Jim Leach Show

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.