Cullerton plan saves less, but Senate President says it will survive a court challenge...House: Senate Plan Only Knocks 5-Percent Off Pension Debtwuisnews.wordpress.comA state pension overhaul backed by government employee unions may save only half of what advocates had promised. That underscores an ongoing battle between the House and Senate over pensions, with...

"Fracking" Plan Advances In Illinois Housewuisnews.wordpress.comA plan to regulate the oil and gas drilling process known as "hydraulic fracturing" is moving forward in the Illinois House. It's made halting progress all spring as environmental groups negotiated...

The latest report from our Harvest Desk reporter Bill Wheelhouse:Rural Development In Farm Billwuisnews.wordpress.comAs Congress fiddles with major farm legislation, there’s a portion of it that gets very little attention. Some say it is a difference-maker for job creation in small rural communities,and provides ...

VIDEO: Tears Flow As Mom Finds Son After Tornado : NPRwww.npr.orgTrenda Purcell searched for her 8-year-old son Kamden after Monday's tornado in Moore, Okla. When she found him, their reunion was emotional. The Oklahoman was there to capture the moment.

Staff at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum report the national landmark escaped worst of the storm. Nearby shop owners in downtown Hannibal weren't that lucky. Dominic Genetti of the Hannibal Courier-Post joined Illinois Edition to talk about what he's seeing and cleanup efforts in his town:Hannibal Historic District Shop Blown Apart In Stormwuisnews.wordpress.comMonday night's severe storms stopped the presses of the local newspaper in Hannibal, Missouri. A widespread power outage prevented the Hannibal Courier-Post from getting a print edition to readers ...

The National Weather Service has determined a tornado caused the damage overnight in Mt. Olive. Details: PRELIMINARY DAMAGE SURVEY RESULTS CONFIRM SHORT-LIVED TORNADO IN MOUNT OLIVE ILLINOIS... * MAXIMUM EF-SCALE RATING: EF-2 * FATALITIES: NONE * INJURIES: 3 MINOR * BEGIN TIME/LOCATION: 05/20/2013 1014 PM * END TIME/LOCATION: 05/20/2013 1015 PM * MAXIMUM ESTIMATED WIND SPEED: 120-125 MPH * PATH LENGTH: APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE * MAXIMUM PATH WIDTH: 75 YARDS * DISCUSSION/DAMAGE: PRELIMINARY SURVEY RESULTS INDICATE A TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN IN THE DOWNTOWN PORTION OF MOUNT OLIVE AND TRAVELED EAST. THE DAMAGE PATH WAS 4 BLOCKS LONG AND RANGED FROM 50-75 YARDS WIDE. THE SECOND STORY OF A BRICK BUILDING WAS BLOWN OFF...LARGE SECTIONS OF SEVERAL ROOFS WERE BLOWN 2 BLOCKS TO THE NORTH...A HISTORIC 2 STORY HOME HAD THE ROOF BLOWN OFF...AND WINDOWS WERE BLOWN OUT OF SEVERAL HOMES AND BUSINESSES. THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION WAS DETERMINED BY A NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SURVEY TEAM AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT AND PUBLICATION IN NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STORM DATA.

One person has been taken to the hospital as a result of an apparent shooting this morning on south 16th street in Springfield, according to police. The shooting happened blocks away from Iles School. District 1-86 says all students and staff are safe and security has been increased. The district is remaining in touch with law enforcement and will monitor the school throughout the day. It's not yet clear whether a suspect has been taken into custody as a result of the shooting.

Foreign Exchange Students Wrap Up School Year In Central ILwuisnews.wordpress.comForeign exchange students who spent this past school year in central Illinois with their host families are bidding them adieu. Rachel Otwell recently attended a dinner where 14 exchange students fr...

Medical examiner's office revises death toll from Oklahoma tornado to at least 24. Says earlier number of 51 might have been caused by double counting during the chaotic aftermath.

Bill Would Require Insurance For High School Athleteswuisnews.wordpress.comThe Illinois House has voted to require that high schools carry insurance in case student athletes are injured. Brian Mackey has more. Schools would have to buy what's called "catastrophic insuranc...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LINCOLN HAS ISSUED A * SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... CASS COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... SOUTH CENTRAL FULTON COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... SOUTHWESTERN MASON COUNTY IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS... NORTHWESTERN MENARD COUNTY IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS... NORTHWESTERN MORGAN COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... SOUTHEASTERN SCHUYLER COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... NORTHERN SCOTT COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... * UNTIL 915 PM CDT * AT 822 PM CDT...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED NEAR MEREDOSIA... AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH. HAZARD...QUARTER SIZE HAIL AND 70 MPH WIND GUSTS.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LINCOLN HAS ISSUED A * SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... EASTERN CASS COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... MENARD COUNTY IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS... MORGAN COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... NORTHWESTERN SANGAMON COUNTY IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS... EASTERN SCOTT COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS... * UNTIL 830 PM CDT * AT 745 PM CDT...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED NEAR MURRAYVILLE...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 55 MPH. *HAZARD...HALF DOLLAR SIZE HAIL AND 60 MPH WIND GUSTS.

GOP Senators: Gill Appointment Part Of Political Dealwuisnews.wordpress.comIllinois Republicans are crying foul over the governor's appointment of a state health official. They say it's a political deal meant to pave the way for a Democratic congressional candidate next y...

TORNADO WATCH until 1 a.m. for counties that include Sangamon, Christian, Menard, Mason, Morgan, Cass, Scott, Schuyler, Fulton, Pike, Brown, Adams, Macoupin, Montgomery, Greene, Jersey and Calhoun. A watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development.

AP Breaking - Ray Manzarek, the keyboardist who was a founding member of he Doors, has died. He was 74. His publicist says he wa battling bile duct cancer.

Neighborhoods are flattened and buildings are on fire after a mile-wide tornado moved through the Oklahoma City area. Television footage on Monday afternoon showed homes and buildings that had been reduced to rubble in Moore, Okla., south of Oklahoma City. Footage also showed vehicles littering roadways south and southwest of Oklahoma City. There were no immediate reports of injuries. The suburb of Moore was hit hard by a tornado in 1999. The storm had the highest winds ever recorded near the earth's surface. (AP)

Historic Preservation Caucus Re-Formed At Statehousewuisnews.wordpress.comMore than 2 million people a year visit Illinois state historic sites. The locations play a big role in both state and local economies. But they often lack political muscle. So a more coordinate...

Land Of Lincoln Honor Flight Tuesdaywuisnews.wordpress.comThe next Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is Tuesday. The flight to Washington D.C. will carry 87 veterans of World War Two and the Korean War to see military monuments and other sites. A welcome hom...

Senate Sends Medical Marijuana To Governorwuisnews.wordpress.comThe Illinois Senate approved legislation Friday that would legalize the medical use of marijuana. Brian Mackey has more: In the end, the vote was not that close — 35 senators voted yes, 21 no. Sen....

Tonight's WUIS Bedrock 66 show starts at 8pm, find out more about the headliner and how to get your tickets:JP Harris & The Tough Choices Come To Springfieldwuisnews.wordpress.comJP Harris & the Tough Choices play at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield tonight (5/17) as part of WUIS' Bedrock 66 Live Concert Series. Harris's music has been called "real countr...

Senate Advancing Restrictive Concealed-Carry Proposalwuisnews.wordpress.comAn Illinois Senate committee has approved legislation that would pave the way for concealed-carry of firearms in Illinois. But gun-rights advocates say it's too restrictive, and the measure faces a...

State universities and community colleges have agreed to gradually pick up their own retirement costs under a preliminary deal that emerged at a public hearing. Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard was among those testifying Thursday. After meeting with House Speaker Michael Madigan, several higher education leaders said they'd pay half of 1 percent of retirement costs each year starting fiscal year 2015. Illinois pays pension costs for public universities, community colleges and most school districts. Shifting that cost to schools has been controversial. Opponents say it'll raise property taxes. The schools issue isn't in either of two pending pension bills. Madigan says he expects lawmakers to address it before adjournment. Madigan says more discussion is set for next week, including if the same deal will apply to school districts. (AP)

The latest report from the WUIS Health Desk, on the State Board of Ed's proposed changes for Illinois classrooms. Links to the full story w/ web extras by clicking here:Advocates For Disabled Fight Special Ed Rule Changeswuisnews.wordpress.comA push by the State to repeal special ed class size limits and the gen ed room 70/30 rule is creating a rift between teachers, parents with disabilities and local school district administrators.

Art Of Illinois Wine Festival This Weekendwuisnews.wordpress.comA glass of wine with your art show? Try the Art of Illinois Wine Festival in downtown Springfield. It runs from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the southwest corner of...

Garden Project Pairs Local Sponsors & Studentswuisnews.wordpress.comA local elementary school is teaching students about growing their own food with a hands-on project. Rachel Otwell recently visited the community garden across from McClernand Elementary school and...

Third Springfield PrideFest On Saturdaywuisnews.wordpress.comThe third Springfield PrideFest is this Saturday. The all-day event celebrating gay pride includes food, drinks, and performances. The festival will be on Capitol Avenue between 4th and 6th streets...

Medical Marijuana Advocates See Illinois Victory Aheadwuisnews.wordpress.comCould Illinois be getting closer to legalizing the medical use of marijuana? Dan Riffle is with the Marijuana Policy Project, which has lobbied state lawmakers to approve the law. He was a guest ...

Commuters headed into Springfield's Medical District are being asked to avoid N. 4th St. between Carpenter and N. Grand this morning as fire crews investigate a fire that engulfed one home, causing it to collapse and spread to two buildings on either side. Springfield Fire Chief Ken Fustin says he has not received reports of any deaths or injuries, though nine residents of the collapsed home are being assisted by the Red Cross this morning.

Commuters headed into Springfield's Medical District are being asked to avoid N. 4th St. between Carpenter and N. Grand this morning as fire crews investigate an early morning fire that engulfed one home, causing it to collapse and spread to two buildings on either side. Fire Chief Ken Fustin says he has not received reports of any deaths or injuries, though 9 residents of the collapsed home are being assisted by the Red Cross this morning.

John Michael Presney To Play Acoustic Set In Rochesterwuisnews.wordpress.comJohn Michael Presney is a Rochester native who's spent the last couple years touring the country as part of a musical production that he played rockabilly star Carl Perkins in. But 25 year old Pres...

WUIS / SJ-R Business Report: May 14, 2013wuisnews.wordpress.comHome foreclosure sales are down. But the news isn't all good. There's a rush of development along Wabash Avenue. And lack of sales tax collections for online purchases is costing the state. WUIS'...

Sold out Leon Redbone show tonight at the Sangamon Auditorium UIS. Want to go? Make a comment about your favorite WUIS program and we'll hook you up with a pair of tickets while our stock lasts! Hurry.

Dist. 186 To Interview Search Firms Re: New Superintendentwuisnews.wordpress.comThe Springfield school board decided last night it will begin interviewing search firms and may hire one to find a new superintendent for district 186. The district has an interim superintendent wh...

Tune in to Illinois Edition at 12:10 this afternoon or click below to listen online to the interview about the CPS 3 and volunteer recruitmentVolunteers Sought For Major Cancer Research Studywuisnews.wordpress.comThe American Cancer Society is now recruiting volunteers in Central Illinois for its third major nationwide cancer prevention study. Dr. Wiley Jenkins is an epidemiologist with the SIU School of Me...

Rochester High School football star Wes Lunt is transferring from Oklahoma State University. Coach Mike Gundy announced the move Thursday and wished Lunt the best. He did not indicate where Lunt is headed. Lunt started five games as a freshman in 2012 before he was hurt. He finished with 81 completions in 131 attempts for 1,108 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Cowboys have two other starters coming back in J.W. Walsh and Clint Chelf. Gundy has not named a starter with the season opener against Mississippi State set for Aug. 31 in Houston.

Madigan, Schools Meet Over Pension "Cost Shift"wuisnews.wordpress.comIllinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says shifting the cost of employee pensions from the state to local school districts “is going to happen.” And for the first time, schools sounded receptive t...

Quinn Still Pushing For House Pension Planwuisnews.wordpress.comGov. Pat Quinn says House Speaker Michael Madigan's pension-reform plan deserves a Senate vote. The Democratic governor said the proposal is comprehensive. Illinois has nearly $100 billion in pensi...

Labor's Pension Deal: Best Bet or Too Good To Be True?wuisnews.wordpress.comThe Illinois Senate is expected to vote Thursday on the latest proposal to fix the state's drastically underfunded pension systems. In what's become a multi-year pension debate, many aspects of the...

Water, Light and Power (CWLP)We are responding to a power outage affecting approximatley 2,000 customers served by two circuits out of our Factory St. substation. Customers affected are in an area roughly bound by 9th at Peoria Rd, 6th and Carpenter. Troubleshooters are on the way.

Senate Panel Approves Pension Overhaulwuisnews.wordpress.comA Senate committee has approved a union-backed approach for addressing Illinois' nearly $100 billion pension crisis. The Senate Executive Committee voted 10-5 Wednesday to send the proposal to the ...

Do you agree?Researcher Says Gov't Workers Are Underpaidwuisnews.wordpress.comAre government workers underpaid? Bob Bruno says his research shows in many cases, they are. He authored a study that found when comparing comparable jobs in the public and private sector, those ...

Houston Gathering Information As City Responds To Lawsuitwuisnews.wordpress.comSpringfield Mayor Mike Houston says he's gathering more information about events last month that triggered allegations that the city destroyed files sought in a Freedom of Information Act Request. ...

Tonight at 7 p.m.Illinois State Museum Lecture To Focus On Early Big Game Huntingwuisnews.wordpress.comTonight's Paul Mickey Science Series lecture is titled The Big Deal About Big Game: Early Paleoindian Use of Pleistocene Megafauna. If you are a bit lost on the subject, listen to this interview w...

Thursday at 5:30 - 1900 West Monroe.186 Calls Another Mtg Re: Superintendent Searchwuisnews.wordpress.comThe newly seated Springfield school board has decided it will hold another meeting to discuss a search for a new superintendent. Walter Milton left the job under an agreement with the district earl...

Lawsuit Spurs City Council To Vote On Public Records Destruction Banwuisnews.wordpress.comThe action comes as a Springfield man is suing the City for allegedly destroying police internal affairs files he requested through a Freedom of Information Act Request.

Glimpse of what is to come or simply a bumpy start?New 186 School Board Starts Off With Tense Meetingwuisnews.wordpress.comTensions were high at last night’s (5/6) Springfield district 186 school board meeting as the new board was seated and a president and vice president were appointed. The meeting started with goodby...

Final Resting Place Falling Apartwuisnews.wordpress.comThe Fernwood Mausoleum is more than just the story of a dilapidated building. It's a sad result for those who thought that they would spend eternity inside the enclosure located in the Greene Coun...

GOP Chair Brady Denies Party Rifts Prompted His Resignationwuisnews.wordpress.comIllinois GOP Chairman Pat Brady says he's stepping down for personal reasons and not because of rifts within the party. Brady announced his resignation Tuesday in a letter to the state party's cent...

Unions' Deal With Cullerton On Pensions: A Summarywuisnews.wordpress.comSenate President John Cullerton's office has released the first official outline of the pension proposal he negotiated with unions. 2013-05-06 Union Proposal Summary Having unions on board with law...

Senate Democrats are supporting a new union-backed pension reform proposal they say is less risky than one approved in the House last week. Senate President John Cullerton says lawmakers believe the House bill sponsored by Speaker Michael Madigan would be found unconstitutional because it unilaterally cuts benefits. The union-backed measure gives workers and retirees a choice of benefit packages. For example, if workers choose to receive health insurance in retirement they would receive smaller cost-of-living increases. Those who choose to keep 3 percent cost-of-living increases compounded annually wouldn't get health insurance. Cullerton says the plan could save around $46 billion and would survive a court challenge. He says Madigan supported a similar measure last year, and he expects bipartisan support for it. A Senate committee could hear the bill Wednesday. (AP)