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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

Film critic Roger Ebert, right, holds the hand of his wife, Chaz, at the Overlooked Film Festival in 2007 in Champaign, Ill.

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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Hospital Offers Employees Incentives to Stay Healthy

Story air date: Monday, April 23, 2012

Carle Spokesman Sean Williams works out on the treadmill in his department.

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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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

Champaign resident Heini Halberstam left Czechoslovakia for London on the Kindertransport.

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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Champaign Middle School Adds Exercise Machines

Story air date: Monday, April 16, 2012

A student at Jefferson Middle School sits on one of the aerobic balls at Jefferson Middle School. in Champaign, Ill.

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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Champaign County Schools Adopt Anti-Obesity Initiative

Story air date: Monday, April 09, 2012

Elizabeth Well is a second grade teacher at Carrie Busey. She talks to her class about fiber.

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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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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Story categories: economyenergygovernmentelectionsUnited Stateshealth carepeoplepolitics

Unit 4 Tries to Stay Ahead of Nutrition Standards

Story air date: Monday, April 02, 2012

Billie Kelly runs the cash register at Edison Middle School during the lunch period.

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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