InFocus News

(Provided by Mike Baltz / Mike Baltz)

Southern Illinois ornithologist and ecologist Mike Baltz returns to WSIU with his monthly commentaries on the natural history of southern Illinois.

(Brad Palmer)

Gus Walz is the son of Governor Tim Walz, the democrat’s vice-presidential candidate.

Gus’ emotional appearance at the Democratic National Convention has brought his experiences with Nonverbal Learning Disorder – or NVLD -- into the public eye, sparking significant conversation on social media.

At Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, Deb Browne, their Speech and Language Pathologist, is an NVLD Specialist. She has been at the forefront of supporting students with the disorder.

WSIU's Brad Palmer sat down with her to learn more about NVLD.

This is an example of how folks with NVLD think LOTS OF WORDS. They need to learn how to organize thoughts, their writing, into chunks of main ideas versus details.(Deb Browne from Brehm)

Here are blog links provided by Deb Browne for more information on NVLD.

The NVLD Journey

A Parent's Story: Brehm and NLD Transition

(SIU Foundation / SIU)

WSIU's Brad Palmer talked about moving the Day of Giving to the fall with Matt Kupec, the Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations & CEO of the SIU Foundation.

(Sen. Dale Fowler)

The economically depressed community of Cairo is in desperate need of new housing, especially since the closing of two large housing units a few years ago that displaced hundreds of people.

Now, a company is preparing to construct and donate a 3-D printed duplex in Cairo. The venture will kickoff with a groundbreaking ceremony and block party on Saturday.

WSIU's Brad Palmer spoke about this unique housing project with State Senator Dale Fowler, who helped make it happen.

(Better Business Bureau)

Another summer break is winding down for students in the region. That means parents and guardians are about to head out for back-to-school shopping.

WSIU's Brad Palmer spoke with Better Business Bureau regional director Sydney Waters about how parents and guardians can find great deals when shopping for back to school supplies without falling for too-good-to-be-true prices from untrustworthy sellers.

(SIU-Carbondale)

The Fall Semester at SIU-Carbondale starts on August 19.

WSIU's Brad Palmer caught up with SIU-Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane last week. Chancellor Lane updated the SIU Board of Trustees earlier this month on the enrollment picture for the campus, which he said includes a 14% increase currently in new students. He starts out talking about the 3.4% increase in summer enrollment.

(Survivor Empowerment Center)

The Survivor Empowerment Center in Carbondale welcomes a number of displaced children as a result of domestic violence. These children often come in with little to no belongings with their parents, including school supplies.

That’s why there hosting a Back to School Bash in August to give away backpacks filled with basic supplies to these students in need.

WSIU's Brad Palmer spoke about this issue with Mercedes Rutledge, the development specialist with the Survivor Empowerment Center.

Deanna Price celebrates realizing her third Olympic Dream(Deanna Price)

Former Saluki women’s hammer thrower Deanna Price will compete in her third Olympic Games this summer in Paris.

WSIU's Brad Palmer visits with her about the unusual U.S. Olympic Trials, what it took to get back on the world stage following a major injury, her preparations for the Olympics and more.

Deanna has also established a GoFundMe page to help fund her parents' trip to the games.

SIU Chancellor Austin Lane(University Communications & Marketing / SIU)

WSIU Radio's Brad Palmer caught up with Chancellor Austin Lane late last week.

They talked about the recent Saluki Takeover in California as well as the report of a tentative deal on a new collective bargaining agreement with the SIU-Carbondale Faculty Association.

The two also talked about a Lifetime Achievement Award Lane received from the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity as well as a potential change in date for the SIU Day of Giving.

They start with Chancellor Lane's thoughts on the Takeover on the west coast during the week of June 17.

(Kenny Eliason / Unsplash)

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a good time for older adults and their loved ones to take extra precautions against scams and fraud.

WSIU's Brad Palmer spoke with the Better Business Bureau regional director Sydney Waters about why older adults, especially those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, can be more susceptible to scams.