Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Monty and Rose met last year on a beach on the north side of Chicago. Their attraction was intense, immediate, and you might say, fruitful. Somewhere between the roll of lake waves and the shimmer of skyscrapers overlooking the beach, Monty and Rose fledged two chicks. They protected their offspring through formative times. But then, in fulfillment of nature's plan, they parted ways, and left the chicks to make their own ways in the world. Monty and Rose are piping plovers, an endangered species of bird of which there may only be 6,000 or 7,000 in the world, including Monty, Rose and their chicks. They were the first piping plovers to nest in Chicago in more than 60 years. After their chicks fledged, they drifted apart. Rose went off to Florida for the winter, and Monty made his way to the Texas coast. They'd always have the North Side, but were each on their own in a huge, fraught world. And then, just a few days ago, Monty and Rose were sighted again, on the same patch of sand on

Some people respond to suffering by turning it into art. That's true even with the harrowing experience of a pandemic. In the early 1400s, an Englishman named John Cooke composed Stella celi , a hymn to the Virgin Mary referencing the Black Plague which, according to some sources , wiped out half of Europe. Its text speaks of the "ulcers of a terrible death" but also the assurance that "the star of heaven ... has rooted out the plague." Cooke's hymn is unlikely the first direct musical response to a major pandemic, but it is one of the earliest. Many more composers, over the millennia, have been inspired to write music in times of crisis. YouTube As pandemics resurfaced and new ones cropped up, people centuries ago were, in general, keenly aware of the precarious nature of life. Johann Sebastian Bach was no exception. He was orphaned twice by age 10 and lost half of his 20 children and his first wife. Bach wrote music that could comfort in times of distress and music that directly

A vehicle produced in Belvidere has topped a new list of cars with the most American content. Fiat Chrysler ’s Jeep Cherokee came in at number one on the list created by Cars.com . The website looked at which cars were manufactured in America, had the most American parts, and support the most American factory jobs. Four of the top ten cars on the list are made by foreign-based companies. But Cars.com’s executive director, Joe Wiesenfelder, said, these days, all manufacturers are global. “And even what you consider an American brand might import vehicles from across the border," he said. "Whereas what might at one time been considered an import brand is building the cars here in the U.S.” Wiesenfelder sees the list as a service for someone who’s looking at what car to buy. “If they’re interested in contributing to the U.S. economy," he said, "they might see that it’s on the American-Made Index and say, ‘well, that’s one more count in its favor.’” Two other cars produced in Illinois made

The Chicago Rockford International Airport is now the 22 nd busiest airport in the nation for cargo volume. The airport rose from a ranking of 31st in 2016. Airport Executive Director Mike Dunn said Rockford has the necessary infrastructure to support both cargo and passenger operations. “Well, it’s been a curious contemplation by myself and people at the airport to determine what would come or explode first at the airport -- the cargo operations or the passenger operations, and obviously, it’s the cargo operations,” Dunn said. Close to 1.4 billion pounds of cargo traveled through the Chicago Rockford International Airport last year. This year, more than 2 billion pounds of cargo are expected to make their way through. Dunn said the growth is expected to continue in the coming years. “’17 was significantly higher than ’16, and ’18 will be significantly higher than ’17,” he said. “So where we go, yes, we anticipate more growth. I don’t know at what rate.” Dunn said the airport’s growth

When you think of passenger air travel in northern Illinois, O'Hare often comes to mind. But Rockford's facility, officially known as Chicago Rockford International Airport, is making a greater name for itself, particularly in the realm of cargo. In 1994, officials with United Parcel Service, better known as UPS, made a deal with airport authorities to set up a sorting hub. Since then, it's become the company's second largest air operation in the world. Earlier this month, airport officials presented the president of UPS Airlines with the Rockford Award. It recognizes businesses that contributed to economic development in the area. UPS Rockford Transportation Director Mike Nepaul says the company made several expansions over the years--which increased the number of packages it can sort. "We're putting a new small sort mezzanine in right now, so that will expand our flow-per hour within the building from 89,000 per hour to over 120,000 an hour," he said. "So that's a big expansion for

For some people, going to the dentist can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, regular dental treatment keeps teeth healthy. But at the same time, the sights, sounds and smells of a dental office can be unsettling for some. But which dentists you can access, and even afford, often depends on where you live. Dionne Haney is Director of Professional Services for the Illinois State Dental Society, a professional group affiliated with the American Dental Association. Haney says membership records can provide a tally of dental specialists. "We believe there's currently about 11,000 dentists licensed in the state," she said. "Approximately 8,500 of them actually practice. But with regards to membership in ISDS, they can be practicing or retired." That may seem like a lot of dentists, but Haney says they're spread across a state that has more than 12 million residents. About two-thirds of practicing Illinois dentists are based in and around Chicago. This doesn't mean people have no access to

Pinnacle Logistics and the Chicago Rockford International Airport announced 500 new jobs to support additional cargo flights at the airport. According to a news release, Pinnacle Logistics provides scheduled surface transportation, supply chain management, cargo, aircraft handling and parking services. The release says more positions will be added in coming months. The jobs include entry level positions, leads, supervisors and managers on duty, as well as dockworkers, forklift drivers, and ramp and cargo warehouse handling agents. The available positions are seasonal and permanent. “We knew our cargo growth would produce more jobs in 2019 and this is just the beginning,” said Mike Dunn, executive director at RFD. “We are glad to partner with Pinnacle Logistics and proud that our job creation continues to put us on the map for our exceptional cargo operations.” In July, the airport announced its rank as the 22nd largest airport in the nation for air cargo volume, up from a ranking of 31

Rory Block performed a special concert at World Cafe Live during the XPN Music Film Festival on Saturday, April 13th. Listen to the concert here.

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

Hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors' offices take care of us and our loved ones, but who is taking care of them? Melissa Butts has one answer. She is the co-chair of the grassroots organization Taking Care of Our Caretakers - DeKalb County. TCOCDKC has provided meals, treats, and random acts of kindess throughout the community since March. Butts says many people are involved and though she is humbled by the response, she is not surprised. "Growing up here, I know what the community can do when it pulls together," Butts said, "and I've never been more 'proudly DeKalb' in my life." Butts talked about the impact her organization has made in less than two months. "We have fed 5,300 meals or treats. We have raised $28,350." She added, "We've already spent $26,000 of that, which is awesome -- it just went back into the community." Butts says they have supported 40 restaurants and bakeries and that all of them are in DeKalb County. Butts says after they raise funds from the community, they

ONE of Glasgow's biggest music venues has announced that all shows will be postponed until May 7 but insist they will do their best to reschedule performances.

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.

Bennett, Hickenlooper request that BLM oil and gas lease sale be deferred Health clinics in Colorado serve a vital role for low income health care Western State University in Gunnison gets largest ever donation

Bull Draw Fire flares up in warmer, drier weather; smoke expected Engage Energy Conference brings together stakeholders in energy industry Transition from older, outdated energy sources to new ones a hot topic Governor Hickenlooper forms Federal PAC, signals possible Presidential run

Candidates for 3rd Congressional District disagree about Jordan Cove project Flare up in the Bull Draw Fire causes more closures of the Divide Road Changes to Endangered Species Act could impact oil and gas, recreation in Colorado Glance at high school football schedule this weekend

Colorado has fourth best economy in the country Statewide surplus expected this year and next The Purple State Update with the Colorado Sun Recycling, election security, Governor possibly running for President

Toxic algae confirmed in Blue Mesa Reservoir Boaters encouraged to stay away from Iola Basin, protect pets Paonia Elementary School wins prestigious award

Water Sheriff patrols Four Corners, water theft up during drought season Historic Leadville Opera House eligible for preservation grant Update on investigation of two bodies discovered outside Hotchkiss

Blue Mesa Reservoir at record low volume, toxic algae blooms confirmed Bull Draw Fire 95 percent contained, special techniques aid firefight Statewide expansion of Medicare greatly benefitted rural residents Victims of shooting outside of Hotchkiss identified, investigation ongoing

ICELAB comes to Delta County, promotes job growth and new business Amendment X would take hemp out of state constitution

Report indicates drought in Colorado is getting worse Flu season last year in the state was busiest ever The Purple State Update with the Colorado Sun Purple State talks Club 20 Debates, state economy and beer industry

Propositions 109, 110 would fund transportation in different ways Author returns to Paonia to read from debut novel National Parks in state, country hope to get funding from Congress

Montrose Police Chief calls it a career after 45 years in law enforcement Trial in deaths of two Norwood girls continues, one defendant incompetent Western Slope Resources Reporting Native cutthroat trout species making a comeback after reintroduction efforts

Delta County Candidate Forum brings together Republicans, Democrats Hunting, fishing and wildlife on BLM land generates big tax revenue Mesa County school district 51 names interim superintendent

Road work, closures scheduled next week for Red Mountain Pass Telluride climber makes history, skis down 4th largest mountain in world KDNK feature about nationwide opposition to Jordan Cove pipeline plan

The Purple State Update with the Colorado Sun First poll in governor's race, debates, and Governor Hickenlooper travels Amendment 73 proposes to raise taxes on high earners to pay for schools

Colorado voters aged 50 and older voice their concerns, issues Three Western Slope counties face additional transportaiton ballot measures Montrose Budget public meeting scheduled for Oct. 10

U.S. Forest Service plans to implement shuttle, fees at Hanging Lake Bull Draw Fire closure lifted, fire now 95 percent contained BLM, advocates battle over management of wild horse herds in West

7 states tentatively agree on Colorado river conservation, drought mitigation Biologists have some success in protecting endangered fish in Colorado River Gunnison Basin hopes for wet weather, prepare for dry winter just in case

Colorado voters looking for specific changes from Governor candidates Luke Runyon reports on stakes involved with Colorado River conservation First ski resort in Colorado to open this weekend after snow in mountains

The Purple State Update with the Colorado Sun Conservation plan calls for water to be taken from Blue Mesa Reservoir Lake Powell near disastrous low level; contingency plans established Preview of high school football schedule around listening area

ONE of the biggest sporting scandals of all time was just about to erupt in the USA 100 years ago this month. It was in the spring of 1920 that a persistent rumour engulfed the Chicago White Sox baseball team.

Andy Murray does not think getting the professional tennis circuit back up and running should be a priority any time soon.

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

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

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

Three Republicans made their cases for why they deserve their party's nomination for the 17th Congressional District this March.

There are many opinions on how to broadcast a presidential impeachment trial. To be sure, the stakes are high when the highest office in the land is given this level of scrutiny. How should it sound on your radio? There are often factors that are out of our control. For example, sometimes the coverage is scheduled with a start time of 11:00 a.m. Sometimes, it’s been noon. Sometimes, the proceedings are scheduled for the weekend. They can last a few hours or go deep into the night. That means your favorite program may be preempted during times we’re in “special coverage.” Faced with these moving parts, the WNIJ news team is committed to the public service of carrying balanced coverage. That means perspectives from both sides of the aisle and the White House are given airtime. We also believe in addition to live testimony, daily analysis is a vital component of understanding the day’s proceedings. That’s why we'll continue to carry live testimony as it begins each day, and conclude live

Mary Louise Kelly and Sarah McCammon will host NPR's live coverage of the Iowa Caucuses with reports from the NPR Politics Team. Just push "Play" below:

The first U.S. presidential contest of the 2020 election begins Monday night with results from the Iowa caucuses coming in throughout the evening. Stream NPR's live audio coverage below and on many public radio stations. Follow our liveblog coverage and results here . For nearly half a century , the Iowa caucuses have kicked off the presidential primary and caucus season with the potential to shape the 11-candidate field right as the election enters full swing. That said, with a population of around 3 million people and only about 16% of the state population coming out to caucus in 2016, a very small number of people have a significant amount of power tonight. Looking at the numbers, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders leads in the polls followed closely by former Vice President Joe Biden. Not far behind Biden trials Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg. What's more, Iowans often decide who they are supporting late. As of mid-Jan., a Monmouth

Despite coronavirus-related shutdowns across Illinois, primary campaigns remain in full swing. The Illinois Primary election takes place Tuesday. Campaigners for democratic presidential frontrunners Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders say they’re still optimistic about turnout. Retired Senator John Kerry is a Biden campaign surrogate and praised Sunday night’s debate performance. “Joe really came out sounding like a president -- sounding like a guy who really had a plan for coronavirus as well as for other things. I think the key is just to stay steady and keep going straight ahead and not take anything for granted,” Kerry said. Ari Rabin-Havt is Deputy Campaign Manager for Bernie Sanders. He emphasized the importance of science and expertise, both in Sanders’ platform and on public health. “People and government officials should talk to public health experts in their state, speak to the CDC, and issue the guidance necessary for people to vote and not get sick," he said. Tulsi Gabbard will

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

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

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

Perhaps Squire would have been a more fitting title?

King doesn't quite reach the new heights listeners have come to expect from a new Fleshgod Apocalypse release.

Nevermind the freaky ghoulish creatures behind the curtains... the music inside will make you a proud Brainiac.

Brainstorm return with a solid effort that takes a step forward in the evolution of their sound while staying true to the Power Metal subgenre.