Susan Stephens

WNIJ News Reporter/Producer

Susan’s parents should have known she’d end up in radio: her favorite toys were tape recorders, cameras, notepads, and books. Many years later, she’s an award-winning reporter at her favorite radio station. Formerly WNIJ’s News Director, she asked to return to the role of full-time reporter/anchor/utility player in 2010 (less paperwork, more reporting!). Her #1 goal is to tell the most compelling stories in the fewest words possible…all the better if a little humor can be thrown into the mix.  It should come as no surprise, then, that she can whip up a haiku for any occasion. She also enjoys the Detroit Tigers, learning pioneer skills (Gardening, canning, and the like. Just in case.), traveling with friends, and pretending she’s going to get around to playing her theremin.

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Update on Hospital Shooting
10:36 pm
Tue September 4, 2012

Two dead in Sycamore hospital shooting

Credit Kindred Hospital
Kindred Hospital in Sycamore, IL

Sycamore police say it appears one or both  of the two people found dead in a Sycamore hospital Tuesday died of self-inflicted gun shot wounds. The bodies of a man and a woman were discovered in a patient's room after shots were heard in Kindred Hospital, an acute care facility. 

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Educating Mothers-To-Be
8:20 pm
Fri August 31, 2012

Rallies To Make "Labor Day" Better For Moms and Babies

Credit Carly Cort Schutte / Improving Birth Rally For Change, Rockford
Signs are ready to go for Rockford's Rally for Change.

Labor Day takes on another meaning Monday in dozens of American cities. Mothers, babies, and the people who love them will lead “Improving Birth: National Rallies for Change.”

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State Budget
7:11 pm
Fri August 31, 2012

Arbitrator Postpones Illinois Prison Closures

Credit Susan Stephens / WNIJ

Two Illinois prisons targeted for closure will stay open for at least another month. An arbitrator ruled today that Governor Pat Quinn and his administration violated the rights of union workers by rushing the process.

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Road Construction
5:56 pm
Wed August 29, 2012

Rockford Airport Area Road Plan: More Business, More Jobs

Credit Susan Stephens / WNIJ
Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey shows Senator Dick Durbin some of the growing businesses near Rockford's airport during a bumpy bus ride.

A major road reconstruction project bordering the Chicago-Rockford International Airport is expected to boost business in the region. 

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Photo Essay
4:27 pm
Thu August 23, 2012

Welcome, Students! Scenes From NIU Move-In Day

The annual ritual of Move-In Day took control of Northern Illinois University's campus today. An estimated 2,500 students will spend the evening unpacking and getting to know their new neighbors. It took 1,000 student volunteers, 100 staff and faculty members, and of course, hundreds of moms, dads, and friends to get their stuff from the curb to the dorm room. Eventually, 5,000 students will make their way into the residence halls.

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