Author Archives: WUIS - Your Source for News
My Farm Roots – Lessons From The Farm Crisis
My Farm Roots, a series from WUIS and Harvest Public Media, tells Americans’ stories and memories of rural life. Because when you hail from farm country, roots run deep. Times are good on the farm right now, but that hasn’t … Continue reading
American Cancer Society Seeks Illinoisans For New Cancer Study
The American Cancer Society says a new national study could be a “gamechanger” in fighting the disease. Springfield resident Lisa Hopper says she’s lost her father, an uncle, and one of her best friends to cancer. She says she signed … Continue reading
Concealed Carry Permits And Gun Range Training
Illinois lawmakers have approved legislation to legalize and regulate the carrying of concealed handguns. Governor Pat Quinn’s office says he’s now “carefully reviewing” the measure. Advocates on both sides of the gun debate say a provision requiring hands-on training is … Continue reading
Madigan To Attend Pension Meeting Monday
Gov. Pat Quinn says he has spoken with House Speaker Michael Madigan and they plan to sit down Monday to discuss how to fix Illinois’ $97 billion pension crisis. Quinn has been trying to meet with Madigan and Senate President … Continue reading
More Of Lincoln’s Math Homework Discovered
Researchers at Illinois State University say they’ve authenticated two new pages to add to the math notebook believed to be the oldest surviving document written by Abraham Lincoln. Math professors Nerida Ellerton and Ken Clements on Friday said the two … Continue reading
SOHO Showcases Local Music In Downtown Springfield This Weekend
SOHO is in its 9th year of highlighting local bands with a downtown street festival. The festival begins tonight (Fri. 6/7) and goes through Saturday. There will be food and alcoholic beverages on site as well as a kids area … Continue reading
Gov. Quinn Calls Lawmakers Back To Springfield For Special Session
Lawmakers will be back in Springfield on June 19 after Gov. Pat Quinn announced a special session of the state legislature on Thursday. Chris Slaby reports on what insiders believe is needed to reach a deal. Brooke Anderson, Quinn’s spokesperson, said … Continue reading
Agriculture Pushes For ‘Right To Farm’
Individual state constitutions across the nation spell out a host of guaranteed rights for their citizens. For example, same sex marriage or collective bargaining. But what about the right to farm? From the WUIS Harvest Desk, Bill Wheelhouse reports on … Continue reading
Marshall Crenshaw + Bottle Rockets Play Springfield Friday
Michigan native Marshall Crenshaw hasn’t stopped playing music since he rose to fame in the 1980s. It’s been a career that spans just over 30 years – he’s also been an author, actor, radio host, and music producer. He played Buddy Holly … Continue reading
Plan To Criminalize Videotaped Attacks Heads To Governor
Violent criminals in Illinois who post recordings of their crimes online could start spending more time in prison. A measure is on its way to the governor’s desk after lawmakers approved it. Representative Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, said the measure comes … Continue reading
Republican Rauner To Run For Governor
Republican venture capitalist Bruce Rauner says he’s running for Illinois governor in 2014. In a video posted on his website, Rauner says Illinois is in a financial mess. He says the state needs a political outsider to fix things. Rauner … Continue reading
Local Band ‘The Old Fashioneds’ Serve Up Roots Music
Country music seems to be a genre that’s either loved or hated. But even country-lovers don’t always agree on which type is the best. Country roots music is bit of an umbrella label, including honky-tonk, folk, and rockabilly. It’s gained … Continue reading
Harold: “Didn’t Just Search” For Congressional Bid
A former Miss America says she has “no complaints” over the selection process last year that cost her a shot at Congress. This, after the Republican announced she will challenge last year’s G-O-P nominee, and eventual election winner, in a … Continue reading
Illinois Receives Concealed Carry Deadline Extension
Illinois residents waiting for the right to carry a concealed weapon in public will likely to have to wait a bit longer. A federal court ruled last year Illinois had until June 9 to finalize a concealed carry plan. Lawmakers … Continue reading
Lawmakers Talk Pros, Cons On Veteran Legislation
At least two-dozen pieces of veteran-related legislation were introduced in the Illinois legislature this past session. While some lawmakers say the state should do anything it can to help veterans, others say there are limits on how far to go. … Continue reading
Former Miss America Plans Central IL Congressional Bid
A 33-year-old former Miss America says she plans to challenge first-term U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis in the 2014 Republican primary. Erika Harold announced her campaign Tuesday at Urbana High School. She grew up the Illinois city and recently moved back … Continue reading
WUIS / SJ-R Business Report: June 4, 2013
On this week’s business report, Tim Landis tells us about Chatham’s effort to reach the 12,000 population mark, an interactive exhibit at the former Museum of Surveying attracts interest and legislation on the governor’s desk would allow drivers to show … Continue reading
After No Pension Deal, Fitch Lowers Illinois’ Credit Rating
Illinois’ credit rating has suffered another downgrade. It follows the General Assembly’s adjournment Friday without any agreement on what to do about the state’s pension systems. A string of previous downgrades already left Illinois with the lowest bond rating in … Continue reading
Children Sexual Abuse Measure Heads To Governor’s Desk
Victims of sexual abuse in Illinois have a limited amount of time in which to file charges. But a proposal on its way to the governor would back some of those limits. Tiffany Denmark of Chicago said she was sexually … Continue reading
Rutherford Vows He’d Live In Governor’s Mansion
The first candidate to formally announce he’s running for governor of Illinois has vowed to live in the Executive Mansion in Springfield. The refusal of recent governors to move to Springfield has become a sore spot with permanent residents of … Continue reading
Rutherford: Permanent Tax Hike ‘On The Table’
Monday is day two of state Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s three-day tour of Illinois. He’s meeting with supporters to say he’s officially running for governor. Rutherford has been laying the groundwork to run for years, making the formal announcement one of … Continue reading
Lecture Series In Barry Begins This Week
A series of public lectures in west central Illinois begins tomorrow night at the Kinderhook Lodge in Barry. The series will discuss the Underground Railroad, Civil War military service, emancipation and safe havens, like the nearby historic town of New … Continue reading
Same Sex Marriage Sponsor Faces Backlash
The sponsor of same sex marriage legislation is facing a backlash for not calling it for a vote before the General Assembly adjourned on Friday. Gay rights activists praised Rep. Greg Harris in 2011 for helping pass Illinois’ civil unions … Continue reading
Illinois GOP Names Jack Dorgan State Chairman
As a divided Illinois Republican Party heads into another election cycle next year, it will have a new chairman. Jack Dorgan of Rosemont was picked during a private vote of the state central committee in Springfield Saturday. The 53 year … Continue reading
Concealed Carry Goes To Governor’s Desk
The Illinois Legislature has approved a gun measure that would end the last statewide ban in the nation on the concealed possession of a firearm in public. The 89-28 vote Friday in the Illinois House sealed a compromise that was … Continue reading
For Whom The Bells Toll: 52nd International Carillon Festival
Carillonneur Robin Austin calls Thomas Rees one of his “great heroes”. Last fall the Springfield Park District chose Austin to succeed Karel Keldermans, who played the 67-bell instrument dedicated to Thomas Rees for 35 years. This week Robin Austin follows … Continue reading
Harris Found Guilty Of Beason Murders
A jury has found a 34-year-old man guilty of first-degree murder in the beating deaths of five of his ex-wife’s relatives in central Illinois. The verdict in the trial of Christopher Harris was announced Friday. In sometimes tearful testimony, Harris … Continue reading
The Clock Ticks Both Ways: A Long To Do List On Legislature’s Final Day
Illinois has the worst funded pension system in the nation … and lawmakers have until today to do something about it. The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn by midnight. After that, it requires extra votes to get legislation to … Continue reading
Fracking Bill On To Illinois Senate After Clearing House
It’s been three months since business and environmental groups announced an agreement to regulate hydraulic fracturing, the controversial oil and gas extraction process. As Chris Slaby reports, the Illinois House finally voted to approve those regulations Thursday night. Advocates pointed … Continue reading
Pension Standoff Remains Heading Into Last Day Of Session
The Illinois Senate overwhelmingly rejected legislation on Thursday that would curtail government employees’ and teachers’ retirement benefits. It raises the question of whether lawmakers will do anything to address Illinois’ indebted retirement systems before they adjourn Friday night. The pension-cutting … Continue reading
Rutherford To Seek Governor’s Office
State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says he’ll announce this weekend that he’s seeking the Republican nomination for Illinois governor. He told The Associated Press on Thursday that he’ll make it official Sunday. That’s when he launches a three-day tour with stops … Continue reading
Higher Ed Pension Shift Materializing
Details on a proposal to make Illinois’ public institutions of higher education start picking up retirement costs are materializing. Rep. Elaine Nekritz filed legislation Thursday outlining that state universities and community colleges would begin paying a half of 1 percent … Continue reading
Emily Dickinson’s Poetry And Persona Come To Area Stages
The famed poet Emily Dickinson dedicated herself to documenting the joys and sorrows of life during the 1800s. This month actor Sherri Mitchell brings Dickinson’s life and work to the stage in Springfield and Jacksonville. Mitchell joined Peter Gray on … Continue reading
Interview: Donna Moore, Springfield School Board Member
We’ve brought you interviews with new Springfield school board members over the past couple days. Today we speak with Donna Moore about her background and goals for district 186. Rachel Otwell brings us this interview: CLICK HERE to hear an … Continue reading
Pension Solution Continues To Elude Legislators
A solution for dealing with Illinois’ 100 billion dollars of pension debt continues to elude legislators, even as the spring session rapidly approaches its end. The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn Friday. Lawmakers have taken votes to deal with … Continue reading
