Jim Leach Show: Recent Episodes
Mid-West Family - Springfield
State Senator Doris Turner joins Jim Leach for one last on-air conversation about her legislative initiatives, cooperation with other elected officials, and her agenda for the future.
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As WMAY's Jim Leach prepares to leave the station after 28 years full-time, he talks with the two people who have been there with him every step of the way -- his kids. Lindsey and Dylan talk about what it was like growing up with a parent that many people knew -- and had very strong opinions about, as well as having to ride out severe weather while their dad went off to handle storm coverage on the radio.
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It's an annual tradition in downtown Springfield, as the Springfield Jaycees put on the Capital City Celebration, coming up this Saturday from 2-11pm on the North Mansion Y Block downtown. Emily Watts with the Jaycees talks with Jim Leach about the food, the music, the fireworks -- and the Patriotic Dog Pageant!
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Faced with unspeakable grief, Brenda Protz is working to deliver a message of safety -- and hope -- in the aftermath of a car crash that killed her daughter and three other people, even as she continues to seek justice for them. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke live with her about the mission she's now on.
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A "jukebox musical" that features some of the biggest rock hits of the 1980s, "Rock of Ages" opens at the Springfield Muni Opera Friday night, running through Saturday, July 1. WMAY's Jim Leach talked with cast member Molly Norris about the show, the music, the fashion, and the hair that bring the '80s back to life on stage.
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Springfield Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase has been appointed to the Springfield/Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission -- but not without some drama. She talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about another alderman's complaints about her, why she thinks they're unfair, and about the closed-door meeting and abrupt halt to debate that preceded her confirmed vote.
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The head of the local public-private economic development organization talks about the latest on the effort to keep the Wyndham City Centre operating downtown, the approaching deadlines for the Scheels Sports Park, and prospects for the Pillsbury site.
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The Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois are getting a big budget boost from the State of Illinois, providing more resources for their work assisting children who are the victims of physical or sexual abuse or other trauma. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke with executive director Kim Mangiaracino about what the money will mean for CACs across the state, including the one here in Sangamon County.
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No Labels says it's looking to find a "common sense" centrist candidate to run for President in 2024, to give an option to people who aren't happy with either President Biden or former President Trump. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke with former Democratic congressman Joe Cunningham about the group, its goals, and what impact it could have on next year's race for the White House.
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The National Park Service says the site of Springfield's 1908 Race Riot is eligible for inclusion in the National Park System. Teresa Haley of the Springfield and Illinois branches of the NAACP appeared live with WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss why a national monument would be appropriate and essential to educating the current and future generations about that dark chapter in local and national history.
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The village of Jerome is seeking entrants for its upcoming Fourth of July parade, and looking ahead to the future of the community. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke with Jerome village president Mike Lopez about life in the village, its business prospects, and a parade that recalls a simpler, happier time in our lives.
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When his doctor told him "Lose weight or die," Martinus Evans had an unlikely reaction -- he vowed to run a marathon. Despite his doctor's skepticism, Evans has met that goal, and is now encouraging others to do the same, even those who think their size and condition would make it impossible. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with the author of "Slow AF Run Club" about how to get started and about the benefits of getting more mobile and active, even if you don't cross the finish line of a marathon.
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Just over a month into the job, Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher talks with WMAY's Jim Leach on a wide range of issues, from the latest on the Wyndham project downtown to the future of Lincoln Library to her thoughts on downtown parking and traffic patterns.
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The a cappella women's vocal group marks its 70th anniversary in Springfield this weekend with a performance at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Two members of the ensemble spoke with WMAY's Jim Leach about the long history and bright future of the Sound Celebration Chorus.
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State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) explains why she was a "no" vote on the new state budget, discusses legislative victories and defeats, and talks about her role on Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski's agriculture steering committee, in a live on-air interview with WMAY's Jim Leach.
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The Central Illinois Customer Service Association has a special event coming up Wednesday, featuring a motivational speech by Austin Hatch, a young man achieving his dreams despite repeated personal tragedies. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke with representatives of the association about Wednesday's event at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel downtown.
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"The Lincolns of Springfield" is a new musical about Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln from the earliest days of their courtship on through to the White House. WMAY's Jim Leach had an extended conversation with the husband-and-wife team bringing this musical to Springfield for an extended engagement, starting June 15th at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Here's Part 2 of that discussion, including a performance of a song from the show.
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"The Lincolns of Springfield" is a new musical about Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln from the earliest days of their courtship on through to the White House. WMAY's Jim Leach had an extended conversation with the husband-and-wife team bringing this musical to Springfield for an extended engagement, starting June 15th at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Here's Part 1 of that discussion.
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The 2023 season of the Springfield Muni Opera opens Friday night with "Fiddler on the Roof." WMAY's Jim Leach talks with the director and several cast members of the beloved musical ahead of their opening night. Get more details on this season's shows and find a link for tickets at themuni.org.
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It's the 61st year for a Springfield tradition -- the International Carillon Festival at Washington Park, running this week Thursday through Sunday (June 1-4). Event organizers and the carillonist at the Rees Memorial Carillon in Springfield talk with WMAY's Jim Leach about the history of our local carillon and why this festival draws musicians from around the world. You can learn more about the festival at carillon-rees.org.
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Moving Pillsbury Forward has received a big federal grant to assist with more remediation efforts at the former Pillsbury Mills site in Springfield. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Chris Richmond of the group about what the money will mean, and how much is still left to do to clear and redevelop that north end site.
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Verizon is announcing a significant expansion of 5G capability on its mobile network across many Illinois communities, including Springfield. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke with Dean Brauer, VP of engineering and operations for Verizon, to discuss what the new technology can do, how quickly you may see the results -- and why you might need to upgrade your phone to take advantage of it.
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Ryan McCrady of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance provides an update on the Wyndham hotel project downtown, along with discussions on how carbon capture projects may affect economic development, and what the legislature is doing for (and to) business attraction and retention efforts.
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The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum held an event Wednesday night to discuss what the rise of artificial intelligence might mean in terms of historical research -- both the promise and the potential pitfalls. ALPLM research director Brian Mitchell joined WMAY's Jim Leach ahead of the event to talk about the risks and opportunities posed by AI.
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The group 100+ Who Care in Springfield has taken the proceeds of a unique recent local fundraiser and made a $10,000 donation to support the work of the James Project on behalf of foster children and foster families in the Springfield area. Kolin O'Brien of 100+ talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about the group's novel approach to fundraising and how the James Project was chosen as the group's latest beneficiary.
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Just days after she was fired by Mayor Misty Buscher, former Lincoln Library director Summer Griffith discusses her ouster, her legacy at the library, and changes she hopes can be implemented going forward.
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This is Foster Care Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is recruiting foster parents to provide essential care to children in need. Kristina Engel with DCFS talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about what the agency is looking for in foster parents and about recruitment events such as one happening Saturday at PrideFest in downtown Springfield.
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Springfield Pridefest returns to downtown Springfield this Saturday, May 20. Jonna Cooley of the Phoenix Center talks about the event's history and features, and how it's taking on new importance given the national political climate.
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The gun safety group Moms Demand Action Illinois rallied at the Statehouse this week calling for the state to enact greater gun safety measures. Lauren Harper, legislative lead for the state chapter, spoke with WMAY's Jim Leach about what the group is hoping to accomplish at the Capitol.
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Springfield Clinic has entered into an agreement to become the official "Health and Performance Sponsor" of the forthcoming Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe. Cal Thomas with Springfield Clinic joined WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss the arrangement, which involves "millions" of dollars in investment, and how it will enhance not only the sports park but also health care for the broader community.
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The classic rock band formed in Central Illinois performs live at the BOS Center Tuesday night, opening for Foreigner. WMAY's Jim Leach talked with founding member Roger Boyd about the group's formation, its success, the missteps that hampered its progress, and the synthesizer that played a major role in rock history (and that he still uses to this day).
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New Springfield Fire Chief Ed Canny, Jr. talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about his new position, some of the critical issues facing him in the first week on the job, and how he feels the department is positioned for the future.
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Remember Stuckey's? The roadside stores filled with delicious treats that were a mandatory stop on vacation back in the day? The chain is rebounding, and third-generation CEO Stephanie Stuckey spoke with WMAY's Jim Leach ahead of her visit Friday to Motorheads on Toronto Road (the former site of a Stuckey's location) to talk about the Stuckey's of the 21st Century and what the brand will -- and won't -- be going forward.
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In her first live interview on WMAY since taking office, Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher discusses some of her personnel moves, concerns about the fire department, the status of the Wyndham project, the future of a city residency requirement, and more.
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Springfield Alderman Shawn Gregory discusses his frustration with the new City Council and some early votes it's taken against measures important to him and his ward, and why it's prompted him to suggest the city's Voting Rights Lawsuit consent decree, ensuring minority representation, may need to be revisited.
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After surgery to remove his cancerous prostate, Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette is back on the job. He spoke with WMAY's Jim Leach about his diagnosis, his prognosis, and his future with the department under new Mayor Misty Buscher.
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Every month for the last eight years, Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder has sat down with WMAY's Jim Leach for wide-ranging discussions on city business. Now Langfelder sits down for the final time as mayor for one last discussion about his legacy, current issues at City Hall, and his personal and political future.
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With a big weekend fundraiser coming up, Olivia Hayse of the James Project talks about the group's work in support of local foster families and about Sunday's "Artsy: An Art Fair for Kids in Care" fundraiser at the Pharmacy Art Gallery downtown.
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On the morning after his final Springfield City Council meeting as an alderman, Ward 7's Joe McMenamin joins WMAY's Jim Leach to talk about some of the moving moments -- and some that were tension-filled -- in that final meeting, and discusses his thoughts on what lies ahead for new Mayor Misty Buscher and the incoming City Council.
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Magic Wade, associate professor of political studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, has extensively studied gun violence in cities large and small across the country. She appeared with WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss her findings and what they say about public safety everywhere from Chicago to Springfield to even smaller communities.
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The director of the Illinois Community College Board discusses how community colleges are rebounding after the pandemic, why they make so much sense for both traditional and non-traditional students, and a pending piece of legislation that could make it easier for students to move themselves and their credit hours from community colleges to four-year institutions.
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State Sen. Doris Turner checks in with WMAY's Jim Leach to talk about the legislative session, the status of some of her key bills, and how she thinks she'll be able to work with incoming Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher.
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Comedian Jeremy Nunes performs this weekend at Mason City Limits. But before he goes on stage there, he sat down with WMAY's Jim Leach to talk about his comedy career, what it's like to be a "clean" comedian in 2023, and how his book about his stint as the mayor of Dawson could someday become a sitcom or motion picture.
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Legendary rock band Foreigner is bringing its "Farewell Tour" to the BOS Center on Tuesday, May 16th, with special guest Head East. WMAY's Jim Leach talked with Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein about what it's like to perform with this iconic band, why Foreigner is calling it quits after nearly 50 years of success, and what song is his favorite to play live on stage.
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With transgender issues making waves from Congress to athletic teams to public restrooms, Jonna Cooley of the Phoenix Center says it's time to separate truth from fiction. WMAY's Jim Leach sat down with Jonna to talk about myths and reality regarding gender identity issues.
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Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church has become the first Methodist congregation in Springfield to declare itself a "reconciling congregation" -- with open arms for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or other issues. The pastor, Rev. Meredith Manning Brown, talks about how the designation came about and how it aligns with Biblical teaching.
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It's one of the most enjoyable and entertaining events in Springfield this year. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Chrissy Maher of the Fat Ass 5K and Street Party for Charity about this year's event, as well as how you can save on your registration (hint: use promo code WMAY when you sign up at FatAss5K.com).
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Illinois is only 205 years old -- but our National Guard is celebrating its 300th anniversary. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Lt. Col. Brad Leighton of the Guard about its long, rich history; the Illinois Guard's role in a World War II drama that would make an amazing screenplay; and the events coming up in Springfield on May 6th to commemorate the anniversary.
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Springfield tourism officials are promoting Mr. Lincoln's Hometown as a tourist destination -- by taking Mr. Lincoln to the NFL Draft in Kansas City, Mo. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke with Amy Beadle of the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with Lincoln interpreter Fritz Klein, live from KC about their visit and how it ties into the broader marketing strategy of SCVB.
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Patrick Pfingsten of the Illinoize political newsletter talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about the latest moves at the Statehouse and what the final weeks of the legislative session may hold.
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With just days to go until he leaves office because of term limits, Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about issues before the Springfield City Council, who may replace him as the "contrarian" voice among aldermen, and his advice for incoming Mayor Misty Buscher.
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The director of Lincoln Library talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about National Library Week, upcoming programs and events at the library, and her own future with the coming change in city administration.
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The beloved classic stage play will be performed this weekend (April 27-30) at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Brittney McLaughlin, an actor in the show, about what makes this production unique and fresh. Get more details at hcfta.org.
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The host of WMAY's new weekend show "Classic Radio Theater" talks with Jim Leach about the Golden Age of Radio and why classics like Fibber McGee and Molly, Gunsmoke, and more endure to this day. (Check out Classic Radio Theater Saturdays 8-10pm and Sundays 9-10pm on WMAY.)
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Legislative efforts to underway to make it easier for the visually impaired to vote by mail. Ray Campbell, president of the Illinois Council of the Blind, joins WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss how that would work and the status of that pending legislation.
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Landmark Ford is collecting used bikes that can be refurbished and donated to kids in need, while also giving you a chance to win a brand-new BMX bike. Jeremy Lookis at Landmark Ford talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about the details.
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He's a one-time teen idol... a star of film and TV... he has six Billboard #1 hits to his credit... Elvis once opened for him... he's sung pop, gospel, Americana, even heavy metal. And now the legendary Pat Boone talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about his career and his latest project, an all-star country compilation.
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The pandemic health emergency officially ends on May 11th -- but that doesn't mean the pandemic is over. Sangamon County Public Health Director Gail O'Neill talked live with WMAY's Jim Leach about what does and doesn't change next month, why people should continue to take COVID seriously, and what the county health department's priorities will be going forward.
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Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill to adopt "ranked choice voting" in presidential primaries. Andrew Szilva of Fair Vote Illinois, which supports ranked choice voting, appeared live with WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss what it is and how it could change elections around the state.
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The CEO of Springfield's public-private partnership for economic development sits down for his monthly check-in with WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss pending projects from the Wyndham to the Scheels Sports Park to the Double Black Diamond solar farm, and more.
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Jim Leach talks with Drew Stroud, Illinois College alum about his role as Vincent Van Gogh in the one-man performance 'Exhausted Paint: The Death of Van Gogh' at the Hoogland Center for the Arts April 14-16.Â
Purchase tickets and get showtimes at https://www.hcfta.org/
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A Riverton day care center was one of the businesses badly damaged by the March 31st tornadoes that hit Sangamon County. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Mindy Parks, one of the owners of Parks' Place Child Care Center, about the damage they sustained, the helping hands they've received, their efforts to rebuild, and upcoming fundraisers to assist them.
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Freshman Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski is marking her first 100 days in office. WMAY's Jim Leach talked to her about her legislative priorities and what it takes to be successful in a chamber controlled by the other party.
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A new program ni Springfield's public high schools gives students a place to go for guidance and counseling when they are overwhelmed by the issues they face. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Terence Jordan of District 186 and Jonathan Ponser of Memorial Behavioral Health about the new "peace rooms" in all three high schools.
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Jim Leach talks with David Greising of the Better Government Association.Â
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With the news that one of Springfield's oldest family-owned businesses will close its doors at the end of the month, WMAY's Jim Leach talked with third-generation owner of Recycled Records (originally Springfield Furniture Company), Gary Kessler, about his decision to retire and his unsuccessful efforts to sell the business and keep it going.
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WMAY's Jim Leach talks with tournament director Kate Peters and Aimee Daily with Memorial Health about this year's edition of the Memorial Health Championship, the Korn Ferry Tour event that will bring tomorrow's PGA stars to Springfield this summer.
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WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Mayor-elect Misty Buscher about her plans and priorities after her election win this week.
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WMAY's Jim Leach has an extended conversation with Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder after Langfelder's election loss this week, discussing his future and the pending items that new Mayor Misty Buscher will face.
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Renowned Yale law professor and Springfield High School graduate Tracey Meares talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about returning to her school to be inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame -- nearly 40 years after she was unjustly denied valedictorian honors there.
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Springfield city Treasurer and mayoral candidate Misty Buscher sits down with Jim to discuss a variety of city issues.
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Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and his challenger, city Treasurer Misty Buscher, meet in their first face-to-face discussion of the 2023 election cycle, in a forum at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, sponsored by the Illinois Times, Springfield Business Journal, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Mid-West Family Springfield. (Part 2 of 2)
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Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and his challenger, city Treasurer Misty Buscher, meet in their first face-to-face discussion of the 2023 election cycle, in a forum at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, sponsored by the Illinois Times, Springfield Business Journal, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Mid-West Family Springfield. (Part 1 of 2)
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Rick Dunham, who has performed for years as Elvis Himselvis, discusses his upcoming birthday tribute to the King, Saturday 1/7/23 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
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Jane Ford with the Friends of Transit group talks about its priorities for improvements to mass transit in the Springfield area.
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State Senator Doris Turner discusses snags in the effort to end cash bail, prospects for an assault weapons ban in the "lame duck" session, and more.
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Steve Schoeffel of the Sangamon Mass Transit District discusses plans for the future, including the new downtown transportation hub, new fare cards and an updated app, assessment of SMTD routes and services, and the potential for expansion of night and weekend bus service.
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Zach Kerker, a VP at Springfield Clinic, discusses their new health plan called Springfield Clinic Advantage.
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Springfield's appointed city budget director, Bill McCarty, files petitions to become the elected city treasurer. Jim spoke with Bill just minutes after he filed those petitions Monday.
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Jim talks with cast members from the Springfield Theatre Centre production of "Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical" -- but in this case, the cast members are members of his own family (and Jim's in the cast, too)!
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Musician Randy Erwin talks about his performance coming up Saturday (11/19) in Springfield, where he will play popular songs from the 1820s to the 1920s, accompanying himself on instruments ranging from a banjo to a mountain dulcimer.
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Sangamon County State's Attorney Dan Wright discusses the grand jury indictment against Shane Jason Woods on first-degree murder and other charges related to a fatal I-55 crash earlier this month.
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Mary Young and Cam Lecocq discuss the musical "Fun Home," running through Nov. 20 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
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Local filmmaker Zach Baliva discusses his documentary "Potentially Dangerous," about the U.S. government treatment of Italian-Americans in the early days of WWII, ahead of a screening of the film 11/14/22 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
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Congresswoman-elect Nikki Budzinski talks about her priorities in Washington after her election victory in the 13th Congressional District
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Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder checks in to discuss Poplar Place, the Wyndham, CWLP, a casino for Springfield, and more.
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Candidate for Springfield city treasurer Lisa Badger discusses her campaign and her ideas for the office.
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Springfield school superintendent Jennifer Gill discusses state school report card data and what it says about how students in District 186 are coping with the pandemic and its aftermath.
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Springfield cannabis entrepreneur Chris Stone talks about the local market for recreational marijuana now and in the future, the new dispensary coming to the north end of Springfield, and the possibility of an on-site consumption lounge in Springfield... someday.
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Craig McFarland, cast member of the Hoogland Center for the Arts production of "PUFFS!" talks about the show and its connection to a certain famous boy wizard who shall not be named.
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Author, legal analyst, and one-time Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks joins Jim to discuss the various investigations of Donald Trump and whether they could lead to unprecedented criminal charges against a former President of the United States.
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Lincoln Library director Summer Griffith talks about efforts to improve literacy skills, a preservation project for some of the library's microfilm collection, a bookmobile update, and more.
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A local esports coach, appearing in an individual capacity, discusses the state of competitive video gaming for high schoolers across Illinois and concerns about the current involvement of a for-profit gaming platform in state championship competitions.
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Republican candidate in the 13th Congressional District, Regan Deering, discusses inflation, Ukraine, Social Security, abortion, and more.
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Springfield City Treasurer and candidate for mayor Misty Buscher discusses various city issues, from the Wyndham City Centre to a possible casino for Springfield to crime and infrastructure.
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Cast members Jacqueline Keysear and Kayla Primm discuss "The Play That Goes Wrong," a hilarious slapstick comedy that wraps up its run at the Hoogland Center for the Arts this weekend, Oct. 21-23.
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John Lupton with the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission talks about the upcoming "History on Trial" event in Springfield October 25th, looking at the 1919 Chicago Black Sox scandal.
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Ryan McCrady, CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, discusses the status of the Wyndham project, prospects for a downtown casino, the pros and cons of a "closing fund" for economic development, and more.
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Jason Benetti, the "voice of the White Sox," talks about his career in broadcasting and living with cerebral palsy, ahead of his Tuesday night appearance at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
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Former police officer Michael Fanone, who was seriously injured in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, talks about his new book "Hold The Line" and the need for accountability for those responsible for the assault on American democracy.
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Venezuelan singer Maria Alejandra Rodriguez and Springfield musician Jose Gobbo discuss Maria's performance Friday night, 10/14, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
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Jim Leach talks with Amy Beadle, Sales & Marketing Director for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.Â
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Joshi is a Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow, she and Mayor Langfelder talk with Jim
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Democratic candidate for the 15th Congressional District
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Cora McMann and Andy Vandevoort on from TIP's "A Little Princess"
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Mick Wanless (Westwoods Lodge), Mike Novel (Indigo), and Torrey Points (Slaughterhouse Brewing Company) on Capital City Bourbon Journey
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Dr. Nicole Florence is the medical director at Memorial Wellness Center
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Tyshianna Bankhead of Faith Coalition for the Common Good and Scott Allen from the Citizens Utility Board join Jim Leach
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Democratic candidate for Illinois Secretary of StateÂ
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Daryl Onton is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in LincolnÂ
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Mark Klaisner is the President of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools
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On the last live edition of The Jim Leach show of the year, listeners call in to cast their votes for Butthead of the Year
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Dauber is the author of American Comics: A HistoryÂ
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Jim Leach talks with Karolyn Grimes, Zuzu from the 1946 movie It's A Wonderful Life
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Jim Leach's monthly check in with the Mayor of Springfield
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Bill Houlihan is the Sangamon County Democratic Party chair
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Dave Hausaman joins Jim as he tries his first ever McRib from McDonalds.
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Raymond is the author of Have Violin, Will Travel The Louis Persinger StoryÂ
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Photo Credit:
By General Artists Corporation (management); photographer: James Kriegsmann, New York. - eBay itemphoto frontphoto back, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18844556
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Springfield Airport Authority Board Chairman Frank Vala joins Jim Leach
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Jim's monthly sit down with the Mayor of Springfield
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Christian McWhirter is a Lincoln and Music historian
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Chris Wills is the communications director at the ALPLM
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Abby Powell is from the City Of Springfield Office Of Planning And Economic Development
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Jim Leach talks with the new president of the Springfield Education Association.
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Jim Leach talks with Springfield District 186 Subdistrict 6 candidate Michael Washington, who is one of three individuals vying to replace Judith Johnson.Â
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Jim Leach talks with Springfield District 186 Subdistrict 6 candidate Tom Shafer, who is one of three individuals vying to replace Judith Johnson.Â
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Jim Leach talks with GOP gubernatorial candidate Gary Rabine.Â
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Mayor Jim Langfelder’s former director of planning and economic development is firing back about her own frustration working with the mayor.
Langfelder fired Val Yazell last week, saying he wants to move in a different direction and expression dissatisfaction with what he describes as the slow pace of decision-making. But Yazell says she’s the one who had difficulty getting answers, or any kind of communication at all, from the mayor.
And she says Langfelder often expressed impatience with her insistence on following strict rules governing the expenditures of federal pandemic relief funds. Yazell says she is talking to a lawyer about her options after her dismissal.
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Jim Leach talks with Springfield District 186 Subdistrict 6 candidate Erica Austin, who is one of three individuals vying to replace Judith Johnson.Â
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Jim Leach talks with Springfield District 186 Subdistrict 5 candidate, Tiffany Mathis.
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Jim Leach talks with Springfield District 186 Subdistrict 5 candidate, Buffy Lael-Wolf.
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Jim Leach talks with FBI Assistant Special Agent In Charge Angie Young and Chief Division Counsel Angela Bray
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Jim Leach talks with Illinois State Senator Andy Manar, who announced his resignation early this week from the Senate. Manar will join Governor JB Pritzker's administration as a senior advisor.
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Jim Leach talks with Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL, 18th District) ahead of Wednesday's Electoral College certification. Â
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Jim's monthly check in with Ryan McCrady
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Kenny Winslow is staying on as Springfield Police Chief. Jim Leach talked to him right after that news came down
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Jim's monthly check-in with Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder
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Jim's monthly check-in with State Senator Andy Manar
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A Ball Chatham School Board member has come under fire recently for a comment he made on Facebook, which parents deemed as offensive. Jim Leach talks about it with listeners about it.
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Jim's monthly check in with Ryan McCrady from the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance.
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State's Attorney Dan Wright is the Republican Incumbent
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Mike Drake is the Democrat running against State's Attorney Dan Wright
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Representative Butler is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.
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Justin Carter is part of Hoogland's Songs For A New World which premieres digitally tonight.
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Jim talks with The Phoenix Center's Jonna Cooley about the Fall No Go GAYla
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Jim's monthly check-in with State Senator Andy Manar
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It's the first Thursday of the Month. That means it's Jim's monthly interview with the Mayor on the Jim Leach Show.
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Ryan McCrady of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance joins Jim to talk about the new "Thrive In SPI" campaign.
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Guy Gilchrist will be visiting Springfield this week, he drew The Muppets and "Nancy" for daily papers for years.
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Jim Leach's monthly talk with Springfield's Mayor Jim Langfelder
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Springfield District 186 Superintendent Jennifer Gill joins Jim Leach to discuss the latest plan to 'Return To Learn' -- a plan that will be voted on at Monday's board of education meeting.Â
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Jim's monthly talk with Springfield's Mayor
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With new guidelines just coming down for classes going back to in-person instruction, Jim talks with Superintendent Jennifer Gill about what that might mean for students going back to school in the fall.
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Ryan McCrady of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance joins Jim on the Jim Leach show on WMAY.
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Kathryn Harris of the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum talks to Jim Leach.
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Police Chief Kenny Winslow talks to Jim on the Jim Leach Show.
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State Representative Tim Butler talks with Jim about the Governor's executive order cancelling the state fair.
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Jim talks with Illinois State Fair Manager Kevin Gordon on the heels of the Governor Announcing the 2020 State Fair will be cancelled.
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District 186's Athletic Director Jason Wind talks with Jim.
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Jim talks with the Executive Director of The Phoenix Center, Jonna Cooley.
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Jim's monthly interview with Springfield's Mayor Jim Langfelder.
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Jim talks with Springfield School Board President Scott McFarland.
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Jim talks with County Clerk Don Gray regarding the recent expanded vote-by-mail program.
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Jim talks with Fire Chief Allen Reyne.
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Jim talks with Sangamon County Health Director Gail O'Neill on the Jim Leach Show on WMAY.
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The first Thursday of every month Jim Leach talks with the Mayor, Jim Langfelder.
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Jim talks with Amy Beadle the Sales Manager of the Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau.
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Jim talks with Jeff Berg,Tourism Manager of Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau
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Jim talks with Gail O'Neill on the Jim Leach Show on WMAY.
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Jim talks with Sangamon County Health Director Gail O'Neill and Dr. Vidya Sundareshan, MD.
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Jim Leach talks with Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder on the latest updates with the coronavirus virus and outbreak.
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Jim Leach (who is in the show playing Mr. Potter) talks with Ryan Croke (George Bailey), Anna McFarland (Mary Hatch Bailey), and Charlie Holzmacher (Peter/Young Harry).
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26-year-old Katie Johnson is just one of hundreds of victims nationally of severe lung damage linked to her use of vaping products. After two weeks in intensive care, she is now recovering. She and her mom Julie spoke with WMAY's Jim Leach about what happened to her and how she's hoping to keep it from happening to anyone else.
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This is the third and final installment in a series of forums from Lincoln Land Community College, "Finding Truth in the Age of Alternative Facts." In this session, called "Who's Checking the Fact-Checkers?", local journalists discuss their craft and the dramatic changes taking place in their profession. The panelists are Rachel Otwell (NPR Illinois/Pro Publica), Greg Bishop (The Center Square), Kate Schott, (State Journal-Register), and John O'Connor (Associated Press). The discussion is moderated by WMAY's Jim Leach.
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This is the second in a series of forums with Lincoln Land Community College entitled "Finding Truth in the Age of Alternative Facts." This forum deals with big and little lies and how they shape our everyday interactions. The panelists are: Dr. Bethany Bilyeu, UIS Counseling Center; Dr. Carmen Allen, LLCC instructor in areas including computers and online security; Detective Shane Overby, Springfield Police Department; and Siobhan Johnson, human resources officer with the State of Illinois. The forum was recorded October 16, 2019, at the Illinois State Museum.
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Jim Leach talks with Mike Krcil (Inspector Kemp) and Terry Schoppenhorst (The Monster) from Young Frankenstein at the Springfield Theatre Center, opening 10/11/2019
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Jim Leach talks with Rep. Rodney Davis
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This is the first in a series of three forums from the Lincoln Land Community College Academy of Lifelong Learning, "Finding Truth in the Age of Alternative Facts," held Sept. 18, 2019 at the Illinois State Museum. Vena Garrett of LLCC introduces the event, which is moderated by WMAY's Jim Leach. The panelists are: Colin Suchland, Ph.D., professor of sociology, LLCC; Timothy McKenzie, professor of journalism and philosophy, LLCC; and Adriana M. Crocker, LLB, Ph.D., professor of political science, UIS.
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Jim talks with Aaron Graves, president of the Springfield Education Association
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The Mayor responds to Alderwoman Turner's discussion with Jim Leach earlier in the program about the vote on the proposed 11th Street homeless shelter.
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Alderwoman Turner calls in to The Jim Leach show to talk about the vote on the proposed 11th street homeless shelter.
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Jim Leach talks with Springfield Education Association president Aaron Graves about the status of contract talks, as District 186 teachers are working under terms of a deal that expired in mid-August.
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Jim Leach talks with Dr. Tom Tarter who is running for the US Senate as a republican, hoping to unseat the incumbent Democrat Senator Dick Durbin.
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Jim talks with Dan Barham of Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America
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State Senator Andy Manar joins Jim in studio for an interview
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Congressman Rodney Davis joins WMAY's Jim Leach for a live discussion on this weekend's mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, and what should be done in response.
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Jim talks with Annie Fulgenzi (Dorthy), Savannah Millspaugh, and Lauren Mulacek from The Muni's Wizard of Oz, opening August 2nd.
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Jim talks with Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder
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Jim talks with Rob Kennedy the Co-CEO of C-SPAN before his 7/25/2019 Springfield appearance.
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Jim Leach and State Senator Andy Manar discuss the controversy surrounding Land of Lincoln Goodwill.
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Jim Leach talks with cast members Colton Mitchell (Chad) and Kynzie Ashbaugh (Natalie/Ed) from Theatre In The Park's production of All Shook Up
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Jim talks with 2 cast members from The Muni's Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anna Maisenbacher (Millie Dillmount) and Drew Stroud (Mrs. Meers).
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Jim Leach talks with Zoey Zara the Choreographer of The Muni's production of Evita and Hope Cherry who plays Juan Peron's mistress in the production.
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Jim Leach talks to Victoria Bridenstine of the Levitt Foundation about the Levitt AMP summer music series in Springfield.
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Jim talks with Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow about a variety of topics such as National Police Week, the "Light the Community Blue" initiative, Shotspotters, and legalizing Marijuana.
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Jim talks to Paula Basta, the newly appointed director of the Illinois Department on Aging.
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Jim talks with Greg Baise of Ideas Illinois, the group that is actively opposing Governor JB Pritzker's progressive tax proposal
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Jim Leach speaks live with Congressman Darin LaHood about trade, immigration, health care, and the Mueller Report
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Jim talks to representatives of Reisch Charities, the group that has revived the famed Springfield-based Reisch Beer for the first time in more than 50 years
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Jim Leach talks issues with mayoral candidate Frank Edwards, including Edwards' plans for economic development, bike lanes in downtown Springfield, race relations and segregation, and a problem with an Edwards campaign mailer
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Jim Leach has a wide ranging discussion with Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder about police and fire pensions, segregation in Springfield, the future of downtown, and more
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Jim interviews a representative of a visiting delegation from Ukraine, here in the U.S. to study educational and other issues
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Jim Leach talks with Steve Wheeler & Pat Kuster from the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight about the 2019 flight schedule, the importance of honor flights in our community and fundraising needs for the organization.
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Jim Leach talks with George Reisch, the son of the last Reisch Brewery brewmaster, about bringing the beer back to Springfield.
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Jim sits down with Springfield GOP representative about life with Gov. Pritzker and the outlook for 2019 -- including whether legal marijuana is on the way
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New Democratic Representative -- and newly-announced candidate for U.S. Senate -- talks about her battles with Mike Madigan and her plan to challenge Dick Durbin in 2020
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Jim Leach talks with mayoral candidate Frank Edwards.
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Jim Leach begins the new year talking with Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder, live from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
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Jim talks with Roger Schlichting, one of the coordinators of Tuba Christmas, to be celebrated Saturday (12/15) at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
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Jim's new holiday classic -- a tribute to the jolly old special counsel and the bag full of goodies he has for someone special
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Jim Leach talks with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner & Governor-Elect JB Pritzker about the aftermath of the Taylorville tornado.
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Jim Leach talks with Governor-Elect JB Pritzker.
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Jim Leach speaks with Springfield Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin about upcoming races in city government.
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Jim Leach talks with Democratic candidate for Sangamon County Sheriff, Odie Carpenter, Jr.
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Jim Leach speaks with Governor Bruce Rauner on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
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Jim Leach speaks with Seth McMillian, Republican candidate running in the 48th District against Senator Andy Manar.
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Jim Leach speaks with Kash Jackson, Libertarian nominee for Governor of Illinois. Learn more about his candidacy at Kash2018.com
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Jim Leach talks with Scott Micek, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS at St. Louis College of Pharmacy about antibiotic resistance.
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Republican State Representative Tim Butler talks with Jim Leach about Governor Bruce Rauner's budget address.
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Jim Leach welcomes JB Pritzker, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate into to the studio.
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Springfield Alderman Joe McMenamin talks more about the city budget, expenditures, and taxes prior to Tuesday night's City Council meeting.
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Jim Leach talks with State Representative Jeanne Ives, who is currently running a campaign commercial that is causing some controversy.
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Congressman Rodney Davis discusses 'The Memo' with The Jim Leach Show on 2/2/18.
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Jim Leach welcomes Jim Langfelder to the WMAY Studios in Riverton for our monthly talk with the Mayor.
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Jim Leach discusses the latest about a topic that went under dark in the last week, the Welcoming City resolution brought up by Springfield City Council.
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