for

Watch: David Bromberg performs two Mississippi Blues classics

Below, from our session with David Bromberg, watch him perform “Kind-Hearted Woman,” and “Wee Midnight Hours.” You can listen to the full session




for

R.I.P James “T-Model” Ford

We’re saddened to hear that James “T-Model” Ford has passed away. He was 94. Born James Lewis Carter Ford in Forest, Mississippi. T-Model was a hard hitting and raw sounding Delta bluesman. While he played music for most his life, […]




for

Millennial Advocates For Seniors During Older Americans Month

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May as Older Americans Month. Since then, the population of older Americans has steadily increased. To be considered an older American, you have to be at least 60 years old. During the Kennedy Administration, there were about 17 million Americans over the age of 60. Now there are more than 68 million. In Illinois, more than 15% of the population is comprised of people who are at least 60 years old. By the year 2030, it's expected that 25% of Illinoisans will have that designation. Lifescape Community Services assists older adults in northwestern Illinois. Zach Satterlee is its fund development and marketing director. Satterlee, who is 26, says that treating all people with kindness and respect helps build a healthier population. "We need to realize that though people are older, or seniors, or at a certain age, that doesn't mean that they don't have tons of things to give to society." He continued, "We can all think of older adults in our




for

COVID-19 Testing Continues At Rockford Site, Despite Delays In Receiving Results

Coronavirus testing will continue at a drive-thru testing site in Rockford this morning, after the state health department and the Governor’s office intervened in a problem with receiving test results. Winnebago County Board chairman Frank Haney asked for help from the state, saying 2,100 tests taken at the site at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford were “missing.” Haney said test results were not available after nearly two weeks when they should have taken only a few days. He announced Wednesday evening that testing would be suspended at that site. However, the state determined the tests were never missing, but the laboratory the state had contracted with to process the samples used a paper system to report results, significantly delaying them. The site will now be served by a different lab, which can report results to the county electronically. The Illinois Department of Public Health told the Winnebago County Health Department late Wednesday it developed a




for

Rockford Public Library Offers Curbside Pick-Up

Attention bibliophiles! If you like e-books, but have missed holding and reading real books, the Rockford Public Library is providing curbside pick-up by appointment at all of their branches. Bridget Finn is the marketing director for RPL and she says customers can reserve items through the website or by phone. "After that," Finn said, "the staff will pull the items -- if they're available -- sanitize them, call the customer, set an appointment for them to come pick up the items, and get them ready for retrieval." Customers will get called up to the door and asked to show their library card or State ID through the window. Once the staff verifies the customer's identity and items, they will ask that person to step back six feet. The staff member will then place the items on a cart and roll it outside. When the staff member is back inside the building, the customer may retrieve the items. Customers may also reserve DVDs and CDs. To reserve items from the library and learn more about




for

Clark Kelly Up To Task, Wins Rockford Songwriting Contest

We have a winner. "Stay Home Songs" is a songwriting contest sponsored by Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. It was launched in April to provide a creative platform for musicians to highlight the resiliencey of Rockfordians amid the coronavirus pandemic. Nick Povalitis is the vice president of marketing and sports development for the RACVB. He says there were 25 entries comprised mostly of individual songwriters, but, he said "a couple [of] bands, a couple [of] mother/daughter combos and a high school" also competed. Entries were reviewed by a panel of five judges comprised of local musicians Jodi Beach, Vince Chiarelli, Duntai Mathews, Miles Nielsen, and Antonio Ramirez. They selected Rockford native Clark Kelly's song "Up, Up, Up" as the winner. "It's really an awesome song," said Povalitis, "And we're super proud of the songwriting contest, the whole experience, and what the end result thus far is. It's really a fantastic song to show the community." Kelly won a $200 gift




for

Suspect Eliminated, Police Still Looking For Answers In '92 Disappearance

The Illinois State Police on Friday made an announcement about the May 6 arrest in Iowa of Clark Terry Baldwin. He was wanted for the 1991 Tennessee murders of Pamela McCall and her unborn son, and the murders of two unidentified women discovered separately in Wyoming in 1992. In the ISP announcement, titled "Illinois State Police Announce An Update to the Tammy Zywicki Case," the ISP indicated that "at this time, Baldwin does not appear to have been involved with the murder of Tammy Zywicki." Zywicki, a 21-year-old college student, was abducted and killed by an unknown assailant after experiencing car trouble on I-80 near LaSalle, IL in August 1992. Reports at the time that she had been picked up by a trucker led nowhere. Baldwin was a long-haul trucker and suspected serial killer operating during the same time frame. He fit the profile of Zywicki's murderer and it was reported that authorities were investigating whether he might be involved. The ISP said it was continuing to




for

A Rockford Area Summer Program is Postponed Due to COVID-19

Families across Illinois have had to adapt to e-learning due to the stay-at-home order. But with the school year winding down, they’ll soon have to adapt to another new normal -- the lack of summer activities. A Rockford organization has made the decision to postpone its summer camp programs until 2021. The Rockford Area Arts Council has summer art programs for children of all ages. There’s ArtsPlace, ArtsPlace II and RAAC camp. Mary McNamara Bernsten is the executive director. She said although the programs are postponed, families will still have options. “We are now working collaboratively with New Genres Art Space and the United Way of Rock River Valley to provide Art Space instruction, mentorship and skill-building while practicing safe social distancing,” she said. She said children in the programs will also wear personal protective equipment, or PPE. McNamara Bernsten said New Genres Art Space uses cutting edge technology which allows them to work with two groups of six children




for

Begbie tells clubs to take money before it’s too late

SHEILA Begbie, the SRU’s director of rugby development, has urged more clubs to apply to the Club Hardship Fund for help before the end-of-month deadline.




for

Former X Factor star Nicholas McDonald covers Hero with other singers in NHS charity single

FORMER X Factor star Nicholas McDonald has announced he is covering Mariah Carey's hit hero with other singers to raise money for the NHS Covid-19 appeal.




for

Watch Marti Pellow sing Angel Eyes for Clydebank carers who are raising money for PPE

WET WET WET singer Marti Pellow has performed a song in tribute to carers who are raising money for personal protection equipment (PPE) in his hometown of Clydebank.




for

Developing a next-generation coronavirus test for home use




for

Virtual celebrations set for UF spring 2020 graduates




for

A family affair: Why Jake Wightman went to Seb Coe for advice

SUCCESS in athletics can often be a family affair. Scots such as Callum Hawkins and Eilish McColgan have thrived under the tutelage of their parents, while track star Jake Wightman is another who has preferred to turn to his family to coach him to success on the track.




for

Ozarks at Large for Friday, April 10, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest updates from Governor Asa Hutchinson following his daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we speak to renters and landlords in the region as they worry about having to make their rent and mortgage payments during skyrocketing unemployment. And, we speak with Arkansas artist Kat Wilson about her interactive art project called Quarantine Habitat.




for

Ozarks at Large for Monday, April 13, 2020

On today's show, we provide the latest highlights from the governor's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we speak with representatives from Communities Unlimited about a new toolkit the nonprofit has put together to help people and small businesses navigate the relief options provided through the federal CARES Act. And, we find out how you can still get your Girl Scout Cookie fix.




for

Ozarks at Large for Tuesday, April 14, 2020

On today's show, we have updated information on the state's coronavirus response from the governor's daily briefing. Plus, we speak with a University of Arkansas psychologist about how to manage mental health during the pandemic. And, we learn the basic ins and outs of gardening and baking bread from the experts as many of you take up new hobbies while staying at home.




for

Ozarks at Large for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

On today's show, we have highlights from the governor's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we find out how local animal shelters are faring during the COVID-19 pandemic. And, we hear about a new grant program designed to help arts and cultural nonprofits weather the outbreak.




for

Ozarks at Large for Friday, April 17, 2020

On today's show, we provide the latest updates from the governor's daily coronavirus briefing. Plus, we hear from Michael Tilley with Talk Business and Politics about the impact of the pandemic on Arkansas River traffic and what that could mean for the economy. And, we speak with the Washington County sheriff about why he's ending his office's participation in the federal 287(g) program.




for

Ozarks at Large for Monday, April 20, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest from the governor's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we hear from a pulmonologist who is treating COVID-19 patients at Mercy Hospital about what he's been experiencing on the ground. And, we launch a series of conversations with local seniors called Senior Portraits where we discuss what it's been like to finish high school during a pandemic.




for

Ozarks at Large for Tuesday, April 21, 2020

On today's show, we have highlights from the governor's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we speak with a representative from Northwest Arkansas National Airport about the funding the airport has received from the federal CARES Act that's meant to provide relief during the pandemic. And, we head to Eureka Springs where a pastor has organized an effort to make sure Carroll County residents have food to get them through the outbreak.




for

Ozarks at Large for Wednesday, April 22, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest update from Governor Asa Hutchinson's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we hear from advocates at the Children's Safety Center of Washington County about how they're continuing to organize trainings during the pandemic. And, we mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with the founder of the OMNI Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology.




for

Ozarks at Large for Thursday, April 23, 2020

On today's show, we have an update on the state's coronavirus response from the governor during his daily briefing. Plus, we hear about a new food access map developed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Uplift Arkansas. And, we find out about Southwestern Electric Power Company's purchase of new wind generation and transmission facilities in Oklahoma.




for

Ozarks at Large for Friday, April 24, 2020

On today's show, we hear from advocates who have filed a complaint on behalf of prisoners at Cummins State Prison, which has become a coronavirus epicenter. Plus, we find out how the local Muslim community is adjusting its observance of Ramadan to abide by social distancing guidelines. And, we have our final intallment of our conversations with local seniors about what's in been like to finish their high school careers during a pandemic.




for

Ozarks at Large for Monday, April 27, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest from Governor Asa Hutchinson's daily coronavirus briefing, which aired at noon today overlapping a portion of the noon edition of Ozarks at Large . Plus, we speak with protestors and Tyson Foods representatives as the company closes several plants in other parts of the country because of coronavirus outbreaks in the facilities. And, we find out what local gym operators are doing to keep customers engaged as they wait for the governor to provide guidelines for reopening their businesses.




for

Ozarks at Large for Tuesday, April 28, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest highlights from the governor's coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we hear from the Startup Junkie Foundation about the expansion of its Kiva loan program to help small business owners during the COVID-19 outbreak. And, we speak with University of Arkansas researchers about why they are studying how we express our of fears during the pandemic.




for

Ozarks at Large for Wednesday, April 29, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest updates from Governor Asa Hutchinson's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we hear from local law enforcement officers about the changes they've had to make in their daily operations and why that has resulted in fewer bookings at county jails. And, we speak with Eddie Schmeckenbecher, who stands by the governor's side every day during his COVID-19 briefings, about what it's been like to be Arkansas's American Sign Language translator during the pandemic.




for

Ozarks at Large for Thursday, April 30, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest information from Governor Asa Hutchinson's coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we begin our series of conversations with instructors who will lead sessions next month for a University of Arkansas Honors College course about the pandemic. And, we speak with a local hair stylist, who has been connecting with her clients during the outbreak through virtual appointments.




for

Ozarks at Large for Friday, May 1, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest from the governor's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we speak with Michael Tilley of Talk Business and Politics about the latest jobless numbers in Arkansas and how River Valley restaurants are reacting to the upcoming restriction rollbacks. And, we learn more about how the coronavirus outbreak is impacting the state's Marshallese population, which is at higher risk for complications from COVID-19.




for

Ozarks at Large for Monday, May 4, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest from Governor Asa Hutchinson's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we continue our series of conversations with instructors for a University of Arkansas Honors forum taking place later this month called Pandemic. And, we find out about how unemployed and dislocated Arkansans can access free workforce training classes.




for

Ozarks at Large for Tuesday, May 5, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest information from the governor's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we speak with the emergency chiefs in Washington County about how they and their teams are faring and responding during the pandemic. And, we find out why smaller Arkansas cities and rural communities will likely take a harder economic hit from the outbreak than larger metro areas.




for

Ozarks at Large for Wednesday, May 6, 2020

On today's show, we hear what the governor had to say during his latest coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we find out how Arkansas business owners and bankers are navigating the Paycheck Protection Program application process. And, we speak with local farmers about the types of adjustments they've had to make to get their products to customers.




for

Ozarks at Large for Thursday, May 7, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest from the governor's daily coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we find out about a new initiative that aims to expand opportunities for farmers and increase consumers' access to fresh produce. And, we speak with the director of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership about the recent changes made by the Trump administration to historic federal environmental policies.




for

Ozarks at Large for Friday, May 8, 2020

On today's show, we have the latest updates from the governor's coronavirus response briefing. Plus, we hear from religious leaders at local churches, mosques and temples about their plans to reopen and how their congregations have fared during the pandemic. And, we find out about a virtual support group created to help people who've had COVID-19.




for

Juniors: Hurlford boss Darren Henderson knows semi spot won't come easy

Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis haven’t stopped Hurlford United from doing what they almost always do at this time of year… ready themselves to take part in a Macron Scottish Junior Cup quarter-final tie




for

Juniors: Beith's Ryan Docherty out to make amends for Lochee shock

Beith defensive mainstay Ryan Docherty has called today’s Macron Scottish Junior Cup clash against Kello Rovers “a great opportunity” as he and his team-mates prepare to go toe-to-toe with the rank outsiders for a place in this season’s semi-finals.




for

Darvel’s Allan Mackenzie and Hurlford’s Marc McKenzie united by their Junior Cup ambitions

THEY are both strikers, share the same surname, and are expected to have key roles in the Macron Scottish Junior Cup quarter-finals, but that is where the similarities end for Darvel’s Allan Mackenzie and Hurlford United’s Marc McKenzie.




for

Being crowned Junior champions no cause for celebration for Talbot manager Sloan

IN normal circumstances, Auchinleck Talbot manager Tommy Sloan would be popping Champagne bottles and celebrating his second league title victory in a row.




for

Rep. Keicher Appointed To Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force

A new member of a state task force fighting sexual abuse in schools says he has a strong personal interest in the issue. The Make Sexual Abuse Fully Extinct (Make S.A.F.E.) task force was created in late August as a response to the increased cases of abuse in Chicago Public Schools. Make S.A.F.E. will review the best practices for addressing and preventing abuse in a school setting and supporting victims of school-related sexual abuse statewide. Illinois State Representative Jeff Keicher was just appointed to the task force. Keicher says he’s very passionate about the issue. "My point is protecting the children. As a father, as a community member, as someone who saw firsthand a family member’s devastation, we need to make sure this is stopped and eradicated,” he said. Keicher says it's also important to avoid complacency. “If we feel too confident, I’m afraid we’re not going to be vigilant. We’re not going to be looking. We’re not going to be seeking, and I think that vigilance in




for

NIU Study Suggests Some Political Conflict Is Good For Local Government

Political conflict can be both helpful and harmful to local government. According to a new study, which it is depends on the nature of the conflict. A Northern Illinois University researcher surveyed city councils and other municipal bodies to examine two types of conflict. Political Science Chair Scot Schraufnagel said "policy conflict" is when lawmakers have differences of opinion on specific issues and laws. “Policy conflict does not detract from governing board effectiveness," he said. "In fact, there’s a positive relationship between higher policy conflict and the perception of a better functioning legislature.” The other type is "relational conflict." “People sabotaging someone else’s legislative initiative just simply because they don’t like them, or so forth," he said, "so it’s about personalities, and not about policy." This, according to Schraufnagel, leads to a win-at-all-costs mentality and actively prevents cooperation. He said the study’s conclusions could have strong




for

Women's March Rockford Holds Sign Making Party At Womanspace

Women's March Rockford held a sign making party at Womanspace on Saturday. It gave people the opportunity to create signs not just for themselves, but for anyone who shows up to the assembly empty-handed. Mary McNamara Bernsten is an event organizer for the march. She was cutting cardboard with a utility knife so she and others could paint and transform the rectangles into protest sign art. She said last year they had several signs ready to go. "When people got to the march, you could kind of see them looking around and thinking, 'I wish I had something to hold.'" McNamara Bernsten continued, "If you've never done it before, it's not as easy as you think it is to go out and express yourself." She said people responded favorably to the pre-made signs. "A lot of people were happy. They were, 'Oh great! Give me a sign!' They picked one that they related to personally and took off with it." Though there will be a supply of extra signs handy, marchers are encouraged to create their own




for

Women's March Rockford Features Diversity And Inclusivity

Cold temperatures didn't stop a diverse crowd of marchers at Women's March Rockford. More than 200 gathered to express themselves, support each other, and peacefully march. Jennifer Stark held a sign that said "Voting Is My Super Power." She said, "I want to represent and remind everybody that if we don't like where the world is today, we can vote. We can make a difference." Men showed up, too, including Barry Champion. He said, "I'm here to support everyone's right to equality." He continued, "I have been to probably all the women's marches since they started, as well as other women's rights marches." Gerri Hood was there with her grandchildren, London and Paris. She said, "I'm here to make sure that everybody is accounted for, and to teach my granddaughters that we can help people." Hood, whose degree is in human services, said that the march is personal for her. "I've fallen through so many cracks myself. It's very important that we get more attention focused on women's rights. It's




for

Temporary Location Chosen For Rockford's Family Peace Center

Listen, believe, provide. That's the mission of Rockford's Family Peace Center. It will provide safety and services for survivors of violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder or dependent abuse, and human trafficking. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara announced that "Phase 1" of the center will open in the next six months. It will be located on North Main Street, across from the Coronado Theater. He said, "We are terribly excited to create a safe space that survivors can get all the services they need -- and not just the services they need, but the hope they need -- that tomorrow's going to be a better day for them and their family." Judy Moe serves on a committee that represents a variety of religious organizations who work together to help survivors. She said they have been meeting for several months so they can warmly welcome and help any person who enters the door. "We are going to work with people when they come in and do it in a way that is non-threatening." She continued, "We will




for

Rockford Responds To Blagojevich's Early Release From Prison

Illinois elected officials have strong feelings about former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's early release from prison. He served eight years of his 14 year sentence because President Donald Trump commuted his sentence earlier this week. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara doesn't agree with the president's move. "I really think it was a horrible decision and sends a really bad signal, not just to politicians, but to all citizens across the state." McNamara elaborated. "Look back at what he did. He literally tried to do one of the worst things you can do in politics, which is to enrich himself while selling a public seat." Rockford's Democratic mayor said Blagojevich bypassed the trust of the citizens. McNamara emphasized that this is not a partisan issue. "Republican, Democrat, Green Party, Independent -- what he did is despicable and I think he should serve his full sentence." John Beck identifies as a moderate Republican and is the alderman for Rockford's 12th ward. He said the




for

Governor Pritzker Announces $8 Million Plan To Improve Rockford's West Side

Governor J.B. Pritzker was in Rockford on Friday with Mayor Tom McNamara, State Sen. Steve Stadelman, and State Rep. Maurice West. The Democrats came together to celebrate the progress of the $45 billion capital plan known as Rebuild Illinois. Money from the plan is being used to improve statewide infrastructure like roads, bridges, education and broadband internet services. The governor also said that part of the money will go toward a much anticipated train project. "We're dedicating $275 million to establish passenger rail service between Rockford and Chicago." The governor was quick to credit State Sen. Stadelman with getting this project pushed forward. He said, "Senator Stadelman made this a priority. He mentioned it over and over and over again, and told me that the people of Rockford wanted it. And we're bringing it to you, Senator!" The senator, in turn, expressed appreciation for the governor. "He's no stranger to Rockford and I can't even count the number of times he's been




for

Rockford Alderman, Activist John Beck Has Died

Rockford alderman and community activist John Beck has died. The 57-year-old Republican represented the city’s 12 th ward since 2001. He worked for the Rockford Park District as its Arts, Events, and Recreation Project Manager for the past 13 years. Beck also was known as a champion of accessibility and defender of the Americans With Disabilities Act. He served for 22 years as Development Director for RAMP, a Rockford-based organization offering services and advocacy for people with disabilities. He was a founding member of the Rockford Chariots wheelchair basketball association. And according to a news release from the Rockford Park District, Beck conducted assessments throughout the district “to insure the inclusion of people with disabilities in parks and recreation.” Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine said the “park district family” is heartbroken. “We will miss his quality service and we will miss his smile,” he wrote. “One thing we will not miss is his spirit




for

Channel 4 are looking for people who have cancelled their wedding because of lockdown

Channel 4 have launched a search for a couple who have cancelled their wedding due to the Covid-19 pandemic.




for

Tom Hardy will return to CBeebies for more Bedtime Stories - here's when you can watch

Hollywood actor Tom Hardy will read out more 'Bedtime Stories' for children's channel CBeebies.




for

Glasgow comedians Ashley Storrie and friends on pre-lockdown adventures in new show, 'Up for It'

Glasgow certainly looked different before the coronavirus lockdown.




for

All 4 and BBC iPlayer: Here are the best TV series you can watch for free

Many of us have flocked to our TVs to binge-watch a range of shows during the lockdown.