Charlie Schlenker

Illinois

Senior Reporter at WGLT-FM (Normal, IL)

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Articles

Rep. Sorensen labels proposed Trump cuts to SNAP food aid and LIHEAP programs 'cruel' and un-American

1 week ago | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen calls Trump administration plans to zero out home heating and cooling help for "very low-income" people "cruel."The president’s spending plans recently forwarded to Congress would eliminate the $4 billion Low Income Home Energy Assistance program, or LIHEAP. The administration has also laid off all staff that administer LIHEAP. About $378 million remains to be distributed under current congressional authorization.
Those touched by asbestos share a cautionary tale about worker safety - and their fears of backsliding

2 weeks ago | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

Amid an asbestos industry cover-up of the dangers of the cancer-causing fibers, it took many decades for a ban to happen in this country. That cost more than 130 Bloomington-Normal residents their lives. Neighbors, family members, and employees of the United Asbestos and Rubber Company on the west side of Bloomington were all affected. Panelists said they fear the past is prologue during a recent discussion of asbestos workplace dangers at the McLean County Museum of History.
Advocates hope this is the year for a higher education funding formula

4 weeks ago | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

Over the last decade, state funding for Illinois State University has dropped by more than a third after inflation. And it has declined as a share of the total university budget for more than three decades. That could change if the state legislature passes a measure this spring. The last five ISU presidents [at least] have yearned to change the way the state funds higher education to a per student basis instead of a lump sum.
Libraries and museums in Illinois are hit by Trump executive order

1 month ago | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

A Trump administration effort to remove the federal government from wide swaths of American life continue to spread. Libraries and museums in Illinois will also feel the impact. Among the many federal agencies President Trump has ordered to shut down is the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a small department that supplies grant funding and research for cultural institutions in all 50 states.
Illinois Farm Bureau worries about Trump tariffs as planting season approaches

2 months ago | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

The head of the Bloomington-based Illinois Farm Bureau is urging the federal government to walk back tariffs that could damage the agriculture sector. That's a stark departure from the relative optimism many agriculture groups had expressed about the Trump administration in the weeks after the election. In a statement, Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan asked the Trump administration to find other methods to combat illegal drugs and secure the border.
It's an uncertain time for agriculture, says Illinois Farm Bureau leader

Feb 10, 2025 | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

The ag sector is showing signs of relief, following the pause on U.S. tariffs ordered by President Donald Trump against Canada and Mexico — though other indicators are causing concern. If those tariffs go forward, they could significantly affect ham, corn, and beef producers, according to Illinois Farm Bureau president Brian Duncan, who noted the agriculture community remains unsettled with tariffs against China in place and the first retaliation by China announced.
State Farm asks for big rate increase after California wildfires

Feb 4, 2025 | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

State Farm has asked the state of California to approve an emergency 22% homeowner policy rate increase following wildfires in that state. A rate increase request filed last year is still pending. Rating agencies downgraded the credit of the California affiliate of State Farm last year following several natural disasters. The company said without more money the rating could further deplete State Farm General and put nearly 3 million remaining California policies at risk.
Metamora man dead after ice fishing drowning at Evergreen Lake

Feb 3, 2025 | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

A man from Metamora has died while ice fishing in McLean County. The sheriff and coroner say 49-year-old Jared Ward and another man fell through the ice at Evergreen Lake at Comlara Park about 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Ward was pronounced deceased at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington at 8:18 p.m. The coroner says Ward drowned due to exposure to the cold. Emergency workers took the second man to Carle BroMenn Medical Center.
DCFS launches new app for caseworkers and families

Jan 31, 2025 | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

The state of Illinois is rolling out a new app to help parents of abused and neglected children better communicate with their Department of Children and Family Services [DCFS] caseworkers and with other service providers. The agency has partnered with Microsoft to create a new platform. It’s similar to Microsoft Teams, though the app Ally-IL has security and confidentiality provisions. Family members, teachers, caseworkers, and relatives can have real-time responses.
Illinois among states most affected by Social Security Fairness Act

Jan 8, 2025 | nprillinois.org | Charlie Schlenker

Illinois is among the states with the largest proportion of works affected by the Social Security Fairness Act. That law signed this week by President Biden eliminates the so-called Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduces or even eliminates social security payments to some retired workers who have public pensions and potentially their spouses.