Sam Dunklau

Augustana College MJMC Intern

I  am currently a senior at Augustana College, majoring in Multimedia Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Creative Writing. I serve as the General Manager for WAUG.fm, Augustana's online student radio station and have worked as an intern and DJ at Studstill Media Group. I report on local news for WVIK and am honored and excited to be a part of the news team. I hope to pursue a career in radio broadcasting and an eventual master's degree in English or Communications. 

State Senators Grill Illinois Universities Over Jack Thomas, "Golden Parachutes"

By • Aug 28, 2019

State university officials were grilled by lawmakers Tuesday. At issue is a record of lucrative severance packages for outgoing administrators.


Will Illinois Ban Religious Exemptions for Vaccines?

By • Jul 29, 2019

Kids across Illinois will be heading to school next month. For parents, that means checking off supply lists, calming those first day jitters, and even getting their kids vaccinated. Not everyone believes in that last one, which is why states like Illinois offer families exemptions for religious reasons.

But just last month, New York joined a handful of states that ban the practice, citing a large spike in measles cases. Though it hasn’t happened yet in Illinois, lawmakers across the country are mulling whether or not to do the same.

We explored whether Illinois could—or should—end religious exemptions for vaccines.


Pension Buyout Participation Rate Higher Than Expected, Early Numbers Show

By • Jan 21, 2019

A program designed to curb Illinois’ pension debt is now underway. Early numbers show more Illinois state employees than expected are choosing to take a pension buyout from the state.


Republican State Lawmaker Offers Gun Control Measures

By • Mar 28, 2018

An Illinois lawmaker wants to give police officers more power to take away guns from someone who poses a threat. 

United Way Volunteers Get To Work During Day of Caring

By • May 18, 2017

Hundreds of volunteers fanned out across the Quad Cities on Thursday to lend a helping hand. United Way of the Quad Cities held its annual Spring Day of Caring to assist local organizations with their to-do lists. 

The Arc of The Quad Cities in southwest Rock Island now has a spruced-up exterior thanks to volunteers. Cythina Krist helped by pulling weeds and scraping old paint off the building.

There and Back: Andersons Return from Helping Syrian Refugees

By • May 15, 2017
Ethan & Bethany Anderson via ethanandbethany.com

An Iowa couple who traveled to Jordan last month to help Syrian refugees has returned. Ethan and Bethany Anderson of West Liberty took a trip to Jordan to deliver food, supplies, and donations to Syrians displaced by their country's civil war.  

Summary

"The Q" On Track for Fall Opening

By • May 8, 2017
Sam Dunklau/WVIK

Construction of the train station and hotel is on track in downtown Moline. On Monday morning, MetroLINK and the Amin Group gave tours of The Q Multi-Modal Station and Westin Element Hotel.

Tuition Hike at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges In The Works

By • May 8, 2017
EICC

Tuition at the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges may increase in the fall. Tonight, the Board of Trustees will vote on a proposal to increase both in and out-of-state tuition by $6 per credit hour.   

Summary

Spokesman Alan Campbell says sharp decreases in state funding are to blame.

Barkan's Clothing To Close Up Shop

By • May 1, 2017
Google

A decades-old clothing store in downtown Rock Island will soon close. Barkan's Clothing announced it will begin a liquidation sale Tuesday after being in business for more than 70 years.

Quad City Chamber Heads To D.C.

By • Apr 25, 2017
Quad City Chamber of Commerce

Quad City Chamber of Commerce members are heading to Washington this week. On Wednesday, about 30 business owners, bankers, and public officials will travel to the capitol for their annual advocacy trip.

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