Thousands of WNIJ listeners lost contact with their NPR programming this morning, when a severe thunderstorm cut the power to Northern Public Radio's transmitter in Lindenwood, Ill. The outage also affected listeners to WNIJ's sister station, Classical WNIU.

While Commonwealth Edison struggled to restore power to 175,000 customers, WNIJ and WNIU had hoped to use generator power to continue broadcasting.  Unfortunately, according to chief engineer Jeff Glass, our backup lacked coolant.  So when the power went out around 6:00am, fans of NPR's Morning Edition were forced to pull in distant signals from Chicago Public Radio or Wisconsin Public Radio.

Utilities
5:03 am
Thu May 23, 2013

General Assembly Overrides Smart Grid Veto

Credit WNIJ

The Illinois House voted to again approve the bill Wednesday. The Senate approved it for a second time Tuesday.

ComEd pleaded its case to lawmakers when it was unsatisfied with how a state regulator was handling its request to raise rates. The utility says the higher rates are needed to pay for upgrades to the state's electric grid. AARP spokesman Scott Musser says the legislation would let ComEd collect past rate increases it believes it deserved -- with interest. But Musser says the utility is behind on making promised upgrades:

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-Illinois
4:58 am
Thu May 23, 2013

Speed Limit, Sex Ed, And Sales Tax: Busy Day In Springfield

Credit illinois.gov

Legislation increasing the speed limit on interstate highways in Illinois is headed to the governor. It raises to 70 the maximum speed limit.

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Representative Jerry Costello, from Smithton, says more accidents happen because of vehicles traveling at different speeds, not because of higher speeds.

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Illinois Poison Center
4:03 am
Thu May 23, 2013

Two Cents For Poison Hotline?

The Illinois Poison Center has been taking calls from worried parents for sixty years. Now it’s asking the public to make an emergency call on its behalf.  


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Development Director Robert K. "Bert" Gray truly believes in supporting great radio wherever you listen.  This native cheesehead (born in Stanley, WI) is a longtime listener and supporter of Northern Public Radio - - and 6 other public radio markets.  Bert’s task is to help you decide how you want to support this great radio resource we have in WNIJ / WNIU / NIRIS.

NIU
9:51 am
Wed May 22, 2013

Former Governor To Receive Honorary Degree

Credit Winston and Strawn
Former Illinois Governor Jim Thompson

NIU's College of Law will present an Honorary Doctorate of Law to former Illinois Gov. James R. Thompson during its Saturday, May 25, commencement ceremony. He will also be  the commencement speaker.

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-Illinois
7:17 am
Wed May 22, 2013

Cameras In Courtroom Approved In Kane County

Credit state of Illinois
Kane County Courthouse

Kane becomes the 29th county and the 12th circuit in Illinois to participate in the pilot project allowing cameras in trial courtrooms.

"With the addition of Kane County, half of the Illinois Circuit Courts now participate in the Illinois Supreme Court's cameras in the courtroom pilot project," Chief Justice Kilbride said.

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Transportation
6:23 am
Wed May 22, 2013

Mixed Reviews For Recommended DUI Limits

Credit NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board recently urged states to lower their limits down from the standard of .08 blood-alcohol content to .05.

Some lawmakers in Springfield weren't willing to embrace the plan. They say drivers in some areas don't have easy access to alternative transportation.

But others support the idea, including DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott:

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Pensions
6:06 am
Wed May 22, 2013

Analysis Questions Senate Pension Plan Savings

Credit ilga.gov
Rep. Elaine Nekritz

A state pension overhaul backed by government employee unions may save half what advocates promised. The new figures come from the state's pension systems, based on how many employees might choose options contained in the Senate bill. The plan gives choices to working and retired teachers, university workers and state employees. These include keeping cost-of-living pay bumps or access to state-subsidized health insurance.

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Kenny Malone hails from Meadville, PA where the zipper was invented, where Clark Gableâââââ

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