News

By Christopher Hosken

Dixon, IL – Several Illinois cities, including Dixon, Carol Stream and Chicago, will take part Saturday in a global event titled Worldwide Protest BP Day. 48 cities across five continents, and more than half-a-million people have already signed up. Budding activist Jay Vonbruchhaeuser is organizing protestors in Dixon. He says anyone, anywhere, can get involved. He invites people to come to his protest in Dixon or get some friends together, make up some signs, and walk to their local BP station.

DeKalb, IL – Illinois' public universities now have an extra tool to stay afloat, while waiting on delayed state payments. Governor, Pat Quinn, has signed a measure, giving schools the option to borrow money. WNIJ's, Mike Moen, reports, Northern Illinois University remains lukewarm about the idea of taking out a loan:

***WNIJ is owned by, and licensed to, Northern Illinois University.

By Susan Stephens

Rockford, IL – For nearly two decades, history fans searching for the home of The Rockford Peaches were bound to be disappointed. Only the brick ticket booths were still standing at the site of Beyer Stadium, where women played professional baseball from 1943 to 1954. This weekend, a few dozen former players returned to find the field looking a lot more familiar. WNIJ's Susan Stephens was there.

By Susan Stephens

DeKalb, IL – Illinoisans are bracing for another round of unwanted national attention today as jury selection begins in the trial of former Governor Rod Blagojevich. One national expert, however, sees this as an important business opportunity for the state.

J.P. Donlon says every state has at least a little corruption to clean up. But the editor of Chief Executive Magazine says Illinois' reputation puts it near the top of the corruption heap, thanks in part to Blagojevich.

By Susan Stephens

Rockford, IL – When you want to borrow a book, you can get it, no matter how small your library. That's because Illinois has nine regional library systems. They share books, services, and support; all funded by state dollars. And that's not a safe place to be in this current state budget crisis. WNIJ's Susan Stephens has more.