In-depth reporting by Illinois Public Media News
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Gery Chico Assesses Education in Illinois
Story air date: Monday, May 21, 2012
The chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education visited Urbana Middle School on Monday, May 21 to urge lawmakers to preserve funding for education. Gery Chico worries more education dollars could be stripped away if the Illinois House votes down Governor Pat Quinn’s proposal to cut $2.7 billion in Medicaid funding. Since being appointed to the chairmanship last year, Chico has been working alongside State Schools Superintendent Christopher Koch to provide education for less money. Chico talks with Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers about some of the changes coming to the state’s schools.
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education • government • Illinois • people • politicsCulture a Key to Healthier Immigrant Communities
Story air date: Monday, May 21, 2012
The obesity epidemic in this country is running rampant, and it’s hitting Latinos especially hard. We continue our series on efforts in the region to increase health and wellness. Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers explores an effort at the University of Illinois that encourages Latinos to make cultural changes to stay healthy.
(Photo by Sean Powers/WILL)
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arts and culture • music • culture • health • peopleGambling Expansion, Pro and Con
Story air date: Wednesday, May 16, 2012
A bill authorizing new casinos and other expansions of gambling has been filed in the Illinois General Assembly --- and backers say the House could vote on it as soon as this week.
Like last year’s version, the bill would license new casinos, including one in Danville, and it would allow race tracks to install slot machines --- something Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn firmly opposes.
Illinois Public Media’s Jim Meadows spoke with advocates on both sides of the issue.
Former Illinois House member Bill Black of Danville supports the bill, and he is lobbying for it as chairman of the Illinois Revenue and Jobs Alliance. Black said the gambling bill won’t pass without the portion allowing slot machines at race tracks.
Anita Bedell, who is the executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems (ILCAAAP), opposes gambling expansion. Bedell said the social cost of gambling outweighs its potential for tax revenue.
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Former Illinois House member Bill Black of Danville supports the bill:
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ILCAAAP's Anita Bedell opposes gambling expansion:
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business • economy • government • IllinoisUrbana Schools Expand Nutrition Education
Story air date: Sunday, May 13, 2012
Snack time in elementary school may have once been a break from the day’s lesson, but now it’s part of it in the Urbana School District. Several elementary schools have adopted more nutrition education thanks to an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Schools are chosen for the program based on the number of students eligible for free and reduced lunches. Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers explains as part of our series on efforts in the region to increase health and wellness.
(Photo by Sean Powers/WILL)
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education • healthChampaign, Urbana Chiefs Weigh in on Community Policing
Story air date: Friday, May 11, 2012
From neighborhood watch programs to relationships with churches and businesses, Champaign-Urbana’s two police chiefs say community policing is an essential part of their operation.
Following a forum on the topic Thursday night, Illinois Public Media’s Jeff Bossert talked with Urbana Chief Patrick Connolly and Champaign Chief Anthony Cobb on the strengths and weaknesses of their community ties.
