WCBU News

WCBU News - Thursday 7/16/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:59:58 -0500

Thursday July 16th, 2009

Roughly 5,000 state employees will receive their paychecks today after Governor Pat Quinn signed a new budget into law. Lawmakers agreed on a spending plan that keeps income tax at the current level, and relies heavily on borrowing money and delayed payments. More on this story in today's WCBU news podcast.
Also in today's podcast:

* D150 school construction progress report.

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To hear today's WCBU news on your phone, dial (309) 740-0639.

Or listen using your iPhone or Blackberry at http://m.wcbu.npr.org/

WCBU News - Wednesday 7/15/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:12:10 -0500

WCBU 89.9 News

Wednesday July 15th, 2009

Peoria city council members discussed city employee buyouts, work furloughs, a water utility tax, and other options for cutting costs this fiscal year. While no decisions were made at last night's meeting, council members will study these and other options, then report back in one month. Today's WCBU news podcast is ready to download here.

In other news:

* Lawmakers could reach budget agreement soon.

* U of I trustee admits to adding names to 'clout list'.

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To hear today's WCBU news on your phone, dial (309) 740-0639.

Or listen using your iPhone or Blackberry at http://m.wcbu.npr.org/

WCBU News - Tuesday 7/14/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:07:52 -0500

Tuesday July 14th, 2009

Governor Pat Quinn signed the state's first major construction spending bill in more than a decade yesterday. The $31 billion plan is designed to help create nearly 500,000 jobs over the next six years. It is also focused on repairing roads, bridges, public transit systems and schools. Quinn says after the next likely step is to pass a state budget when lawmakers return to Springfield today.

More on this story in today's WCBU News podcast.

WCBU News - Monday 7/13/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:07:15 -0500

Monday, July 13th, 2009.

Monday mornings can be busy, and that's why WCBU news is available on YOUR schedule. Download the local news of the day, then play it back when you're ready. Click here for today's stories.

WCBU News - Friday 7/10/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:03:30 -0500

WCBU news is online for Friday, July 10th, 2009.
Download or listen to today's podcast here.

WCBU News - Thursday 7/09/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Thu, 9 Jul 2009 10:20:56 -0500

Madigan to Seek Third Term as Attorney General

Months of speculation came to an end Wednesday as Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced she would seek a third term, rather than run for Governor or the U.S. Senate. Madigan said her love of her current position and her family were reasons for passing up a campaign for higher office. Today on WCBU learn more about the decision, plus an update on the status of the state spending plan for this fiscal year.

WCBU News - Wednesday 7/08/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Wed, 8 Jul 2009 10:42:47 -0500

Wednesday July 7th, 2009

Another week, another veto. Governor Quinn Tuesday vetoed another budget bill lawmakers sent him, one that he claimed was 'flawed from beginning to end'. Quinn also announced layoffs of 2,600 state workers yesterday in an effort to cut costs. Get the current status of the state budget today on WCBU.

In other news...

* Newly formed Heartland Festival Orchestra announces David Commanday will lead ensemble, first concert in August .

* Peoria District 150 has first official charter school request.

WCBU News - Tuesday 7/07/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Tue, 7 Jul 2009 10:42:50 -0500

Tuesday July 7th, 2009

Peoria District 150 school board president David Gorenz last night gave the district's official statement regarding ongoing contract negotiaitions with the Peoria Federation of Teachers. The two sides have been in talks since March. Last week the union issued an intent to strike. Gorenz says the union needs to take into account the district's financial condition. More on that story in today's podcast.

In other news...

* D150 School Board tied in vote for president.

* Peoria County now owns 34-acre former Hanna City work camp site.

WCBU News - Monday 7/06/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 11:50:01 -0500

Monday July 6th, 2009

State lawmakers blocked a plan to free up more than $2 million for next year's budget using pension notes...but it could resurface. The plan called for a short-term loan to pay state employee pension costs, social service agencies expenses and more. Governor Quinn says the short-term spending plan is solid so long as legislators approve an income tax hike for the long term. Click here to listen to today's WCBU news podcast.

Also in today's news:

* New Illinois River flood maps available to public this week.

* Analysis of the financial and environmental costs of U.S. traffic congestion.

WCBU News - Friday 7/03/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 08:32:26 -0500

Friday July 3rd, 2009

For many today is the beginning of a long Independence Day weekend. State Police and local law enforcement are reminding motorists to buckle up and designate a driver if alcohol is part of this weekend's celebrations.

Today on WCBU news, more on some of the measures police are taking to curb impaired driving, a close look at the budget 'blame game' going on in Springfield, and more news from around central Illinois.

WCBU News - Thursday 7/02/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 08:26:30 -0500

Thursday July 2nd, 2009

Governor Pat Quinn followed through with his pledge to veto a state spending plan that he considered partial or unbalanced. Now Quinn says without a budget in place for this fiscal year, state workers should continue to work and expect a paycheck and benefits while lawmakers continue to negotiate. More in today's WCBU news.
Also in today's podcast...

* Peoria Federation of Teachers local 780 issues ten day intent to strike.

* Chicago Cub rehabs with Peoria Chiefs

WCBU News - Wednesday 7/01/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:30:29 -0500

Wednesday July 1st, 2009

Its the start of the new fiscal year for Illinois. While there is no official spending plan in place, the state will continue to operate. Lawmakers and Governor Pat Quinn have given no indication as to when such an agreement could be reached, however Quinn has threatened to veto a budget that includes cuts to social service spending. Coming up in today's WCBU news podcast, the latest on this story.

Also in today's podcast...

* Police detain union members demonstrating at Illinois Capitol.

* Search for next Peoria D150 superintendent moves forward.

WCBU News - Tuesday 6/30/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:18:10 -0500

Tuesday June 30th, 2009

Today is the end of the fiscal year for the state of Illinois. While lawmakers haven't come to terms on a new budget or a funding mechanism to close a multi-billion dollar budget gap, state government could operate for several days without a budget in place. In today's WCBU news podcast, learn the next likely steps in the budget process and more news from the WCBU newsroom.

Also in today's podcast...

* Peoria City / County Health Department facing layoffs under current state budget proposal.

* DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom seeking GOP nomination for governor.

WCBU News - Monday 6/29/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:00 -0500

Monday June 29th, 2009

Monday's WCBU news podcast is ready for download. Click here to download the MP3, or tune in throughout the day to 89.9 FM for up-to-the-minute news from WCBU and NPR.

WCBU News - Friday 6/26/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:35:54 -0500

Friday, June 26th, 2009

Wrap up your work week with a recap to today's news from WCBU. Download today's podcast here. NPR and WCBU also bring you local, national, and international headlines tomorrow morning from 7-9 A.M. with Weekend Edition on 89.9 FM.

WCBU News - Thursday 6/25/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:17:26 -0500

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

In today's WCBU news podcast the Peoria USDA "ag lab" is slated to undergo renovations in the coming months thanks to economic stimulus money. The National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research will catch up on deferred maintenance projects such as roof repair, and upgrades to the electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. The Department of Labor estimates as many as 436 new construction jobs could be created during the project.

More on this story and today's news from the WCBU newsroom in the podcast.

WCBU News - Wednesday 6/24/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:49:48 -0500

WCBU 89.9 news is online for Wednesday, June 24th, 2009. Download today's podcast here,or listen live at 89.9 FM, and at www.wcbufm.org.

WCBU News - Tuesday 6/23/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:33:15 -0500

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

State lawmakers head back to Springfield for a special session to address budget matters. Governor Pat Quinn has traveled the state in recent weeks pushing for a 1.5% income tax hike to help plug a $9.2 billion budget gap. Quinn has also said he would be forced to cut social services funding by up to 50% without a balanced budget. Central Illinois social service agencies say the current system is already under-funded. WCBU news has the story coming up in today's podcast.

Also in today's news

*Pekin approves amendment to TIF district to help spur downtown development.

*Ameren offers incentives for turning up the thermostat

WCBU News - Monday 6/22/09

wcbunews@bradley.edu (WCBU 89.9, Peoria) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:02:14 -0500

Monday, June 19th, 2009

Today's WCBU news podcast is available for download. Click here to follow up on today's news from the WCBU 89.9 newsroom.