Years that those much-doted-on Iowa voters hold
their caucuses to kick things off. And that... is just two weeks
from today. The reshuffled primary schedule has succeeded in pushing
more of the frenzy of the political season into the middle of the
holiday season. So... what are people thinking these days... about
the upcoming presidential primaries. Chicago Public Radio's Ben
Calhoun headed for downtown Chicago... into the thick of the holiday
crowds... and has this report... (12-20-2007)
The
Impact of Gambling Explansion
A State of Illinois analysis finds gambling expansion would cut
into the profit margins of some existing riverboat casinos. WUIS's
Sean Crawford reports... (12-20-2007)
Federal
Funds for Springfield and Chatham
The U.S. Senate passed a 555 Billion dollar omnibus spending bill.
And as WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports.... Springfield and Chatham
could get about a million of it.... (12-20-2007)
FutureGen
to Mattoon
After two years of waiting… residents of one Central Illinois
city have reason to celebrate. Those behind the coal-fired power
plant known as FutureGen announced yesterday they've chosen to locate
in Mattoon. While residents and local leaders are excited… there's
still concern as to whether the federal dollars will come through
to fund it. WILL's Jeff Bossert reports... (12-19-2007)
The
Cost of Public Penisons
Springfield alderman voted unanimously NOT to raise the city's
portion of property taxes... for now. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports...
(12-19-2007)
Bird
Whisperer
The man known as the bird whisperer... James Soules (SOUL's)...
met Springfield aldermen last night and answered questions about
his methods. Soules has a no-bid contract to rid the downtown of
pigeons and starlings. Some residents and the mayor praised him
for the job he's doing... but as WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports...
his reading of bird behavior differs from that of the experts...
(12-19-2007)
High
School Steroids
Some of Major League Baseball's biggest stars were cited last
week in a report alleging they've used steroids. Illinois is looking
to make sure younger athletes won't go to the same extreme. WUIS's
Amanda Vinicky reports... (12-19-2007)
Dan
Fogelberg Remembered on Campus
Dan Fogelberg will long be remembered for songs like 'Longer'
and 'Same Old Lane Syne'... but a few years before he wrote and
recorded those hits... he was a student at the University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign... and attracted crowds to a local coffeehouse.
The Peoria native died Sunday at the age of 56. WILL's Jeff Bossert
talked with one of Fogelberg's earliest collaborators... and has
this report... (12-18-2007)
Springfield
Tax Reduction
Springfield homeowners could see a decrease in the school district
portion of property taxes next year.... and as WUIS;s Kavitha Cardoza
reports if that happens... it'll be only the second time in ten
years... (12-18-2007)
Air
Illinois
Governor Rod Blagojevich's travel habits are again under scrutiny.
Amanda Vinicky reports that his frequent use of state planes is
ruffling feathers in the state legislature. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky
reports... (12-18-2007)
Springfield
Tax Hike?
According to Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin... having to keep up
with police and fire pension payments is part of the reason the
library has to be subsidized by the City. Springfield aldermen could
decide whether to increase its property tax levy as early as tomorrow
night. But as Kavitha Cardoza reports... at least one alderman is
opposed to this idea... (12-17-2007)
Lincoln
Library Funding
Over the past few years... Springfield has increased its annual
subsidy to its public library by 55 percent... or nearly three quarters
of a million dollars. two years ago... Mayor Tim Davlin put together
a task force to look into ways to improve the library's long range
funding. Kavitha Cardoza reports...on the report... (12-17-2007)
Community
Colleges
An Illinois legislator wants to keep community colleges out of
the state's control. Amanda Vinicky reports... (12-17-2007)
Another
Federal Indictment
The scandal haunting Governor Rod Blagojevich's inner circle has
widened with another trusted adviser facing criminal charges. Christopher
Kelly, who raised millions of dollars for the governor's 2002 campaign,
was indicted yesterday for allegedly hiding $1.3 million in taxable
income while dipping into company money to pay bookies and Las Vegas
casinos. Chicago Public Radio's Ben Calhoun reports... (12-14-2007)
Read
the Final Indictment of Christopher Kelly
CHICAGO – “Chris Kelly is my friend.
I am saddened to hear these allegations about Chris's personal
life. I know the pain it must be causing him and his family. My
thoughts and my prayers are with them during this difficult time.
In fairness to Chris, I believe it is important to let the legal
process play out and not rush to judgment.”
Future-Gen's
Future
Illinois business and governmental leaders are pinning their hopes
on the state being chosen as home to a high-tech... clean-burning...
coal-fired power plant. Two Illinois sites... near Mattoon and Tuscola...
are among the finalists for the project known as... "Future
Gen." It is billed as a way to revive the state's ailing coal
industry... but some are are skeptical the plant will ever be built.
WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (12-14-2007)
Beardstown
School Choice
If you had to stop someone in Beardstown... a rural Illinois community
along the Illinois River... and ask them whether they thought it
was a good idea for children in local schools to learn Spanish...
it's likely you'd get this reply... [Listen]
But... as WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... inside a Beardstown
elementary school... educators feel that Spanish holds the secret
to their success in educating ... and integrating students... (12-13-2007)
The
Bird Man
A Springfield alderman who had questioned a city contract with
a man known as the "bird whisperer"... now says he's met
with James Soules and is satisfied with the answers. WUIS's Kavitha
Cardoza has more... (12-13-2007)
Transit
Study
A study finds pumping more money into Chicago area mass transit
won't only help commuters... it would be good for business. WUIS's
Sean Crawford reports... (12-13-2007)
Oh
Christmas Tree
A Springfield artist got the chance to see the ornament she created
on the White House Christmas tree. WUIS's Jenna Dooley has more...
(12-13-2007)
The
Kincaid Site
"Two Eras of Excavation at Kincaid"... is the focus of
a program tonight at the Illinois State Museum's Research and Collections
Center. The presentation will be made by Dr. Paul Welch... with
the Department of Anthropology... at Southern Illinois University
at Carbondale. The Kincaid site... is in deep southern Illinois...
at Brookport... across the Ohio River from Paducah, Kentucky. WUIS's
Rich Bradley talked with Welch earlier this week in the studios
of WSIU in Carbondale... (12/12/2007)
Customer
Service
Springfield police officers answer at least 150-thousand calls
for service every year in the city. And as WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza
reports... administrators participated in a day-long seminar yesterday
(Tuesday)... to learn how to improve their customer service... (12-12-2007)
Commemorating
the 1908 Springfield Race Riot
While several area groups are looking to commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the 1908 race riot in Springfield.... one group wants
to make sure the spiritual component is included. WUIS's Kavitha
Cardoza explains... (12-12-2007)
School
Choice
School choice advocates say a new Illinois survey finds support
for alternatives to public schools. WUIS's Sean Crawford explains...
in this report... (12-12-2007)
Chamber
Update
Officials at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce outlined
plans for the coming year. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (12-11-2007)
Gambling
Expansion Opposition
Supporters of more gambling in Illinois say its the answer to the
state's financial woes. But opponents take a different view. WUIS's
Sean Crawford reports... (12-11-2007)
Record
Filings
A record number of candidates filed papers to run in Illinois'
upcoming election. But... as WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports ... they
won't all make it on the ballot... (12-07-2007)
No
Rodeo No
Springfield City representatives are meeting with State agriculture
officials to try to get them to bid on bringing back the National
High School Rodeo Association finals to the city. But some animal
rights activists are urging the city not to host the event again
in 2012 and 2013. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (12-07-2007)
Christmas
Sing-a-Long
This weekend... a costumed re-creation of an 1850's style Christmas
Carol sing-a-long at Springfield's Historic First Presbyterian Church...
in takes visitors back to the time when the Lincolns attended services
there. Period music and costumes will be featured. WUIS' Karl Scroggin
talked with some of the organizers of the event and has prepared
this report... (12-07/2007)
State
Treasurer Stands Pat
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias testified in court
this week regarding a loan he authorized while working for his family's
Chicago-area bank. Giannoulias says he stands by his actions. WUIS's
Jenna Dooley reports... (12-06-2007)
Parental
Responsibility
An Illinois lawmaker says parents need to take more responsibility
for the behavior of their children. He says parents who don't should
be forced to pay. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (12-06-2007)
Illinois
Finanacial Status
A recent report shows that the state of Illinois is not alone
when it comes to shaky fiscal health. Here's WUIS's Amanda Vinicky
with details... (12-06-2007)
Energy
Efficiency Study
The Springfield city Council voted 9 to 1 in favor of an energy
efficiency study... but as WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... some
aldermen wanted to know why that amount was over twice what was
agreed to in the Sierra Club deal... (12-05-2007)
Bird
Whisperer?
The City of Springfield had signed a 164-thousand dollar contract
with a Decatur man to "eradicate" pigeons and starlings
downtown. But as WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... an alderman has
announced he wants to rethink that agreement... (12-05-2007)
Business
Sues
A group of business leaders is suing the State of Illinois to
stop a health care expansion from taking place. WUIS's Sean Crawford
reports... (12-05-2007)
Getting
Behind
Nearly halfway through the fiscal year... the State of Illinois
is falling further behind in paying its bills. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky
reports... (12-05-2007)
Budgeting
in Springfield
Aldermen got to hear Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin present an overview
of the city budget for next year. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza has details...
(12-04-2007)
Governor
Complains
Governor Rod Blagojevich had complained that the legislature was
taking too long to pass a technical measure that would give Illinois
schools a half-billion-dollars more. But a month after the General
Assembly approved it.... schools are now waiting on the Governor
to act. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports... (12-04-2007)
Lawmakers
Can't Agree On Mass Transit Plan
Governor Rod Blagojevich is standing firm that he was in the right
when he attended a Blackhawk's game in Chicago Wednesday night instead
of staying in Springfield during a vote to fund Chicago-areas mass
transit systems under the threat of service cuts and fare hikes.
Amanda Vinicky reports... (11/30/2007)
Telemedicine
in Illinois
Rural hospitals in Illinois could get a boost from telemedicine....
which links doctors and patients over a high speed internet system.
The federal government is giving Illinois money to improve the medical
network. Sean Crawford reports...(11/30/2007)
Lawmakers
Can't Agree On Mass Transit Plan
Another attempt at putting additional state funding into Chicago's
public transportation systems failed. The Illinois House Wednesday
night voted down a measure that would have helped the transit agencies
prevent fare increases and cutbacks in service. Amanda Vinicky reports....(11/29/07)
Money
Troubles For Springfield's Lincoln Library
Springfield's Lincoln Library formally dedicated its newly renovated
facility Wednesday. But as Kavitha Cardoza reports... the facility
has problems that are more than just cosmetic...(11/29/07)
Disabled
Student Issues at UIS
The University of Illinois at Springfield has made a lot of progress
in recent years. It has expanded academic offerings... opened a
new recreation center... and has built new student residence halls.
But while the campus has been moving forward... one group of students
feels they have been left behind. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza has prepared
this report... (11-27-2007)
Mass
Transit Funding
Illinois lawmakers appear to be close to a mass transit deal.
Democratic House speaker Mike Madigan and Representative Julie Hamos
have agreed to put a funding bill backed by Republican lawmakers
to a vote. Chicago Public Radio's Mike Rhee has more... (11-27-2007)
Conflict
Within Gambling Interests
An Illinois court case pits the state's major gambling forces
against each other. Not suprisingly... the dispute is over money.
WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (11-27-2007)
Sprucing
Up a Gateway
A major traffic gateway into the city Springfield will be spruced
up... with a new welcoming sign. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports...
(11-21-2007)
Expanding
the Pool
Precincts around Illinois could have a larger pool of election
judges to choose from next year. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports...
(11-21-2007)
Marion
VA Hospital Issue
The Illinois Veterans Affairs Director says she is dis-satisfied
with the response to problems at the Veterans Affairs Hospital at
Marion... in Southern Illinois. Tammy Duckworth blames lax oversight
at the federal level. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (11-21-2007)
Hint
of a Referendum in District 186
Twenty-six Springfield Public School buildings are over 45 years
old with over half of those much older. A committee that's been
studying the aging buildings presented a report at last night's
board meeting. As WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... the community
may be asked to vote on a referendum to fund some of the recommendations...
(11-20-2007)
Blagovjevich
at Odds with Lawmakers... Again
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is facing criticism from some
lawmakers over his plan to bypass a state rules panel and expand
health care access. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (11-20-2007)
Governor
Calls Yet Another Special Session
Governor Rod Blagojevich has called a special session of the General
Assembly next week to resolve the funding crisis with mass transit
in Chicago. Chicago Public Radio's Mike Rhee reports... (11-20-2007)
Legislative
Schedule
Illinois' upcoming spring legislative session could get off to
a slow start. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (11-16-2007)
Hynes
Opposes Recall Amendment
Voters will decide next year whether to make changes to the Illinois
Constitution. But growing support of a recall amendment has one
state leader weighing in. WUIS's Jenna Dooley reports… (11-16-2007)
The
Cleanup Begins
Springfield's City Water Light and Power officials provided the
public with an update of Dallman One...Springfield's main electric
generator...that was severely damaged by an explosion and fire over
the weekend. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (11-15-2007)
Energy
Conservation on U-of-I Campuses
The University of Illinois Board of trustees voted yesterday to
approve an energy conservation policy. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza explains...
(11-15-2007)
Ballot
Lottery
Being first on the ballot is supposed to give candidates an extra
push in elections. In Illinois, often who gets that spot is left
to chance. Officials with the state board of elections chose the
lucky winners. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky was there and has this report...
(11-15-2007)
Additional
Funds on Hold
Schools across Illinois are still waiting for the Governor to
take action on a measure that will give more money to districts.
WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... (11-14-2007)
Litigation
Cap
A judge has ruled that Illinois' cap on pain and suffering in
medical malpractice lawsuits is unconstitutional. It's a blow to
the insurance industry and to doctors. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports...
(11-14-2007)
Explosion
at CWLP
Springfield's main electric generator... City Water Light and
Power's Dallman Unit Number One... was severely damaged by an explosion
and fire over the weekend. The explosion led to brief... isolated
power outages across the city. Usually... there are up to 80 employees
in that area... but because it was the weekend... there were far
fewer present... and none of the 11 employees on duty were injured.
WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports on what's next for the power plant...
(11/12/2007)
Casino
Benefits
Highlighting the talk of gambling expansion in Illinois is a Chicago
casino. The discussions include having the city own the casino and
hire a firm to manage it. But while there is growing support for
the concept among politicians... there's disagreement over how much
to charge Chicago for the privelege of a gaming license. WUIS's
Sean Crawford reports... (11/12/2007)
Access
Accepted
The new Springfield Southwind Park already has several unique
aspects planned such as a pavilion with an environmentally friendly
design and a dancing water fountain. Now it can also add features
that will support people with a variety of disabilities thanks to
a several thousand dollar "Access to Recreation" grant.
WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (11/09/2007)
Casino
Benefits
Illinois would host two more casinos under a plan by the governor
and leading state lawmakers. Most of the money would go towards
building up the state's infrastructure. As WUIS's Amanda Vinicky
reports ... elementary and high schools would also get a windfall...
(11/09/2007)
Future-Gen
The U-S Department of Energy says a pair of Illinois sites remain
in the running for a major clean coal technology plant. WUIS's Sean
Crawford reports... (11/09/2007)
Judith
Miller Appearance
Judith Miller ... the former New York Times reporter who went
to jail rather than reveal a source ... spoke about the experience
during an appearance in Springfield. She was featured at a University
of Illinois at Springfield program exploring government accountability
and a free press. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports... (11/08/2007)
Ryan
Legacy
While George Ryan has been out of office for five years... he's
still played a role in Illinois political campaigns. Most recently
when current Governor Rod Blagojevich used Ryan's image in ads targeted
against his Republican opponent last year. WUIS's Sean Crawford
reports... (11/08/2007)
ID:
16627424
He's been called Secretary of State and Governor... now his title
is federal prisoner 16627- 424. George Ryan reported to federal
prison in rural Wisconsin on Wednesday. WNIJ-s Tony Arnold reports...
(11/08/2007)
George
Ryan Reports to Prison
Despite his attorneys' efforts... former Illinois governor George
Ryan is due to report to prison by 5 pm today... to begin serving
his 6 and a half year sentence. He is headed to the federal minimum
security work camp in Oxford, Wisconsin. That only became certain
yesterday... when U-S Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens ruled
that Ryan could not remain free while the high court decided whether
to hear his case. Chicago Public Radio's Diantha Parker reports...
(11/07/2007)
Ryan
Legacy
When Ryan begins his prison term today... it will bring to a close...
the scandal that dogged his administration and further advanced
Illinois' reputation for corruption. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports
Ryan's accomplishments will forever be overshadowed... (11/07/2007)
Four
Tops and the Governor
On Friday ... Governor Rod Blagojevich said mass transit funding,
gambling expansion and the state's infrastructure needs could be
resolved in "seven to ten days." But after the governor's
first meeting since then with legislative leaders ... that timeline's
was already pushed back. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports... (11/07/2007)
JD's
Liquor License Revoked
It's been a little over a week since Illinois State Trooper Brian
MacMillan answered a call to help break up a fight at an rural Illiopolis
bar. He was killed enroute... in a collision with a drunken driver...
who was allegedly leaving the bar... J.D.'s Lounge. Members of the
Sangamon County Liquor Committee unanimously voted to revoke it's
3 am liquor license. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza has more... (11/07/2007)
A
New Board Member
Springfield Public Schools has a student board member... for the
first time. WUIS's Kavitha Cardoza reports... (11/06/2007)
The
Promise of Success
Illinois legislative leaders and the Governor left Springfield
last week with the promise of a quick resolution to their unfinished
business. All indicated they could work out disagreements on mass
transit funding... construction projects and gambling within a few
days. But... as WUIS's Sean Crawford reports... not everyone is
optimistic... (11/06/2007)
Let
Negotiations Begin
Illinois legislative leaders and the Governor are expected to
begin negotiating in earnest this week on several high profile issues.
They range from a statewide infrastructure program to a long term
funding solution for Chicago area mass transit. WUIS's Sean Crawford
reports... (11/06/2007)
The
Temporary Solution
A state government bailout of 27-million-dollars is allowing the
financially-strapped Chicago area transit systems to put off cutting
routes and increasing fares... for now. But some legislators say
those measures are still necessary. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports...
(11/05/2007)
Possible
Solution
They have not been able to do it all year. But Illinois' Governor
says he and the leaders of the legislature are ready to come together
and will resolve everything from mass transit funding to gambling
expansion in the next week or so. WUIS's Amanda Vinicky reports...
(11/02/2007)
A
Name from History
Mark Fairchild ... who made Illinois political history when he
pulled a major upset during the 1986 Democratic primary ... is back
in the state with a new mission. WUIS's Sean Crawford reports...
(11/02/2007)
Green
Party Filings
Illinois' election filing period started this week. Anyone running
for office has until Monday... November 5th... to turn in the paperwork
that gets them on the February primary ballot. As WUIS's Amanda
Vinicky reports... the Green Party has more candidates filing petitions
than ever before... (11/01/2007)
U-of-I
President B. Joseph White on Leadership
B. Joseph White... the President of the University of Illinois...
is the speaker for the "Friends of Brookens Library Fall Lecture"...
tonight at 7 pm... in Brookens Auditorium... here on the U-I-S campus.
The lecture will be followed by a reception... and book signing.
White has written a new book... "The Nature of Leadership:
Reptiles... Mammals... and the Challenge of Becoming a Great Leader."
WUIS's Rich Bradley talked with him earlier in the week... from
the studios of WILL in Urbana... (11/01/2007) |
