News

New Community Garden In Springfield

By Rachel Otwell • May 6, 2013

  Community gardens are cropping up in urban areas across the country. They’re a way for those without the yard space to grow their own food. Kemia Sarraf is the founder and president of the local group gen H Kids, which stands for Generation Healthy. She tells WUIS’ Rachel Otwell about how the group is bringing a new community garden to Springfield:

CLICK HERE for more information or email George@genHkids.org to register for a garden plot.

Court Gives AG More Time For Concealed Carry Appeal

By Associated Press • May 3, 2013
facebook.com/lisamadigan

The U.S. Supreme Court is giving Illinois’ attorney general more time to decide whether to appeal a ruling that the state’s ban on the public possession of firearms is unconstitutional.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan now has until June 24 to ask the high court to hear the case.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found Illinois’ prohibition on the carrying of concealed firearms unconstitutional in December.  

It ordered lawmakers to pass legislation to legalize concealed carry by June 9.  The 30-day extension granted by the court Friday does not affect that deadline.

Eastvold May Pursue Full Recount For 186 Election

By Rachel Otwell • May 3, 2013

  Katharine Eastvold lost her run for Springfield school board by a single vote about three weeks ago. But she’s not quite done fighting for the seat. A partial recount earlier this week found the votes had been accurately recorded. Donna Moore was declared the winner by only one vote in subdistrict 5. But it’s not yet over. The next step says Eastvold is working with her lawyer to determine whether there’s enough evidence to warrant asking a judge for a full recount.

Donations Still Sought For Manchester Murder Victims’ Family

By Rachel Otwell • May 3, 2013

 The funerals for five people murdered last week in Manchester are over, but donations are still being sought to offset those costs.

The victims were five family members, including two small children. Services took place at the Mackey Daws Funeral Home in the town of Roodhouse. Justin Daws is the funeral director there. He says the burials also occurred this week – though payments have yet to be made. Daws says the area in west central Illinois is tight-knit and he will wait indefinitely for funds from the victim’s family to come in:

Public Pensions' Fate Rests Largely With Divided Democratic Leaders

By • May 3, 2013

A plan that will leave state employees and teachers with reduced retirement benefits made it out of the Illinois House Thursday, potentially paving the way for the pension overhaul that has thus far eluded lawmakers.  But it also ignites a face-off between two of the state's top Democrats — with the potential to keep a pension overhaul as elusive as it's ever been.

Same Sex Marriage Stalls, But Fracking A Go

By • May 2, 2013

Illinois' legislators have less than a month before they're scheduled to adjourn.  The Speaker of the Illinois House made some predictions about what will — and what may not — happen before then.

A measure to legalize same sex marriage in Illinois already got state Senators' approval.

But the Speaker of the Illinois House says there's not enough support for it to pass in that chamber.

Mike Madigan said in March that gay marriage was a dozen votes shy in the House. 

Illinois House Approves Pension Overhaul

By • May 2, 2013

The Illinois House of Representatives on Thursday approved a massive overhaul of state pensions. It's the first time the House has passed such a plan after more than a year of negotiating and many failed attempts.

Its also the first time Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, put his full support behind a specific proposal.

Police Honor Officers Killed On Duty

By • May 2, 2013

Police officers from across Illinois gathered in Springfield Thursday to honor colleagues killed in the line of duty — including one killed in 2012.

On the Monday after Thanksgiving, Illinois State Police Trooper Kyle Deatherage was patrolling on his motorcycle on Interstate 55, about 30 miles south of Springfield. He pulled over another vehicle when the driver of a semi-truck is alleged to have hit and killed Deatherage. The driver has been charged with reckless homicide.

Lawmakers Weigh In On Olympic Wrestling

By • May 2, 2013

Illinois lawmakers are "weighing in" on Olympic organizers' decision to drop wrestling from the summer games. 

The Illinois House passed a resolution encouraging the International Olympic Committee to reinstate wrestling as an Olympic sport.   The state Senate is poised to do the same.

Former U-S House Speaker Denny Hastert made a special appearance in Springfield for it.  Hastert was a wrestling coach in Yorkville before he went on to Congress.  He says it's important to give young people the opportunity to reach for an Olympic dream. 

Central IL Foodbank Plans Big Move

By Rachel Otwell • May 2, 2013

  The Central Illinois Foodbank collects grocery items and gives them to charitable organizations in over 20 counties. The foodbank will be moving its Springfield location later this year to a new donated facility. Kaleigh Friend with the foodbank recently joined WUIS’ Rachel Otwell for this interview:

CLICK HERE for more information about the Central Illinois Foodbank.

Return the Sick Puppy in the Window

By • May 2, 2013

Consumers who unwittingly buy a diseased animal from a pet store could get their money back under a measure approved by the Illinois Senate. 

 

It's similar to someone who buys a jalopy under false pretenses. But in this case, the "lemon" isn't a car.

It's a puppy. Or a kitten.

Someone who buys a dog or cat could get a refund, exchange their pet for a new one, or seek reimbursement for veterinarians' fees.

But only if the pet came from a pet shop.  That bothers Republican Senator Dale Righter of Mattoon, as those dogs can cost $1,000.

Democratic Leaders Backing Opposing Pension Plans

By • May 2, 2013
Amanda Vinicky

The Illinois House is poised to vote Thursday on an overhaul of the state's pension systems. The plan easily advanced out of a House committee Wednesday morning. But the Senate's working on different method. 

Wednesday began with a widespread feeling that after more than a year of failed attempts to reduce the state's pension debt, House Speaker Michael Madigan's proposal might be it. 

Illinois Senate Approves Gambling Expansion

By • May 1, 2013
Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan)
Illinois Senate

The Illinois Senate has once again approved an expansion of gambling. But it remains to be seen whether Governor Pat Quinn will go along with the plan.

Madigan Pension Overhaul Headed to House Floor

By • May 1, 2013
House Speaker Mike Madigan

The Illinois House is poised to vote Thursday on an overhaul of the state's pension systems. It would reduce state workers', teachers', and university employees' future retirement benefits. The plan easily advanced out of a House committee Wednesday morning. 

There's a feeling in the capitol that after countless attempts to reduce the state's pension debt, this may be it. Insiders say it's significant that the plan's sponsored by House Speaker Michael Madigan — who rarely takes action without having support locked up. 

AFSCME Taking Second Vote On State Contract

By • May 1, 2013
afscme31.org

Illinois’ new deal with the state’s largest public employees union could be null and void.   The union is going to take a second vote on its contract agreement with Governor Pat Quinn’s administration.  Amanda Vinicky reports from the WUIS Statehouse Bureau.

It took 15 months for AFSCME to reach an agreement.   They finally got a deal in late February.

But AFSCME says because a key condition of the settlement has not been met,  it will ask members if they still want to proceed with the new contract.

Sangamon County Employers Have Mixed Outlook

By • Apr 29, 2013

The survey of employers find many have positive expectations for their own firms, but have a negative overall outlook for the coming year.  Ashley Kirzinger, Director of the UIS Survey Research Office, spoke with us about the findings:

The survey is sponsored by the University of Illinois Springfield's Chancellor's Office, the Center for State Policy and Research at UIS and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

SJ-R: Gun Bill To Get Overhaul

By • Apr 29, 2013

A plan to have a form of concealed carry in Illinois is in for changes in the state Senate

Beason Slayings Trial To Begin In Peoria

By Associated Press • Apr 29, 2013
pjstar.com

The trial for the first of two brothers charged in the killing of a Logan County family more than three years ago is scheduled to begin Monday in Peoria.

Christopher Harris and his brother, Jason Harris, have pleaded not guilty to murdering Rick and Ruth Gee in September 2009 at their home in Beason, ten miles east of Lincoln.

16-year-old Justina Constant, 14-year-old Dillen Constant and 11-year-old Austin Gee were also bludgeoned to death with a tire iron.  Three-year-old Tabitha Gee was the only survivor.

Springfield Park District Launches Golf Website

By • Apr 29, 2013
Springfield Park District

Want to play golf at the Springfield Park District courses?  Previously, you had to call to find out tee times.  But a new website will allow you to find and book a tee time online.   Paul Loutzenhiser, the district's head golf professional and Lance Flury, the golf pro at the Pasfield course, talked with WUIS' Sean Crawford about it.  Lance says along with helping golfers get out on the links, it will benefit the park district.

Former Justice Harrison Dead At 81

By • Apr 26, 2013
Deathpenaltyinfo.org

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the death at age 81 of former Chief Justice Moses Harrison.  
Harrison died Thursday at a St. Louis hospital. The cause of death wasn't immediately revealed.  
Harrison began his career on the bench in 1973 as a circuit court judge. He was serving on the 5th District Appellate Court when he was elected to the Supreme Court in 1992. He served as chief justice from 2000 to 2002.

WUIS Spring On-Air Drive Finishes Short

By • Apr 15, 2013
WUIS Spring Drive Progress
Randy Eccles

WUIS program funding is $30,000 short at the completion of the spring on-air drive.

Live at the Suggs: Rhett Barnwell

By • Nov 17, 2011
Rhett Barnwell
Randy Eccles / NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Harpist Rhett Barnwell joined Karl Scroggin to discuss music therapy and the Chiara Center's harp retreat weekend.

Live at the Suggs: Nicolas Kendall

By • Nov 17, 2011
Nicolas Kendall
Randy Eccles / NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Violinist Nicolas Kendall, of the East Coast Chamber Orchestra (ECCO) and Time for Three, peforms at the WUIS Suggs Performance Studio previewing his guest role with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Live at the Suggs: Prairieland Voices

By • Dec 17, 2010
Prairieland Voices
Randy Eccles / NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Marion van der Loo directs this preview performance before their holiday performance this weekend.

Live at the Suggs: Jason Vieaux & Lidia Kaminska

By • Nov 11, 2010
Jason Vieaux & Lidia Kaminska
Randy Eccles / NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

A live performance by Jason Vieaux & Lidia Kaminska on Classics with Karl Scroggin from November 11, 2010.

State Week In Review: Blagojevich Arrested

By , , , & • Dec 12, 2008
State Week logo
Brian Mackey / NPR Illinois

FBI agents arrested Gov. Rod Blagojevich at home this week. He's been charged with a variety of corrupt practices, including attempting to trade President-elect Barack Obama's soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat for something of value.

This I Believe: A Koala Bear

By Lauren Ross • Jan 29, 2007
Lauren Ross in the studio
NPR Illinois

I barely remember yet I remember so vividly, I was on 5 years old. Excited about approaching kindergarten: I couldn't wait to ride the bus, go to the cafeteria, play on the playground and make new friends. I was an unstoppable bundle of energy waiting for my first day of school. Sleep the night before the before the class listing was posted on the school door was impossible. I had shopped for all my supplies and they were ready to occupy my desk on the very first day. However, my life changed drastically and sadly I never arrived on the first official first day of school.

The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, as amended

By • Nov 17, 1967

The complete act that started public media. Subpart D — Corporation for Public Broadcasting Sec. 396. [47 U.S.C. 396] Corporation for Public Broadcasting (a) Congressional declaration of policy The Congress hereby finds and declares that —

President Johnson's Remarks upon Signing the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967

By • Nov 7, 1967

Eight years before WUIS began began broadcasting, the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 initiated consideration in communities and colleges what might be done with public media. "It announces to the world that our Nation wants more than just material wealth; our Nation wants more than a "chicken in every pot." We in America have an appetite for excellence, too. While we work every day to produce new goods and to create new wealth, we want most of all to enrich man's spirit. That is the purpose of this act." President Lyndon Johnson's remarks up signing the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967

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