News

Jane the Dinosaur

By Susan Stephens

Rockford, IL – Rockford's very own dinosaur has been unveiled: "Jane" is standing on her own two fossilized feet for the first time in 66-million years. The Burpee Museum of Natural History is opening its permanent exhibit about the dinosaur that was unearthed in Montana by museum volunteers. The exhibit answers the question paleontologists have debated for the past few years: "just what IS Jane, anyway?" WNIJ's Susan Stephens reports.

Sufjan Stevens interview

By Susan Stephens

DeKalb, IL – A New York-based singer/songwriter takes on the Blackhawk War, Carl Sandburg, and unemployment in Rockford. Sufjan Stevens' new album is "Come on, Feel the Illinoise." It's the Detroit native's follow-up to his album all about his home state. WNIJ's Susan Stephens spoke with Sufjan Stevens about llinois and his plan to record an album about each of the fifty states.

Saving prairie bush-clover

By Guy Stephens

South Beloit, IL – In northern Winnebago County, a group of people are ripping up the prairie in hopes of preserving a rare plant. WNIJ's Guy Stephens reports:

State to skip pension payments

By Dan Klefstad

DeKalb, IL – Illinois lawmakers passed a budget that balances itself by skipping payments to the state's pension systems. WNIJ's Dan Klefstad talks with State Representative Bob Pritchard (R-70) about the bill on its way to the Governor's desk.

A solution for excess train noise?

By Chris Lehman

DeKalb, IL – The sound of a train blowing its horn is an unavoidable part of life in many towns. Now, the City of DeKalb is taking steps to make trains a little less intrusive on the lives of people who live near the tracks. WNIJ's Chris Lehman reports...

Local company finds way to compete globally

By Dan Klefstad

Rockford, IL – As part of Think Global, our 2005 public radio collaboration, WNIJ's Dan Klefstad talks with the president of Eclipse Inc., a Rockford manufacturer that has found a way to compete in the global marketplace.

The Middle of Everywhere - Think Global 2005

By Staff report

DeKalb, IL – WNIJ and the 2005 Public Radio Collaboration, a coalition of public radio stations and producers across the country, seek to reveal the often-hidden connections between us, our communities and the rest of the world.

DeKalb's homeless shelter faces a deficit

By Dan Klefstad

DeKalb, IL – Government cutbacks have caused severe financial problems at DeKalb County's only homeless shelter. As a result, Hope Haven has decided to hold a fundraiser.

Rockford bus options limited

By Chris Lehman

Rockford, IL – A new study claims the Rockford area needs more flexibility in transit options for low-wage workers. WNIJ's Chris Lehman reports...

Rockford goes to Washington

By Chris Lehman

Washington, D.C. – Rockford went to Washington Tuesday. A chartered 737 flew from Rockford to the nation's capital and back for a one-day lobbying blitz. WNIJ's Chris Lehman bought a ticket and flew along.

Flood Inspires Artistic Collaboration

By Chris Lehman

Freeport, IL – The Mississippi River flood of 1993 was one of the worst natural disasters ever for many Midwest communities. A new musical collaboration by three Freeport area artists commemorates the catastrophe and the impact it had on millions of peoples' lives. The work, called "A Gathering of Waters", will premiere this Friday evening, April 22, in Freeport. WNIJ's Chris Lehman reports...

Bobby McFerrin, jazz artist AND classical conductor

By Guy Stephens

Rockford, – Bobby McFerrin is known as an innovative and versatile jazz artist. He appears with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Tuesday night. But he won't just be doing his trademark vocalizations. He conducts the RSO in a program of classical music. He spoke with WNIJ's Guy Stephens.

Bluesman goes green for Earth Day

By Carl Nelson

DeKalb, IL – Singer-guitarist Tab Benoit has been an exponent of the music of his native Louisiana. Now he's drawing attention to the disappearing wetlands, and how this is threatening the culture that gave birth to the music.

Chicago Gospel Diva Nominated for Blues Awards

By Dan Klefstad

DeKalb, IL – Chicago gospel singer Mavis Staples is nominated four W.C. Handy Awards. The W.C. Handy Awards are the most prestigious awards in the blues. Staples is the daughter of the late Roebuck "Pops" Staples, leader of the Staple Singers. Just before Easter, 2002, Mavis Staples came into the WNIJ studios for an on-air interview during the Saturday Blues. She talked about her father's influence on her music, and her longtime friendship with singer Mahalia Jackson.

Illinois United to Protect Social Security

By Guy Stephens

Aurora, IL – On Wednesday (March 16th) representatives of national, state and local advocacy groups gathered outside the Aurora offices of the Social Security Administration to announce their participation in a campaign to defeat President Bush's plans to privatize Social Security. WNIJ's Guy Stephens was there:

NIU Top Cop has Advice for Rebuilding Iraq's Police

By Dan Klefstad

DeKalb, IL – Iraq's newly-elected officials will soon begin writing laws. Enforcing those laws will be the job of Iraq's police. But Iraq's cops face the challenge of protecting the community during an insurgency that's been made worse by ethnic and religious differences.
So what kind of police force is the best for the job? Northern Illinois University's police chief helped rebuild Bosnia's police force. In a conversation with WNIJ's Dan Klefstad, Don Grady offers advice on building a multi-ethnic and multi-religious police force.

Survey Shows Support for Gay Marriage

By Chris Lehman

DeKalb, IL – Nearly two-thirds of Illinoians support some form of legal recognition of gay and lesbian relationships. That's according to a survey soon to be released by NIU's Center for Governmental Studies. WNIJ's Chris Lehman reports...

Mapping the Future of Wind Power

By Chris Lehman

DeKalb, IL – Illinois is poised to become the leader in wind power production in the midwest. That's according to a report from the Environmental Law and Policy Center of Chicago. WNIJ's Chris Lehman reports...

Hooters Air Wings its Way to Rockford

By Chris Lehman

Rockford – Hooters Air is now offering non-stop flights to Denver, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. But the name "Hooters Air" evokes a different image than more traditional airlines such as United or American. WNIJ's Chris Lehman rode along on the first Hooters Air flight to Denver to see what it's like to fly on an airline that takes pride in being tacky.

I-Pass Survey Yields Surprising Results

By Chris Lehman

DeKalb, IL – A new survey by NIU's Center for Governmental Studies shows the increase in tolls on the Illinois Tollway isn't very popular. What's surprising is that drivers using I-PASS aren't too fond of the two-tiered toll system either, even though their tolls aren't going up under the plan.

Remembering Dr. King (commentary)

By Jane McAfee

Rockford, IL – In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, former Rockford YWCA executive director Jane McAfee takes us back to 1963: that's when she and colleagues from the National YWCA took part in the March on Washington. They were near the stage when Dr. King delivered his most famous speech.

Long Distance Ride Short of Mileage and Funding.

By Simone Orendain

Chicago, IL – In July, a long-distance cyclist from Chicago set out on a nine-month, 25-thousand mile adventure across three continents. Stephan Wanger wanted to pedal for charity and expected to raise two-and-a-half million dollars. Then in early November, with little money raised, few corporate sponsorships and very low finances, the one-time marketing specialist had to cut the trip short.

New Year Brings New Hybrid Cop Car at NIU

By Simone Orendain

DeKalb, IL – Northern Illinois University's fleet of eight hybrid cars will get bigger beginning in January. When the transportation department placed its first order two years ago, one of those cars went to N-I-U police. That car passed its test period this summer. And now the police department is looking forward to getting a second hybrid car next month. WNIJ's Simone Orendain reports.

Cancer Treatment Center Re-opens

Batavia, IL – Northern Illinois University and Fermilab are set to re-open a cancer treatment center in January. The procedure is called "neutron therapy" and has been used to treat thousands of people in the past 30 years.

U.S. Wants Information on All College Students

By Dan Klefstad

DeKalb, IL – The Education Department wants to track every student moving through the U.S. higher education system. WNIJ's Dan Klefstad talks with NIU Registrar Don Larson about how the change would affect students, and Northern Illinois University.

Bilingual Newspaper Reaches Far More Readers Than Expected.

By Simone Orendain

DeKalb – Northern Illinois' Latino population continues to grow at a fast pace, mirroring the nation's growth figures. The increase has brought a demand for Spanish language and bilingual services. A new publication in DeKalb seeks to fill the need.

WNIJ's Simone Orendain has this profile of El Periodico Lo Nuestro or "The Newspaper That's Ours."

Exelon Corp. Introduces New Security at Byron Nuclear Power Plant

DeKalb, IL – WNIJ reporter Chris Lehman talks with Morning Edition host Dan Klefstad about the new systems and procedures at Byron, and what they'll cost.

Wind Farm Marks First Anniversary

Paw Paw, IL – The Mendota Hills wind farm turned one year old in November. Its operators say the project has been a success. WNIJ's Dan Klefstad spoke with reporter Chris Lehman, who toured the wind farm recently.

Rail to Rockford Called Feasible

By Chris Lehman

Rockford, Il. – Commuter rail service to Rockford is not only feasible, it has extraordinary potential. That's according to a Federally-funded study that was recently unveiled. WNIJ's Chris Lehman reports...

NPR's Diane Rehm Visits WNIJ Listeners

Rockford, IL – National Public Radio talk show host Diane Rehm was the guest of honor at a listener luncheon at Cliffbreakers in Rockford on November 16th, 2004. Rehm helped WNIJ celebrate Northern Public Radio's 50th anniversary. She spoke about her 25 years in radio and answered questions from WNIJ supporters. You can hear her remarks which run approximately 40 minutes, introduced by Northern Public Radio General Manager Tim Emmons, by clicking on the audio link.

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