Newsmakers
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Bruce Suardini
Posted Fri, August 15, 2008
Prairie Center Health Systems CEO Bruce Suardini discusses the impact of state budget cuts on Prairie Center services.
Rick Winkel
Posted Mon, August 11, 2008
Former State Senator Rick Winkel discusses this week's special session and political dysfunction in Springfield.
08-04-08 Warren Hood, Memorial Stadium
Posted Mon, August 4, 2008
University of Illinois Associate Athletic Director Warren Hood discusses the Memorial Stadium renovation project.
Mike Frerichs
Posted Fri, July 25, 2008
State Senator Mike Frerichs discusses the state budget, a capital program, and legislative pay raises.
Debbie Halvorson
Posted Fri, July 18, 2008
State Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson discusses the state budget, legislative pay raises, and her congressional campaign.
Rich Guebert
Posted Fri, July 11, 2008
Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Rich Guebert discusses the aftermath of flooding across the state and how technology has changed agriculture in recent years.
Andrew Buffenbarger
Posted Wed, July 2, 2008
Champaign County Nursing Home Administrator Andrew Buffenbarger talks about the home's recent problems with state standards and ongoing financial problems.
Dr. Hans Blaschek
Posted Fri, June 27, 2008
Dr. Hans Blaschek, the Director of the Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research at the University of Illinois discusses high food and fuel prices and the future of biofuels.
Chapin Rose
Posted Fri, June 20, 2008
State Representative Chapin Rose discusses the stalled capital construction project and a potential impeachment of Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Greg Knott & Pius Weibel
Posted Fri, June 13, 2008
Champaign County Board Chairman Pius Weibel and GOP Caucus Chair Greg Knott discuss hot topics in county government, including fiscal troubles at the county nursing home.
Dale Righter
Posted Thu, June 5, 2008
State Senator Dale Righter discusses the state budget and a capital construction plan.
Don Fullerton
Posted Thu, May 29, 2008
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Treasury Department and current University of Illinois professor Don Fullerton discusses the impact rising gas prices will have on the economy.
Dick Durbin
Posted Wed, May 21, 2008
United States Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois discusses skyrocketing gas prices, FutureGen, and Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
Tom Cross
Posted Thu, May 15, 2008
Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross discusses the state budget and his political future.
Jeff Ford
Posted Mon, May 12, 2008
Champaign County Circuit Judge Jeff Ford discusses the county's long running drug court program.
Dan Hynes
Posted Mon, May 5, 2008
Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes discusses the state's financial situation and his political future.
Bill Black
Posted Mon, April 28, 2008
State Representative Bill Black discusses getting back into the race for his seat, the atmosphere in Springfield, and impeaching Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Greg Knott & Brendan McGinty
Posted Mon, April 21, 2008
County Board members Greg Knott and Brendan McGinty discuss ways to save the cash-strapped county nursing home.
Jerry Schweighart
Posted Mon, April 14, 2008
Champaign mayor Jerry Schweighart discusses tightening city finances and Unofficial St. Patrick's Day.
Kristine Chalifoux & Greg Novak
Posted Mon, April 7, 2008
Champaign School Board members discuss their "Great Schools, Together" initiative and some needs the school district faces.
Pat Quinn
Posted Mon, March 31, 2008
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn talks about the state budget, his relationship with Governor Rod Blagojevich, and his political future.
Mike Frerichs
Posted Mon, March 24, 2008
State Senator Mike Frerichs discusses the state budget, his work as a pledged delegate to Barack Obama's campaign, and a change to the state tax system.
Jason Barickman & Tony Fabri
Posted Mon, March 17, 2008
The leaders of Champaign County's two major political parties discuss local, state, and national political issues.
Michael Cheney
Posted Mon, March 10, 2008
U of I Professor Michael Cheney with the Institute of Government and Public Affairs discusses the campaign for president of the United States.
David Kolata
Posted Mon, March 3, 2008
The Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board discusses Ameren's proposed $250 million rate hike.
Jim Nowlan
Posted Mon, February 25, 2008
University of Illinois Professor Jim Nowlan discusses Governor Rod Blagojevich's State of the State address.
Lyn Jones
Posted Mon, February 18, 2008
The President and CEO of the United Way of Champaign County discusses the groups fundraising drive and numerous programs designed to help people in the community.
Dale Righter
Posted Mon, February 11, 2008
State Senator Dale Righter discusses FutureGen, the February 5th primary, and the spring legislative session.
Robert Rich
Posted Mon, February 4, 2008
The Director of the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs discusses the Illinois Report 2008, a non-partisan breakdown of the state of the state.
Julia Rietz & Alfred Ivy
Posted Tue, January 29, 2008
Candidates for the Democratic Nomination for Champaign County State's Attorney debate.
Shane Cultra & Dave Tomlinson
Posted Mon, January 28, 2008
Candidates for the Republican Nomination in the 105th District in the State House debate issues facing the area.
Mark Shelden
Posted Mon, January 21, 2008
Champaign County Clerk Mark Shelden discusses the February 5th election.
Brian Gaines
Posted Mon, January 14, 2008
University of Illinois Political Science Professor Brian Gaines discusses Barack Obama's performance in the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primary, as well as Illinois' impact on February 5.
Mike Frerichs
Posted Mon, January 7, 2008
State Senator Mike Frerichs discusses Barack Obama's win in the Iowa Caucus, and the big issues facing legislators this year.
Dr. Tom Ramage
Posted Mon, December 17, 2007
Parkland College interim President Tom Ramage discusses the bomb threat on campus earlier this month and struggles with state funding.
Brian Christie
Posted Mon, December 10, 2007
City of Champaign Township Assessor Brian Christie discusses the way homes are assessed and how your tax bill is determined.
Tim Johnson
Posted Mon, December 3, 2007
U.S. Congressman Tim Johnson discusses issues surrounding the 2008 Presidential election and the war in Iraq.
Jim Nowlan
Posted Mon, November 26, 2007
University of Illinois Professor Jim Nowlan discusses the 2008 Presidental Race.
Steve Wanzek
Posted Mon, November 19, 2007
Willard Airport Manager Steve Wanzek discusses holiday travel and Willard's recent loss of service from Champaign to Las Vegas.
Rick Winkel
Posted Mon, November 12, 2007
Former State Senator and University of Illinois professor Rick Winkel reacts to former Governor George Ryan reporting to prison.
Jason Barickman and Tony Fabri
Posted Mon, November 5, 2007
Champaign County Republican Party Chairman Jason Barickman and Democratic Party Chairman Tony Fabri discuss their party's chances in the 2008 elections.
Mike Little
Posted Mon, October 29, 2007
Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District Executive Director Mike Little discusses District expansion and is environmental impact.
John Kindt
Posted Mon, October 22, 2007
University of Illinois Professor John Kindt discusses why he thinks expanding gambling in Illinois would be a bad move.
Dr. Bruce Wellman
Posted Mon, October 15, 2007
Carle Clinic CEO Bruce Wellman discusses Carle expansion and challenges facing the health care industry.
Dana Mancuso
Posted Mon, October 8, 2007
Dana Mancuso of the Urbana Park District talks about this week's Chautauqua celebration of the district's 100th anniversary.
Richard Jaehne
Posted Mon, October 1, 2007
University of Illinois Fire Service Institute Director Richard Jaehne discusses new technology and education in fire service.
Arthur Culver
Posted Mon, September 24, 2007
Champaign Schools Superintendent Arthur Culver discusses this month's school threat, the federal consent decree, and a future building bond referendum.
Doug Mills
Posted Mon, September 17, 2007
Chairman of the Board of the First Busey Corporation, Doug Mills, discusses the ongoing merger between Busey Bank and Main Street Bank & Trust.
Fred Giertz
Posted Mon, September 10, 2007
University of Illinois Economist Fred Giertz discusses the condition of the state economy and the real story behind the home mortgage crisis.
Jerry Schweighart
Posted Fri, August 31, 2007
Champaign Mayor Jerry Schweighart discusses the city's fast development and big issues facing the city in the future.
Matt Morgan
Posted Tue, August 28, 2007
Marine Major Matt Morgan talks to our Patrick Pfingsten from Baghdad about the ongoing Iraq War. The conversation is part of a special edition of the WDWS Newsmakers Podcast.
William Perry
Posted Mon, August 27, 2007
New Eastern Illinois University President William Perry discusses state funding and future challenges for the school.
Bill Black
Posted Mon, August 20, 2007
State Representative Bill Black discusses his retirement announcement and the Governor's veto of the state budget.
Steve Sauerberg
Posted Mon, August 13, 2007
U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Sauerberg discusses how to beat incumbent U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
Andy McKenna
Posted Mon, August 6, 2007
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna discusses the state budget crisis and the 2008 elections.
Mike Frerichs
Posted Mon, July 30, 2007
State Senator Mike Frerichs discusses the continuing crisis revolving around the state budget.
Bill Brady
Posted Mon, July 23, 2007
State Senator Bill Brady discusses who's to blame for the state budget impasse and his political future.
Preston Williams
Posted Mon, July 16, 2007
The new superintendent of the Urbana School district talks about taking over his new job July 1 and some of the challenges facing the district in the future.
David Pennicook
Posted Mon, July 9, 2007
Champaign Fire Chief David Pennicook discusses how the fire department handles the city's growth, and safety tips for your family.
Mark Shelden
Posted Mon, July 2, 2007
Champaign County Clerk Mark Shelden discusses the change of the 2008 Primary election date and Presidential Politics.
Frank Watson
Posted Mon, June 25, 2007
Illinois Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson discusses the latest negotiations on the state budget.
Laurel Prussing
Posted Mon, June 18, 2007
Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing discusses the city's budget and Urbana's growth.
Bill Black
Posted Mon, June 11, 2007
State Representative Bill Black discusses budget negotiations during overtime.
Alexi Giannoulias
Posted Mon, June 4, 2007
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias discusses his views on the state budget and what should be the state's spending priorities.
Dave Tomlinson
Posted Tue, May 29, 2007
New Champaign School Board President Dave Tomlinson discusses the goals of the new school board and the district's ongoing Federal Consent Decree case.
Dale Righter
Posted Mon, May 21, 2007
State Senator Dale Righter discusses state budget uncertainty and rising tuition costs.
Chapin Rose
Posted Mon, May 14, 2007
State Representative Chapin Rose discusses the Governor's Gross Receipts Tax proposal and how to fix rising Ameren electricity bills.
Deb Frank-Feinen & Karen Foster
Posted Mon, May 7, 2007
Two of the newly elected members of the Champaign City Council discuss the city's smoking ban and township budget problems.
Mike Frerichs
Posted Mon, April 30, 2007
State Senator Mike Frerichs discusses his controversial vote on three University of Illinois Board of Trustees nominees and discusses the latest on the Gross Receipts Tax proposal.
Jerry Schweighart
Posted Mon, April 23, 2007
Champaign Mayor Jerry Schweighart discusses his re-election and his goals for his new term.
Dan Walsh
Posted Mon, April 16, 2007
Jail overcrowding is the among the issues Champaign County Sheriff Dan Walsh discusses with Patrick Pfingsten.
Curt Deedrich
Posted Mon, April 9, 2007
Champaign County Supervisor of Assessments Curt Deedrich discusses his controversial changes in the tax cycle.
Dan Rutherford
Posted Mon, April 2, 2007
State Senator Dan Rutherford discusses Ameren rates, the Governor's Gross Receipts Tax, and his future political ambitions.
Matthew Gladney & Gordy Hulten
Posted Mon, March 26, 2007
Local bloggers Matthew Gladney and Gordy Hulten discuss their weblog and the way the internet is changing news.
Dr. Robert Exley
Posted Mon, March 19, 2007
Parkland College President Robert Exley discusses issues facing the area's only community college.
J. Fred Giertz
Posted Mon, March 12, 2007
University of Illinois Economist Fred Giertz discusses Governor Rod Blagojevich's Gross Receipts Tax proposal.
Dr. Jim Leonard
Posted Mon, March 5, 2007
The President and CEO of Carle Foundation Hospital discusses last week's ruling by the Illinois Department of Revenue stripping Carle of its property tax exemption.
Tom Livingston
Posted Mon, February 26, 2007
Former Chief Illiniwek Tom Livingston discusses the future of the embattled symbol after its retirement by University of Illinois administrators.
Greg Knott & Brendan McGinty
Posted Mon, February 19, 2007
County Board Members Greg Knott and Brendan McGinty discuss their 10-point plan to improve efficiency in county government.
Jim Nowlan
Posted Mon, February 12, 2007
University of Illinois Political expert Jim Nowlan discusses Illinois Senator Barack Obama's decision to run for President.
Tracy Parsons
Posted Mon, February 5, 2007
The Head of the Urban League of Champaign County discusses the recent LIHEAP program controversy and February's Black History Month.
Tracy Parsons
Posted Mon, February 5, 2007
The Head of the Urban League of Champaign County discusses the recent LIHEAP program controversy and February's Black History Month.
John Hecker
Posted Mon, January 29, 2007
The President of Champaign County's Crimestoppers organizations reflects on 20 years of service to the community.
Brian Moody
Posted Mon, January 22, 2007
The Executive Director of Tuscola's Economic Development Corporation discusses the proposed new FutureGen plant.
Tony Fabri
Posted Mon, January 15, 2007
New Champaign County Auditor Tony Fabri is Patrick Pfingsten's guest.
Mike Frerichs
Posted Mon, January 8, 2007
Incoming State Senator Mike Frerichs discusses his goals for his first term, also what it will take to fix the state budget.
Ed Scharlau
Posted Mon, December 18, 2006
Busey Bank's Sr. Vice-President discusses the year that was and what he expects in Champaign County's economy.
Regina Haasis
Posted Mon, December 11, 2006
Regina Haasis from the Illinois Attorney General's office discusses the threats and consequences of identity theft.
Greg Soulje
Posted Mon, December 4, 2006
WDWS meteorologist Greg Soulje joins Patrick Pfingsten to discuss the winter storm that wasn't and the outlook for the rest of the winter.
Mark Shelden
Posted Mon, November 27, 2006
Champaign County Clerk Mark Shelden discusses voting problems and equipment issues in this year's election.
Warren Hood
Posted Mon, November 20, 2006
University of Illinois Associate Athletic Director Warren Hood discusses the Memorial Stadium renovation project set to begin Sunday at the U of I
Dale Righter and Bill Black
Posted Mon, November 13, 2006
State Senator Dale Righter and State Representative Bill Black discuss the results of the election, as well as look forward to this week's veto session in Springfield.
Mike Lawrence
Posted Mon, November 6, 2006
It's election week in Illinois. Expert Mike Lawrence, the director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and press secretary for former Governor Jim Edgar gives us a preview.
Rich Whitney
Posted Mon, October 30, 2006
Rich Whitney, the Green Party Candidate for Governor discusses issues regarding the race for the Governor's Mansion and a third-party's chances of winning November 7th.
52nd State Senate District Debate
Posted Tue, October 24, 2006
Monday's debate between Republican Judy Myers, Democrat Mike Frerichs and Socialist Equality candidate Joe Parnarauskis.
Joe Parnarauskis
Posted Mon, October 23, 2006
The Socialist Equality Party Candidate in the 52nd District State Senate race discusses his candidacy and an electric rate freeze with Patrick Pfingsten.
Judy Myers
Posted Mon, October 16, 2006
Republican State Senate Candidate Judy Myers discusses the issues around her run for the state senate.
Mike Frerichs
Posted Mon, October 9, 2006
The Democratic Candidate for the 52nd District seat in the State Senate discusses his views on election issues as well as his record as Champaign County Auditor.
Joe Tanner
Posted Tue, October 3, 2006
Danville native and NASA astronaut Joe Tanner speaks with our Patrick Pfingsten about his latest trip to space aboard the space shuttle Atlantis.
Joe Birkett
Posted Mon, October 2, 2006
Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Joe Birkett, discusses education funding, gas prices, and ethics with Patrick Pfingsten in the DWS Newsmakers Podcast.
David Gill
Posted Mon, September 25, 2006
Democrat David Gill, the challenger for the 15th Congressional District, talks to Patrick Pfingsten about the war in Iraq, universal health care and the recently passed prescription drug plan.
Tim Johnson
Posted Mon, September 18, 2006
In this week's Newsmakers Podcast, Patrick Pfingsten talks to Congressman Tim Johnson (R-Urbana) about his run for re-election, the war in Iraq, and social security reform.
Renee Romano
Posted Mon, September 11, 2006
Patrick Pfingsten's guest is University of Illinois Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs Renee Romano. She discusses the rising cost of college tuition and accessibility to the UI.
Jerry Schweighart
Posted Tue, September 5, 2006
Champaign Mayor Jerry Schweighart discusses his run for re-election and other topics with reporter Patrick Pfingsten.