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Illinois Public Media News Headlines:
Quinn to Abolish Controversial Scholarship Program
Urbana Council Approves Hike in Gas Tax
Flatlander Donates Money Raised for Cooking Classes
Ill. Board of Education Chair Worries About Funding
Quinn Dismisses Gambling as ‘Shiny’ Distraction
Ill Lawmakers Vote to End Legislative Scholarships
GOP Candidate Davis Prepares for Campaign Trail
High Court Won’t Hear Ill. Redistricting Challenge
All Illinois Public Media News Headlines
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C-U's Native Son is Back For 14th Annual Film Festival
Story air date: Tuesday, April 24, 2012

What started with a one-time screening of a sci-fi classic in Champaign has become an annual tradition featuring beloved, but overlooked films as gauged by one of this area’s native sons.
Illinois Public Media’s Jeff Bossert previews the 14th annual Ebertfest.
(AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
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Jeff Bossert's recent interview with Roger Ebert:
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Jeff's interview with Jeffrey Lerner, who produced Ebert's 2001 DVD commentary for "Citizen Kane":
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- Roger Ebert on "Keepin' The Faith" on April 18, 1999
- Roger Ebert on "Media Matters" on April 13, 2003
- Ebertfest website
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Hospital Offers Employees Incentives to Stay Healthy
Story air date: Monday, April 23, 2012

A growing number of companies across the country have started encouraging employees to stay healthy by offering financial incentives. Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, which is one of the largest employers in the area, is pushing for a healthier workforce through its Charge Rewards Program. Illinois Public Media's Sean Powers reports on how it works.
(Photo by Sean Powers/WILL)
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Story categories: business • health • health care
Money Smart Week Expands in East Central Illinois
Story air date: Saturday, April 21, 2012
Ten years ago, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago started partnering with local communities to provide free financial advice over a week’s time.
More recently, ‘Money Smart Week’ has been part of financial institutions and businesses in East Central Illinois. Illinois Public Media’s Jeff Bossert spoke about Money Smart Week with University of Illinois Extension educator Kathy Sweedler and Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance attorney John Roska:
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Champaign Resident Remembers Kindertransport
Story air date: Thursday, April 19, 2012

One of the lesser known stories about the Holocaust is what is known as the Kindertransport – rescue missions that brought thousands of mostly Jewish children from Nazi-controlled territories in the months leading up to World War II. One of those children was Champaign resident, Heini Halberstam. He was born in Czechoslovakia, and separated from his mother during the Nazi occupation. He believes she died in a labor camp. Halberstam said that changed his life forever. He tells Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers about his experiences on the Kindertransport.
(Photo by Sean Powers/WILL)
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Story categories: history • people
Champaign Middle School Adds Exercise Machines
Story air date: Monday, April 16, 2012

Research at the University of Illinois suggests physical activity can boost cognitive health. To test that theory, Jefferson Middle School in Champaign recently added exercise equipment for its students. Illinois Public Media's Sean Powers reports.
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Story categories: education • Champaign Unit 4 • health • health care
Champaign County Schools Adopt Anti-Obesity Initiative
Story air date: Monday, April 09, 2012
Several schools in Champaign County have adopted a nationwide anti-obesity initiative. As part of our series on efforts in the region to increase health and wellness, Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers reports on how Carrie Busey Elementary School has incorporated nutrition into its curriculum.
(Photo by Sean Powers/WILL)
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Story categories: education • Champaign Unit 4 • health
US Rep. Shimkus Talks about Health Care, Energy
Story air date: Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) is running for re-election in the re-drawn 15th Congressional District, which includes parts of Champaign County, and all of Vermilion, Douglas, Edgar, Coles and Moultrie Counties.
Last week, Shimkus sat in on the U.S. Supreme Court’s final day of hearings about the federal health care law. He told Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers that there are parts of the law he supports, but he said requiring people to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty goes a step too far.
He also discussed a bill he has introduced that would protect retailers, engine manufacturers, and fuel producers from lawsuits related to E15, a new fuel combination that is made up of 15-percent ethanol. And Shimkus looks ahead to the November general election.
(Photo by Sean Powers/WILL)
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- More on Congressman John Shimkus
- US Rep. Shimkus’ Bill Would Prevent E15 Lawsuits (Related)
- US Rep. Shimkus Meets with Champaign County Chamber of Commerce (Related)
Story categories: economy • energy • government • elections • United States • health care • people • politics
Unit 4 Tries to Stay Ahead of Nutrition Standards
Story air date: Monday, April 02, 2012

The U.S. Department of Agriculture this year unveiled new nutrition standards for school meals. It’s the first major nutritional overhaul of its kind in more than 15 years. As part of our series on efforts in the region to increase health and wellness, Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers reports on how the Champaign School District is trying to stay ahead of new federal regulations taking affect this year and beyond.
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Story categories: education • Champaign Unit 4 • health









