Dark Heart News is a high-energy rock and roll trio from Chicago. They have a wide range of influences from rock legends like Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The White Stripes, to blues masters such as Stevie Ray Vaughan. Hear Dark Heart News' full performance in Studio A right here! You can keep up with the band and purchase their music at their website . Dark Heart News performing "Snake Eyes" live in WNIJ's Studio A Dark Heart News performing "Driven and Lonely" live in WNIJ's Studio A Dark Heart News performing "House of Kings" live in WNIJ's Studio A

Listen to a special edition of Sessions from Studio A this week, as celebrate the first ever Public Radio Music Day. Sessions has been on the air for 4 years and has had over 100 artists featured on the show. In this episode, we'll take a listen back through the years to a variety of performances recorded for Sessions from Studio A. Local musicians need your support now more than ever. Download an album, buy some merch, and most importantly, go see a local artist live once you are able. We at WNIJ would like to thank all the artists who have performed on Sessions from Studio A and all of the listeners who support the show. You are what keeps music on public radio alive and strong. Thank you. Don't forget, you can find the full episodes of these performances here in our show archive and watch behind-the-scenes video on our YouTube channel .

We have a unique episode of Sessions from Studio A this week. Like so many others, the current pandemic has put our normal work on hiatus. Join us for a special "quarantined" edition of the show featuring ambient music from Rockford's Micky Torpedo. Micky is releasing four ambient albums this year, based on the changing moods of each season. We'll hear music from his Winter and Spring Cycle albums this hour. We also sat down to chat virtually with Micky about his approach to writing music, as well as his involvment in Rockford's Rock and Roll Institute. You can keep up with Micky on his Facebook page and download his music on Bandcamp .

Fiat Chrysler Automobile announced Saturday that CEO Sergio Marchionne's health had suddenly deteriorated following surgery and that its board of directors had chosen Jeep executive Mike Manley to replace him. Marchionne, a 66-year-old Italian-Canadian, joined Fiat in 2004 and led the Turin-based company's merger with bankrupt U.S. carmaker Chrysler. Manley, 54, had been heading the Jeep brand since June 2009 and the Ram brand from October 2015. The announcement, at the end of an urgently convened board meeting, marked the end of the Marchionne era, which included the turnaround of failing Fiat, the takeover of bankrupt U.S. automaker Chrysler and the spinoffs of the heavy machinery and truck maker CNH and supercar maker Ferrari. Fiat Chrysler said in a statement that due to his deteriorating health Marchionne "will be unable to return to work." Marchionne, 66, had already announced he would step down in early 2019, so the board's decision, to be confirmed at an upcoming shareholders'

Amazon is a leader in online shopping. It has warehouses across the country to sort and deliver its products. Recently, Amazon Air announced it will expand its delivery network into Rockford. Chicago Rockford International Airport is already a major hub for UPS. The airport also has maintenance facilities capable of repairing the world's largest aircraft. But Amazon took particular interest due to the airport's cargo operations. Director Sarah Rhoads says it's part of the retailer's "Middle Mile" network for two-day deliveries. "That package would go from a fulfillment center to one of our 21 air gateways that we have throughout the United States for transport to then another air gateway for downstream transit to a sort center where that package would be sorted for final delivery to your location," she explained. Amazon has been operating at Rockford's airport in some capacity since September 2016. Airport executive director Mike Dunn says they operated under a different corporate name

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

The Mayors of DeKalb and Rockford responded to the statewide minimum wage hike that was signed into law last week. The measure will raise the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith worries about the effect this may have on small businesses. Smith says he would have preferred that the increase be done more incrementally. "I would have liked to have seen something that was written into law that mandated perhaps a one or two year step, and then let's take a look at it," he said. "You know, economies change." But he says the law taking effect means businesses know what to expect. "If you know that you're going to be paying nine and a quarter next year and ten the following year, or whatever the case may be, the smart businesses -- small or large -- are going to make those adjustments that are necessary so the bottom line is still black," he said. Smith says the City of DeKalb already pays its employees at a level where the wage hike's effect on city

The Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau announced Thursday eight new events they call "Big Wins" for the region. Andrea Cook is the associate director of marketing and communication. She said, "'Big Wins' bring big business to the region in a short amount of time." She credited one bowling open and two bowling tournaments for bringing in the most money. "Out of the more than $12.5 million that will come from the eight events, over $10 million of that comes from the three different bowling events we are hosting in 2020 and 2021," said Cook. Other events include The Rock River Tattoo Art Expo , the North American Fastpitch Association, the Illinois Council of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Spring Conference, the Illinois Association Chamber of Commerce Executives Fall Conference, and the Basset Hound Club of America Nationals. Pamela Crawford was there with her husband David Crawford and their two basset hounds, Apple and Ivy. She said, "We are here to promote basset hounds

Below, listen to a Spotify playlist of Mississippi Blues artists. Listen to the first volume of the Mississippi Blues Project playlist here.

An Illinois church is appealing a decision that upholds Governor J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order for religious gatherings. Pastor Stephen Cassell with the Beloved Church of Lena sought a temporary restraining order so it could hold in-person services. Over the weekend, a judge ruled the governor’s order is constitutional in order to prevent mass infections and death. Senior Counsel Peter Breen is with the Thomas More Society, which is representing the church. He said the current limit on attendees in the coronavirus executive order violates religious freedom. “There’s no other essential business or operation in the state that has to follow a 10-person hard cap," he said. "We want to have that reversed so that Pastor Steve and the Beloved Church are able to have their services unmolested by local law enforcement or state law enforcement.” Breen said he also has qualms about the governor's recent comments. “Governor Pritzker in his most recent press conferences is saying that people

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

We left Studio A for this week's episode and headed to Severson Dells Nature Center in Rockford, where we caught a set from Baltimore husband and wife duo, The Honey Dewdrops. The Honey Dewdrops performing "Silver Lining" live at Severson Dells Nature Center Performing Americana and bluegrass music, The Honey Dewdrops' suck you into their songwriting with visual lyrics and soaring vocal harmonies. Listen to their performance at Severson Dells and check out some behind-the-scenes footage right here! The Honey Dewdrops performing "Horses" live at Severson Dells Nature Center Find more music from The Honey Dewdrops at their website and keep up with them on social media . The Honey Dewdrops peforming "More Than You Should Know" live at Severson Dells Nature Center

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 first things you notice about the Jacobs brothers is that they finish each other’s sentences.

Scottish Golf today revealed that no date has been set for the sport in this country to restart and stressed that lockdown restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

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

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.

Neilston’s aspirations of making a first-ever Macron Scottish Junior Cup semi-final appearance were given a reality check in quite atrocious footballing conditions at Brig O’Lea on Saturday.

Not everyone will agree with Paul Maxwell’s Dream Team, however what is indisputable is there are few better than the Ashfield boss for coming up with a potent mix of current and bygone picks.

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.

Former Rangers midfielder Ian Black has signed for junior outfit Dunbar United.

THE indefinite lockdown of Scottish football is set to plunge the Junior game into a crisis like never before, according to Pollok manager Murdie MacKinnon.

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

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

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

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said in his State of the State address Wednesday that “urgent action” is needed this session to deal with climate change. “Adopting new clean energy legislation," Pritzker said, "that reduces carbon pollution, promotes renewable energy, and accelerates electrification of our transportation sector.” The governor said Illinois is already suffering from the effects of climate change. He cited last year’s polar vortex and devastating floods as examples. Pritzker stressed any legislation must put consumers and climate first -- not utility companies. His comments drew praise from advocates of new renewable energy legislation, both inside and outside the Capitol. State Representative Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest), the Illinois House sponsor of the Path to 100 Act that seeks to increase the State's renewable energy portfolio, lauded the governor in a media interview following the address: " Governor Pritzker understands the need to pass legislation this spring

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: