Programming 2010

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Congressman John Shimkus (R)

From Springfield: we talk with Congressman John Shimkus and hear why he voted against a recent $26 billion bailout for states. He also shares what his constituents are telling him is on their minds as we move toward the November elections.

Recorded August 2010.  Aired the week of August 16, 2010.  15 minutes.

Matthew Beaudet

President of the Illinois Native American Bar Association

From Springfield: we talk with Matthew Beaudet, President of the Illinois Native American Bar Association and hear some of the unique legal issues affecting Native Americans.

Recorded August 2010.  Aired the week of August 16, 2010.  5 minutes.

Special Prosecutor David Ellis:

The Arrest and Impeachment of Former Governor Rod Blagojevich

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: nearly two years after former Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested by federal authorities, we talk in-depth with David Ellis, counsel to House Speaker Michael Madigan, about the sequence of the historic events that led to the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich. We hear how the case against the former governor was organized in the House and Senate when there was no precedent to follow.

Recorded August 11, 2010.  Aired the week of August 16, 2010.  1 hour and 30 minutes.

Debate on Imposing Term Limits on Elected Officials

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From the Union League Club of Chicago: we hear a debate over whether Illinois should impose term limits on elected officials. Former State Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch debates former Chicago Alderman Dick Simpson, who favors term limits. This event was co-sponsored by the Union League Club and the Better Government Association.

Recorded July 2010.  Aired the week of August 9, 2010.  1 hour and 10 minutes.

Juvenile Justice in Cook County:

Angela Greene

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From Chicago: we continue our series examining the issue of Juvenile Justice in Cook County. The world's first Juvenile Justice system began here in 1899. We hear from those who work with children accused of crimes, what leads some children to engage in criminal activity, and about the efforts to stop juveniles from a leading a life of crime. In this segment, we speak with Angela Greene, who works to reduce minority-youth involvement in criminal activity.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of August 9, 2010.  10 minutes.

Connecting with Washington:

The Media and Technology

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From Washington, DC: an encore presentation of our 2006 report on how technology over the decades has continued to change the way the media reports on Congress. We talk with the U.S. Senate Historian and members of the media, and take a look behind the scenes in the U.S. Capitol to see what tools are provided to the media to connect Congress to their home communities.

Recorded March 2006.  Re-aired the week of August 9, 2010.  40 minutes.

GOP Questions the Quinn Administration's Involvement in a Labor Dispute

From Chicago: Senator Kirk Dillard (R) and Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady hold a press conference to raise questions about the Quinn administration taking sides in a labor dispute. The issue concerns a letter sent by Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig to highway contractors.

Recorded July 2010.  Aired the week of August 2, 2010.  5 minutes.

Mayor Richard Daley Speaks to Korean War Veterans

From Chicago: Mayor Richard Daley speaks to a gathering of Korean War Veterans and notes how their service won a peace that has lasted nearly 60 years.

Recorded July 2010.  Aired the week of August 2, 2010.  20 minutes.

Juvenile Justice in Cook County:

Judge Michael Stuttley

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From Chicago: we continue our series examining the issue of Juvenile Justice in Cook County. The world's first Juvenile Justice system began here in 1899. We hear from those who work with children accused of crimes, what leads some children to engage in criminal activity, and about the efforts to stop juveniles from a leading a life of crime. In this segment, we talk with Judge Michael Stuttley of the Cook County Circuit Court's 6th Municipal District.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of August 2, 2010.  15 minutes.

Bill Kurtis: Reflections on 40 Years in Broadcasting

From the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield: an encore presentation of television journalist Bill Kurtis as he discusses his 40 years in television journalism and how the medium has changed.

Recorded March 8, 2006.  Aired the week of August 2, 2010.  1 hour and 30 minutes.

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Patient Care and Fighting the H1N1 Virus

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From Springfield: Dr. Damon Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, talks to a nurses conference about patient care and fighting the H1N1 virus. He then talks with us about the affect of the financial crisis on public health.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 26, 2010.  20 minutes.

Juvenile Justice in Cook County:

Judge Patricia Martin

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From Cook County: we continue our series examining the issue of Juvenile Justice in Cook County. The world's first Juvenile Justice system began here in 1899. We hear from those who work with children accused of crimes, what leads some children to engage in criminal activity, and about the efforts to stop juveniles from a leading a life of crime. In this segment, we hear from the Honorable Patricia Martin about the struggle to keep juvenile offenders from re-offending and what judicial tactics work best to change young lives from following a path of crime.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 26, 2010.  20 minutes.

Marine Sergeant Eddie Wright

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From the Union League Club of Chicago: we hear of a program that takes injured veterans back to where they were injured. We hear from Marine Sergeant Eddie Wright, who lost both hands during combat in Iraq, and why he says it helps to return. We also learn a bit about what life in Iraq is like today.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 26, 2010.  25 minutes.

Building Homes for Wounded Veterans

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From Chicago: we talk with Meredith Iler about a program that builds homes for wounded veterans. We hear who qualifies, and why these homes can help injured veterans lead an independent life.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 26, 2010.  5 minutes.

Illinois' Growing Unfunded Pension Debt

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From Springfield: an encore presentation of our interview with members of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability about the unfunded liabilities of Illinois' pension plans and how these systems came to be so under-funded. This interview was conducted before the state changed the pension benefits for new hires.

Recorded January 12, 2010.  Re-aired the week of July 26, 2010.  35 minutes.

Juvenile Justice in Cook County:

Judge Curtis Heaston

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From Cook County: we continue our series examining the issue of Juvenile Justice in Cook County. The world's first Juvenile Justice system began here in 1899. We hear from those who work with children accused of crimes, what leads some children to engage in criminal activity, and about the efforts to stop juveniles from a leading a life of crime. In this segment, we hear from the Honorable Curtis Heaston, Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County's Juvenile Justice Division.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 19, 2010.  35 minutes.

Juvenile Justice in Cook County:

Judge Curtis Heaston

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Cook County: we continue our series examining the issue of Juvenile Justice in Cook County. The world's first Juvenile Justice system began here in 1899. We hear from those who work with children accused of crimes, what leads some children to engage in criminal activity, and about the efforts to stop juveniles from a leading a life of crime. In this segment, we hear from the Honorable Curtis Heaston, Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County's Juvenile Justice Division.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 19, 2010.  35 minutes.

How County, Municipal, and Township Governments Work Together

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From Across the State: we hear from those who work in local government about how county, municipal, and township governments work together and what the individual responsibilities of each are.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 19, 2010.  20 minutes.

Ameren Illinois' "Act on Energy" Program

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From Peoria: we talk with those working on Ameren Illinois' "Act on Energy" program. We hear how investing in new light bulbs, getting rid of old refrigerators, and having home energy audits can produce significant savings for homeowners and businesses. We begin our report with Stan Ogden, Vice President of Customer Service and Public Relations for Ameren Illinois Utilities.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 19, 2010.  45 minutes.

ABOUT ILLINOIS:

Cache River State Natural Area

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From the Cache River State Natural Area in Belknap, Illinois: we take another look at Southern Illinois' Cache River Basin. As the most northern of the Southern swamps, it is a wildlife sanctuary and home to trees that are over 1000 years old.

Recorded Summer 2006.  Aired the week of July 19, 2010.  20 minutes.

Update on Weatherization Efforts for Illinois' Low-Income Families

From Springfield: members of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies update the results of their efforts to weatherize homes across the state for low-income families.  We will hear the number of homes that were weatherized and who qualifies for this free service that allows homeowners and renters to save on utility costs.

Recorded July 2010.  Aired the week of July 12, 2010.  15 minutes.

Juvenile Justice in Cook County:

Tom Bilyk, Juvenile Prosecutor

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From Cook County: we continue our series examining the issue of Juvenile Justice in Cook County. The world's first Juvenile Justice system began here in 1899. We hear from those who work with children accused of crimes, what leads some children to engage in criminal activity, and about the efforts to stop juveniles from a leading a life of crime. In this segment, we speak with juvenile prosecutor Tom Bilyk and hear what efforts are being made to punish juvenile offenders without having a jail term.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 12, 2010.  25 minutes.

U.S. Senator Barack Obama on Issues in the Middle East

From Chicago: recently, President Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss security in the Middle East. With Iran and Iraq also on the President's agenda, we open our archives to hear what then Senator Obama told our contributing correspondent, Jeff Berkowitz, about these very issues.

Recorded July 22, 2006.  Re-aired the week of July 12, 2010.  10 minutes.

ABOUT ILLINOIS:

The Illinois Artisans Program

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From Whittington, Illinois: in our "About Illinois" series, we hear about the Illinois Artisans Program and visit the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop, one of four run by the state, displaying the varied creations of Illinois artists and craftsmen.

Recorded Summer 2006.  Re-aired the week of July 12, 2010.  10 minutes.

Doris Kearns Goodwin: Historian & Author

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From the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield: an encore presentation of Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin discussing her book "Team of Rivals," which chronicles the political infighting in the Lincoln Administration. Ms. Goodwin also discusses the telling of American history through biographies. Ms. Goodwin is interviewed by State Historian Tom Schwartz.

Recorded February 11, 2006.  Re-aired the week of July 12, 2010.  1 hour.

State Representative Jim Watson (R)

Policies That Led to Illinois' Budget Crisis

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From Springfield: State Representative Jim Watson tells an audience attending a State Universities Annuitants Association meeting about the policies that led to Illinois' Budget crisis. He also offers his views of what needs to change if Illinois' Budget is to return to balance.

Recorded June 2010.  Aired the week of July 5, 2010.  25 minutes.

Juvenile Justice in Cook County:

Mike Rohan, Director of Cook County Juvenile Probation & Court Services

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From Cook County: we begin a series examining the issue of Juvenile Justice in Cook County. The world's first Juvenile Justice system began here in 1899. We hear from those who work with children accused of crimes, what leads some children to engage in criminal activity, and about the efforts to stop juveniles from a leading a life of crime. We begin with Mike Rohan Director of Cook County's Juvenile Justice Probation and Court Services.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of July 5, 2010.  25 minutes.

Tours of Old State Capitol & Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices

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From Springfield: in this encore presentation, we learn how downtown Springfield actually holds two state capitol buildings.  One is the current home of state government, but another building, known as the "Old State Capitol," once housed the entire structure of state government.  It was also in this building that Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas began to develop their ambitions and merge their futures. Just across the street from this building, Abraham Lincoln practiced law for nine years. In this video tour, we hear the history of the buildings and learn of the men and issues that led to Illinois being called, "The Land of Lincoln."

Recorded February 15, 2005.  Re-aired the week of July 5, 2010.  1 hour.

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Benefits & Services for Illinois Veterans and Their Families

From Springfield: our one-on-one conversation with Dan Grant, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. Director Grant is a graduate of West Point and a veteran of the War in Iraq. We hear what his department is doing to improve services for veterans and their families.

Recorded June 3, 2010.  Aired the week of June 28, 2010.  30 minutes.

Four Former Governors' Speak on the Financial Crisis Affecting State Budgets Across the Nation

From Springfield: we talk one-on-one with four former governors and get their thoughts on solving the budget crisis that is affecting states across the nation -- and what a governor can do to control spending.

Recorded June 2010.  Aired the week of June 28, 2010.  20 minutes.

How Higher Education Can Help State Officials Improve State Government Services and Operations

From the State Capitol in Springfield: four former governors talk about their time in office and the role higher education played in helping them improve government services and operations. We hear from Madeline Kunin of Vermont, Bob Taft of Ohio, Jim Edgar of Illinois, and Paris Glendening of Maryland.

Video Courtesy of the UIS Office of Electronic Media

Recorded June 2010.  Aired the week of June 28, 2010.  1 hour & 5 minutes.

Growing Illinois' Alternative Energy Industries

From the Stratton Office Building in Springfield: we talk one-on-one with State Representative Jay Hoffman about his book, Hope from the Heartland: Jobs, Clean Air, Energy Security. We hear his thoughts on Illinois continuing to grow its alternative energy industries, including wind and bio-fuels.

Recorded June 2010.  Aired the week of June 21, 2010.  30 minutes.

The Impeachment Trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich:

Closing Arguments of Prosecutor David Ellis

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: with former governor Rod Blagojevich on trial in Chicago on federal corruption charges, we take another look at his impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate. We begin with the charges brought against Governor Blagojevich by the House prosecutor, David Ellis, as he laid out the charges for Illinois Senators in January 2009.

Recorded January 29, 2009.  Aired the week of June 21, 2010.  40 minutes.

The Impeachment Trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich:

Closing Arguments of Gov. Rod Blagojevich

This program is archived.  Click on the photo to view via video-stream.

From the State Capitol in Springfield: with former governor Rod Blagojevich on trial in Chicago on federal corruption charges, we take another look at his impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate. Here is what Governor Blagojevich said in his defense as he addressed the Illinois Senate, just before they voted unanimously to impeach him.

Recorded January 29, 2009.  Aired the week of June 21, 2010.  45 minutes.

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar (R)

From the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: our one-on-one conversation with former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. As a governor who took over state government when it was deeply in debt and then left the state with over $1 billion in surplus, we hear his thoughts on how to repair the state's economy. We also hear his thoughts on the responsibility of the legislature in causing the current crisis, and how he views the prospects of leading candidates in the November election.

Recorded May 2010.  Aired the week of June 14, 2010.  1 hour.

The Effect of Limiting Spending for Political Messages on Free Speech

From the Union League Club of Chicago: we hear an in-depth discussion on the legal ramifications of the case of Citizens United v. the Federal Elections Commission. This case concerns the Supreme Court ruling on efforts to regulate spending on political messages in elections and whether such regulations violate the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech.

Recorded May 2010.  Aired the week of June 14, 2010.  1 hour.

CAMPAIGN 2010: Rich Whitney (G)

Candidate for Governor

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From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with Green Party candidate for Governor, Rich Whitney. The man who put the Green Party on the ballot in Illinois four years ago tells us his policies and why he thinks he will get even more votes in 2010.

Recorded May 2010.  Aired the week of June 7, 2010.  40 minutes.

Impact of Globalization on the Midwest's Economy

From Millikin University in Decatur: author Richard Longworth tells an audience about the impact of globalization on the Midwest's economy, why change is inevitable, and what should be done to secure good jobs are available in the years ahead.

Recorded May 2010.  Aired the week of June 7, 2010.  45 minutes.

Lincoln's Tomb and Oak Ridge Cemetery

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From Springfield: Oak Ridge Cemetery is hallowed ground, not only as the resting ground for Abraham Lincoln, but for the memorials to the veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.  The number of visitors to the cemetery each year makes Oak Ridge second only to Arlington as the most visited cemetery in the nation. Our cameras take you there to see what visitors see, and what they learn.

Recorded June 27, 2005.  Re-aired the week of June 7, 2010.  35 minutes.

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The State of Illinois' Structural Deficit

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From Springfield: Ralph Martire, Executive Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, explains where Illinois government spends its money and why he says the budget deficit cannot be closed without a tax increase.

Recorded May 2010.  Aired the week of May 17, 2010.  35 minutes.

Deficit in Illinois' Political Leadership

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From Springfield: newspaper columnist Mike Lawrence, who previously worked with Governor Jim Edgar and Senator Paul Simon, says that in addition to its budget deficit, Illinois is also facing a deficit in political leadership.

Recorded May 2010.  Aired the week of May 17, 2010.  45 minutes.

Businessman and Author Steve Kaplan

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From Chicago: we talk one-on-one with businessman turned author Steve Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan tells us how others can learn from what he discovered as he grew his small business into one that was an international leader with sales of over $250 million.

Recorded May 2010.  Aired the week of May 17, 2010.  30 minutes.

New University of Illinois President Michael Hogan

From the University of Illinois at Springfield: we hear from Michael Hogan, who was recently selected as the 18th President of the University of Illinois

Recorded May 2010.  Aired the week of May 17, 2010.  10 minutes.

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R) on Tax Revenues and Restructuring State Operations

From the State Capitol in Springfield: our one-on- one interview with Senator Christine Radogno, Republican leader in the Illinois Senate. Senator Radogno offers her view of how Illinois should balance its budget and whether she would accept a tax increase under any conditions.

Recorded April 30, 2010.  Aired the week of May 10, 2010.  20 minutes.

Impact of Illinois' Tax & Spending Policies on Youth Services and Economic Growth

From Chicago: we talk with former State Representative Kathy Ryg who heads Voices for Illinois Children. She tells us what she sees as the fall-out in state budget cuts and why not raising taxes may carry a heavy political cost to those now in office.

Recorded May 3, 2010.  Aired the week of May 10, 2010.  20 minutes.

House Debate on School Vouchers

From the House Chamber at the State Capitol: we hear debate on an effort to allow school vouchers for Chicago public school students.

Recorded May 5, 2010.  Aired the week of May 10, 2010.  10 minutes.

Modernizing Illinois' Telecommunications Regulations

From the House Chamber at the State Capitol: House members debate a bill to modernize regulations on telecommunications in Illinois.

Recorded May 5, 2010.  Aired the week of May 10, 2010.  10 minutes.

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels (R) "How Indiana Fixed Its Budget Crisis"

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From the Union League Club of Chicago: Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels tells an audience what he did to turn Indiana around from being deeply in debt to having a budget surplus. Republicans across the nation look to Governor Daniels' record as evidence that cutting regulations and making states more pro-business is the best way to balance state budgets.

Recorded May 4, 2010.  Aired the week of May 10, 2010.  1 hour.

CAPITOL INSIGHTS:

State Representative LaShawn Ford (D)

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with State Representative LaShawn Ford about his call for the National Guard to be sent to Chicago neighborhoods to help fight the rise in violent crime.

Recorded April 2010.  Aired the week of May 3, 2010.  10 minutes.

CAPITOL INSIGHTS:

State Representative Mike Bost (R)

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with State Representative Mike Bost about the effort to rewrite regulations of telephone land lines in Illinois.

Recorded April 2010.  Aired the week of May 3, 2010.  5 minutes.

Cuts in State Spending Threaten Addiction Treatment Services

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we hear how the state's effort to cut spending may threaten addiction treatment services and why this may cause the state to spend more money in the long run.

Recorded April 2010.  Aired the week of May 3, 2010.  10 minutes.

Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna

From Springfield: Andy McKenna, the former Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, tells us how he is now working with Democratic State Senator James Meeks to pass a school-voucher pilot program in Chicago.

Recorded April 2010.  Aired the week of May 3, 2010.  5 minutes.

House Committee Hearing on Redistricting

From the State Capitol in Springfield: a House committee hearing on redistricting considers proposals to redraw congressional and legislative districts. The redrawing of political districts occurs every ten years, following the census.

Recorded April 2010.  Aired the week of May 3, 2010.  1 hour and 15 minutes.

Lincoln Scholar Frank Williams

From Springfield: we hear the comments of Lincoln Scholar Frank Williams after he was honored for his contributions to Lincoln's memory.

Recorded February 12, 2010.  Aired the week of May 3, 2010.  10 minutes.

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Save Our State Rally

From the State Capitol in Springfield: the Save Our State rally, one of the largest rallies ever to be held at the State Capitol, is organized by groups demanding higher taxes so the state won't be forced to cut spending. We hear from teacher union representatives, social service workers, and the head of the union representing state workers.

Recorded April 21, 2010.  Aired the week of April 26, 2010.  40 minutes.

Former State Representative Kathy Ryg

Voices for Illinois Children

From the State Capitol in Springfield: former State Representative Kathy Ryg talks with us about the need for funding services for children. As the new President of Voices for Illinois Children, she tells us what challenges the state financial crisis is having on youth services.

For more information on Voices for Illinois Children, click here.

Recorded April 21, 2010.  Aired the week of April 26, 2010.  10 minutes.

CAPITOL INSIGHTS:

Increasing Student Performance Through School Vouchers

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with Collin Hitt of the Illinois Policy Institute and hear why he says school vouchers can increase student performance while controlling costs.

For more information on the Illinois Policy Institute, click here.

Recorded March 2010.  Aired the week of April 26, 2010.  10 minutes.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D)

New Regulations on Financial Institutions

From Springfield: Senator Dick Durbin briefs reporters on congressional efforts to apply new regulations on financial institutions in an effort to stop a repeat in the crisis that nearly caused America's banking system to collapse.

Recorded April 18, 2010.  Aired the week of April 26, 2010.  20 minutes.

2010 House v. Senate Softball Game

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From Springfield: one of the more welcome events in the legislative calendar is the annual House v. Senate softball game. With the Senate having won the last two years, House members were looking to bring the trophy back to their side of the Capitol. Our Special Correspondent is Matt Jones.

Recorded April 21, 2010.  Aired the week of April 26, 2010.  20 minutes.

Illinois' Beer Distribution System

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From Quincy: we offer an encore presentation of our look at Illinois' beer distribution industry, and how a three-tiered system controls the quality and legality of beer sales in Illinois.

Recorded 2009.  Aired the week of April 26, 2010.  20 minutes.

Gov. Pat Quinn (D) Signs Pension Reform Bill Into Law

From the Governor's Office at the State Capitol: Governor Pat Quinn signs the Pension Reform Bill into law. The new law means new state employees will have reduced pension benefits that will allow the state to save billions of dollars over time. We hear from the governor as well as legislative and business leaders.

Recorded April 14, 2010.  Aired the week of April 19, 2010.  35 minutes.

Redrawing Congressional and Legislative Districts

From the State Capitol in Springfield: with the U.S. Census underway, the state is required to redraw congressional and legislative districts to reflect changes population. This Senate committee hearing concerns proposed guidelines that would have established who could be involved in drawing the political boundaries, and how that would happen.

Recorded April 12, 2010.  Aired the week of April 19, 2010.  1 hour and 15 minutes.

Former State Representative Jim Nowlan on Illinois Politics

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with former State Representative Jim Nowlan who once ran as the Republican candidate for Lt. Governor. Mr. Nowlan is now a political scientist at the University of Illinois. We hear about his new book on Illinois politics and get his thoughts on whether Illinois should continue to have an office of Lt. Governor.

Recorded March 16, 2010.  Aired the week of April 19, 2010.  5 minutes.

Economic Effect of Illinois' Fiscal Policies

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From the Union League Club of Chicago: lawmakers, educators, and a representative of the governor's office discuss the state's fiscal policies and the impact they have on the state's economy. Some of the topics discussed include: should taxes be raised?, should the state be borrowing to pay its bills?, and how damaging are the current funding cutbacks to the future?. This forum is moderated by journalist Carol Marin.

Recorded March 30, 2010.  Aired the week of April 12, 2010.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D):

Maintaining High Standards in the Legal Profession

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From Northern Illinois University in DeKalb: Attorney General Lisa Madigan delivers remarks on the need to maintain high standards of professionalism within the legal community.

Recorded March 26, 2010.  Aired the week of April 12, 2010.  35 minutes.

Illinois In-Depth:

Building Illinois' Energy Industries

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: we go in-depth on what the state can do to help create more jobs among Illinois' energy producers. We hear from current energy producers and from the next wave of energy producers: solar, wind and biomass. They tell lawmakers what the state can do to help create more jobs in Illinois.

This program is produced in partnership with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

Recorded March 23, 2010.  Aired the week of April 5, 2010.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth

From the Union League Club of Chicago: David Wilhelm, former chair of the Democratic National Committee and currently a venture capitalist, talks about finding the right mix between government regulation, taxation, and creating the right environment for growing the economy.

Recorded March 30, 2010.  Aired the week of April 5, 2010.  35 minutes.

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Senate Executive Committee Hearing on Pension Reforms

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Illinois senators discuss the pension reform bill that lowers benefits available to new state employees. Our coverage begins with discussion of the bill in the Senate Executive Committee. The bill came to the Committee after it passed in the House.

Click here for bill information.

Recorded March 25, 2010.  Aired the week of March 29, 2010.  45 minutes.

Senate Floor Debate on State Pension Reforms

From Senate Chamber in the State Capitol: we hear debate on Senate Bill 1946, the pension reform bill, which lowers benefits available to new state employees and judges. Debate in the Senate came after the bill passed the House.

Recorded March 24, 2010.  Aired the week of March 29, 2010.  25 minutes.

CAPITOL INSIGHTS:

Ralph Martire, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability about where Illinois spends its money and why the state has such a large budget deficit.

Recorded March 16, 2010.  Aired the week of March 29, 2010.  5 minutes.

Adam Andrzejewski on Forensic Audits

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we hear from former Republican Gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski about his efforts to require the state to undertake a forensic accounting review and why he argues that this could save the state over $1 billion.

Recorded March 25, 2010.  Aired the week of March 29, 2010.  10 minutes.

Questioning Grants to Religious Organizations

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with Rob Sherman, a former legislative candidate and an atheist, who tells us about his efforts to stop state grants in the Capital Bill from going to religious organizations. We also hear about the program that pays citizens for suggestions that save the state money.

Recorded March 25, 2010.  Aired the week of March 29, 2010.  10 minutes.

Representative Jim Watson (R) on Iraqi Democracy

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we hear from State Representative Jim Watson who served in Iraq on projects to strengthen Iraqi democracy. We get his reaction to the recent Iraqi elections and how lessons in Iraq may apply to Afghanistan.

Recorded March 24, 2010.  Aired the week of March 29, 2010.  5 minutes.

Seeking Tax Credits for Historic Rehabilitations

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with supporters behind an effort to pass a tax credit for historic renovations. We hear why they say this will create jobs and restore Illinois' historic legacies.

Recorded March 24, 2010.  Aired the week of March 29, 2010.  10 minutes.

Steve Brown, Press Secretary for House Speaker Michael Madigan:

Selecting a Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with Steve Brown, Press Secretary for House Speaker Michael Madigan, about the process being used to fill the vacant spot of Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor on the Fall ballot. The position was left open after the winner of the February primary, Scott Lee Cohen, resigned from the ticket.

Recorded March 16, 2010.  Aired the week of March 22, 2010.  10 minutes.

Paul Green, Professor of Political Science at Roosevelt University:

Selecting a Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor

From Chicago: our contributing correspondent, Jeff Berkowitz, interviews Roosevelt University Political Science Professor Paul Green and gets his insights into the politics behind the selection of a Democratic candidate for Lt Governor.

Video courtesy of Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz.

Recorded March 14, 2010.  Aired the week of March 22, 2010.  20 minutes.

State Senator James Meeks (D):

Support for School Vouchers in the Chicago Public Schools

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we talk with Senator James Meeks about his support for school vouchers for students attending Chicago Public Schools.

Recorded March 4, 2010.  Aired the week of March 22, 2010.  5 minutes.

Handgun Rights in the City of Chicago

From the State Capitol in Springfield: the National Rifle Association's Illinois representative, Todd Vandermyde, talks about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to consider the case of McDonald v. the City of Chicago, regarding Chicago's efforts to regulate handguns.

Recorded March 2010.  Aired the week of March 22, 2010.  5 minutes.

Drawing Legislative and Congressional Districts

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From Chicago: we hear two approaches on how legislative and congressional districts may be drawn. Panel participants include State Senator Kwame Raoul and a member of the League of Women Voters of lllinois.

This day-long forum was organized by the Midwest Democracy Network, George Mason University, and Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law.

Recorded February 23, 2010.  Aired the week of March 22, 2010.  1 hour & 5 minutes.

Governor Pat Quinn's Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Address

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From the House Chamber in the State Capitol: Governor Pat Quinn delivers his Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Address. The Governor's proposed operating budget is just over $27 billion, but also contains a deficit of $13 billion. We hear what cuts Governor Quinn proposes to lower the budget deficit.

For more information, click here.

Recorded March 10, 2010.  Aired the week of March 15, 2010.  20 minutes.

Sen. Bill Brady (R), Candidate for Governor

Reaction to Governor Quinn's Budget Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we hear reaction to Governor Quinn's Budget Address from his Republican opponent for Governor, Senator Bill Brady.

Recorded March 10, 2010.  Aired the week of March 15, 2010.  10 minutes.

Legislative Reaction to Governor Quinn's Budget Address

From the State Capitol in Springfield: we hear what legislative leaders and others have to say about Governor Quinn's proposed budget.

Recorded March 10, 2010.  Aired the week of March 15, 2010.  1 hour.

Judge Ann Claire Williams

The Character and Leadership of Abraham Lincoln

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From the Illinois State Bar Association's Mid-Year Meeting in Chicago: a speech by Judge Ann Claire Williams on the character and leadership of President Abraham Lincoln.

Recorded December 2009.  Aired the week of March 15, 2010.  25 minutes.

Donation of Krehbiel Artwork to the Illinois Supreme Court

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From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: the grandchildren of Albert Krehbiel, the artist who painted the murals in the Supreme Court building a century ago, donate an original restored painting of his to the Supreme Court.

Recorded March 9, 2010.  Aired the week of March 15, 2010.  5 minutes.

Proposed Revisions to Illinois' Municipal Pension Systems

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From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: state lawmakers join with mayors from across the state to push for legislative changes in pensions for local fire and policemen. With local pensions breaking municipal budgets, the mayors argue the current system is unsustainable and forcing layoffs that undermine public safety.

Recorded March 3, 2010.  Aired the week of March 8, 2010.  15 minutes.

Weatherization Programs Available to Low-Income Families

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An Illinois Channel Special Report: low-income homeowners and renters are eligible for a weatherization program that provides no-cost energy repairs. As federal stimulus funds for Illinois grew from $40 million to $245 million, we see how community action agencies use modern technology to analyze homes for heat loss, who qualifies for this free service, and what is being done to weatherize low-income homes around the state.

Recorded 2010.  Aired the week of March 8, 2010.  45 minutes.

The Process of Redistricting

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From Chicago: with the federal census requiring a redrawing of congressional and legislative districts, we hear from experts on how districts are drawn, who decides where the political boundaries go, and the implications for voters and neighborhoods.

This day-long forum was organized by the Midwest Democracy Network, George Mason University, and Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law.

Recorded February 23, 2010.  Aired the week of March 8, 2010.  55 minutes.

Budget Director David Vaught:

Cuts in Illinois' 2011 State Budget

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: Governor Quinn's Budget Director David Vaught briefs reporters about some details in the 2011 State Budget, which cuts $2 billion in spending from education, social services, and law enforcement.

For more information on the State Budget, click here.

Recorded February 24, 2010.  Aired the week of March 1, 2010.  25 minutes.

Effects of Cutting Funding for Social Services

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: social service providers tell reporters why cutting back on funding social services in the state budget will result in the state spending more money in the long run and result in more jobs being lost in the near term.

Recorded February 24, 2010.  Aired the week of March 1, 2010.  20 minutes.

William Perry

President of Eastern Illinois University

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From Eastern Illinois University in Charleston: we talk one-on-one with Eastern Illinois University President William Perry. We hear how EIU has cut back dramatically on energy costs as they fight to keep excellence in their academic programs.

For more information on EIU, click here.

Recorded February 5, 2010.  Aired the week of March 1, 2010.  30 minutes.

Lincoln Scholar Harold Holzer

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From Springfield: in noting the 201st anniversary of Lincoln's birth, nationally recognized Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer talks about the legacy of Lincoln's leadership. He reviews how leaders in both parties continue to invoke Lincoln's name to support their policies.

This program was organized by the Abraham Lincoln Association.

Recorded February 12, 2010.  Aired the week of March 1, 2010.  40 minutes.

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By the Slimmest of Margins:

Sen. Bill Brady (R) on his Little Campaign that Apparently Could

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: our one-on-one conversation with Senator Bill Brady, who two weeks after the February 2 primary held a lead of just 200 votes over Senator Kirk Dillard in the Republican race for governor. Senator Brady talks about the strategy that led to his lead and his thoughts on the fall election.

For more information on Sen. Brady's campaign, click here.

Recorded February 17, 2010.  Aired the week of February 22, 2010.  10 minutes.

Sen. Kirk Dillard (R) Reflects on his Campaign and What's at Stake in the Fall Election

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Senator Kirk Dillard, Republican candidate for governor, reflects on his apparent loss by just over 200 votes. Senator Dillard also talks about what he thinks should be the issues in the fall election.

For more information on Sen. Dillard's campaign, click here.

Recorded February 16, 2010.  Aired the week of February 22, 2010.  12 minutes.

CAMPAIGN 2010: Sen. Dan Rutherford (R)

Candidate for State Treasurer

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: Senator Dan Rutherford, Republican nominee for State Treasurer, talks about his primary victory, his plans for the office, and how he uses social media tools to keep in touch with voters.

For more information on Sen. Rutherford's campaign, click here.

Recorded February 16, 2010.  Aired the week of February 22, 2010.  15 minutes.

Sen. Kwame Raoul (D) on Changing How We Select Lt. Governors

From the State Capitol in Springfield: Senator Kwame Raoul shares his plans for having voters decide on several constitutional issues in the fall election. He tells us how he would change how Lt. Governors are selected and his attempt to replace Illinois' flat income tax with a progressive tax.

For more information on Sen. Raoul, click here.

Recorded February 16, 2010.  Aired the week of February 22, 2010.  15 minutes.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Change Illinois' Flat Tax System

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From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: Democratic senators discuss their plans to put a constitutional amendment on the fall ballot. If successful, voters would then decide if Illinois should change its income-tax system from a flat tax to one that taxes higher income earners more.

Recorded February 17, 2010.  Aired the week of February 22, 2010.  30 minutes.

Congressman John Shimkus (R) on Voter Anger, the Tea Party Movement, and Federal Spending

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From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with Congressman John Shimkus. He tells us his thoughts on how to create more jobs. He also discusses the rising cost of entitlement spending and its affect on the U.S. budget.

For more information on Congressman Shimkus, click here.

Recorded February 12, 2010.  Aired the week of February 22, 2010.  30 minutes.

State's Slow Payments Place Public Universities in Financial Jeopardy

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From the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago: presidents and chancellors from some of Illinois' 13 public universities discuss the growing financial strain they are experiencing due to the state's delay in paying its bills.

Recorded February 9, 2010.  Aired the week of February 15, 2010.  30 minutes.

Hunting Pork in the State Budget

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From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: members of the Illinois Policy Institute release their 2010 Piglet Book which cites some $350 million in what they say is wasteful state spending.

For more information, click here.

Recorded February 9, 2010.  Aired the week of February 15, 2010.  15 minutes.

CAMPAIGN 2010: Alexi Giannoulias (D)

Candidate for U.S. Senate and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

From Springfield: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, take reporters' questions on campaign issues. They also discuss the failure of the Democratic party and the media to properly vet candidates seeking elected office.

For more information on Alexi Giannoulias, click here.

For more information on Senator Dick Durbin, click here.

Recorded February 2010.  Aired the week of February 15, 2010.  20 minutes.

Proposal to Eliminate the Office of Lt. Governor

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: we hear from Representative Jack Franks as he tells reporters about his proposal to have Illinois eliminate the position of Lt. Governor from the state constitution.

Recorded February 11, 2010.  Aired the week of February 15, 2010.  10 minutes.

Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley on Improving Illinois' Business Climate

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From Chicago: our one-on-one interview with Doug Whitley, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Whitley talks about what Illinois needs to do to create a better business climate and how working with the state to create more jobs has changed since Governor Quinn came into office.

For more information, click here.

Recorded January 2010.  Aired the week of February 15, 2010.  40 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court Rules Limits on Medical Malpractice Awards Unconstitutional

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From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: members of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, along with a victim of medical malpractice, meet with reporters in the wake of the Illinois Supreme Court decision that overturned a law that placed limits on damages in medical malpractice cases. This law had limited non-economic damages to $500,000 for doctors and $1,000,000 for hospitals.

Video Courtesy of BlueRoomStream.com.

Recorded February 4, 2010.  Aired the week of February 8, 2010.  30 minutes.

Post-Primary Election Analysis

From the Union League Club of Chicago: a panel of Chicago journalists review the primary election results and what they may mean for the Republican and Democratic parties in the fall election.

Recorded February 4, 2010.  Aired the week of February 8, 2010.  1 hour.

Al Goldfarb

President, Western Illinois University

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From Western Illinois University in Macomb: a conversation with Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb. We hear what effect the state's financial crisis is having on WIU and what President Goldfarb thinks of the role higher education is playing in rebuilding the Illinois economy.

For more information on Western Illinois University, click here.

Recorded January 20, 2010.  Aired the week of February 8, 2010.  30 minutes.

Limiting Financial Contributions of Legislative Leaders to Candidates

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: House Republican Leader Tom Cross briefs reporters on proposed legislation that would limit the financial support legislative leaders can give to candidates. The proposal would also limit how much state parties can give in support of candidates for the legislature, the judiciary, or the executive branch.

Recorded January 26, 2010.  Aired the week of February 1, 2010.  20 minutes.

Illinois' Growing Unfunded Pension Debt

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From Springfield: we talk with members of the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to learn the extent of Illinois' growing unfunded pension obligations and how that impacts efforts to balance the budget.

For more information, click here.

Recorded January 12, 2010.  Aired the week of February 1, 2010.  35 minutes.

Illinois Supreme Court:

People State of Illinois v. Eric Hanson

From the State Supreme Court in Springfield: justices hear arguments in the case of People State of Illinois v. Eric Hanson, which concerns an appeal effort for a man convicted of murdering four members of his family in 2005.

Recorded January 12, 2010.  Aired the week of February 1, 2010.  1 hour.

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CAMPAIGN 2010: Andy McKenna (R)

Candidate for Governor

From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with Andy McKenna, Republican candidate for governor. Mr. McKenna is the former Chair of the Illinois Republican Party.

For more information, click here.

Recorded January 20, 2010.  Aired the week of January 25, 2010.  35 minutes.

CAMPAIGN 2010: Debate Between

Republican Candidates for Lt. Governor

From Springfield: Republican candidates for Lt. Governor debate at a forum hosted by the Illinois Republican Party.

Recorded January 7, 2010.  Aired the week of January 25, 2010.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

2010 State of the State Address

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From the House Chamber at the State Capitol in Springfield: Governor Pat Quinn delivers his State of the State Address. This speech comes as Illinois faces a budget deficit of approximately $12 billion, which is more than 42% of the state's $28 billion operating budget.

For more information, click here.

Recorded January 13, 2010.  Aired the week of January 18, 2010.  1 hour & 20 minutes.

Reaction to Governor Quinn's State of the State Address

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From the State Capitol in Springfield: we hear reaction from lawmakers to the Governor's State of the State Address, including several Republican Gubernatorial candidates and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno.

Recorded January 13, 2010.  Aired the week of January 18, 2010.  15 minutes.

Learning to Avoid Real Estate Foreclosure

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From Springfield: our one-on-one interview with John O'Brien, President of the Illinois State Bar Association and Founder & Chairman of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. Mr. O'Brien, whose law practice includes dealing with real estate foreclosure, talks with us about what steps individuals should take if they are in trouble with paying their mortgage.

For more information on the Illinois State Bar Association, click here.

For more information on the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, click here.

Recorded December 3, 2009.  Aired the week of January 18, 2010.  15 minutes.

Reforming the State of Illinois

From Chicago: our contributing correspondent, Jeff Berkowitz, interviews Patrick Collins, who chaired the Illinois Reform Commission. This commission recommended reforms to improve Illinois government and ethics. Mr. Collins, who was also the lead prosecutor in the trial against former Governor George Ryan, talks about the need for reform and his reaction to the ethics bill passed by the legislature during the Spring 2009 session.

For more information on the Illinois Reform Commission, click here.

This program is courtesy of Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz.

Recorded December 6, 2009.  Aired the week of January 11, 2010.  30 minutes.

Adding the "Putback Amendment" to November's Ballot

From the Press Briefing Room at the State Capitol: John Bambenek, author of a constitutional amendment to reform the legislative process, explains what the so-called "putback amendment" would do and his efforts to get the amendment on the November ballot. He is joined by gubernatorial candidates Adam Andrzejewski and Randy Stufflebeam.

For more information on the Putback Amendment, click here.

Recorded December 14, 2009.  Aired the week of January 11, 2010.  15 minutes.

Fighting for Civil Rights in the Law Profession

From the Illinois State Bar Association's Midyear Meeting in Chicago: a panel of attorneys known for fighting for civil rights discuss their experiences of working to stop the sex trade and racial discrimination, as well as supporting gay rights and putting an end to the death penalty.

For more information on the Illinois State Bar Association's Midyear Meeting, click here.

Recorded December 10, 2009.  Aired the week of January 11, 2010.  1 hour & 10 minutes.

CAMPAIGN 2010: Bob Schillerstrom (R)

Candidate for Governor

From Chicago: DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, Republican candidate for Governor, talks about how he would balance the state budget without tax increases as well as his approach to fixing the state's unfunded pension system.

For more information, click here.

Recorded December 11, 2009.  Aired the week of January 4, 2010.  35 minutes.

CAMPAIGN 2010:

Democratic Candidates for U.S. Senate Debate

From the Union League Club of Chicago: the Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate - Alexi Giannoulias, David Hoffman, Cheryle Jackson, and Jacob Meister - respond to questions posed on a series of issues including healthcare, ethics, and the Middle East.

Recorded December 16, 2009.  Aired the week of January 4, 2010.  1 hour & 15 minutes.

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