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

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

There was a peaceful anti-war protest in DeKalb on Thursday evening. The event was part of a nationwide effort led by MoveOn.org. It gave people the opportunity to gather at 5:00 p.m. in their cities and say, "No War With Iran." DeKalb's protest took place at Peace Corner, just off Lincoln Highway and 1st Street. More than 50 people gathered to express their concern. Dani Brzozowski is running for Congress in Illinois' 16th District. She said, "I think President Trump and people like Representative Kinzinger thought they'd be able to take military action in Iran without fear of any consequence from the American public." She gestured to the cars driving by and the dozens of people around her and said, "That's not the case, right? People did not just sort of turn a blind eye to this." Matthew Fazekas said, "I'm 23. We went to war with Iraq when I was six years old. I think it's time for this kind of thing to stop." He continued, "We live in a very unpredictable time. Another war is just

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

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

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

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:

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

President Trump is delivering the 2020 State of the Union address, which comes under the shadow of his impeachment trial. Watch his remarks live and follow a live annotation of his remarks, including fact checks and analysis from NPR reporters. Loading...

President Trump is addressing the nation a day after the Senate acquitted him of both articles of impeachment. Trump said he was "totally vindicated" after a months-long impeachment inquiry and trial. Watch his remarks live.

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

As the Illinois primary election draws closer, college students are preparing to cast their votes. Some for the first time. As part of our series, "You're the Boss," we asked several NIU voters at campus voter registration events about their most important issues in the election, and what questions they would ask candidates and current officeholders directly if they had the chance. Here's what they had to say: Salvador Meza, electrical and computer engineering major, Chicago “Well, on a national level, there seems to be a lot of division within the country. It would be nice to have a candidate that can united on both sides, see both sides of the matter. That would be the primary thing. Definitely immigration. Right now immigration is a big thing for me at least. On the state level, definitely taxes. Taxes need to get a little bit sorted on what’s going on, but what’s new in Illinois, right?” “I’d definitely ask them what would be their plan for immigration for not only the DACA

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

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

Coronavirus concerns cast a shadow over the primaries on election day in Illinois. Ohio canceled their polling locations. Election judges in DeKalb and Aurora were both pleasantly surprised with the turnout. In Chicago, midday voter totals were around half of what they were during the 2016 primary. Jacob Chan is an NIU student voting in DeKalb. He said he saw the difference at his polling location. "I was gonna come out because it's important, but the biggest impact is that it's empty," said Chan. Election judges said they have seen some voters in masks or gloves, and that many came with their own pens and sanitizers. In DeKalb, two registration sites closed due to election judges not able to come in. In Cook County, 10% of judges didn't come in because of concerns. That news drove Will Sitton to sign up to be a judge. “I actually volunteered last minute to come out because I read online that a bunch of people canceled, a bunch of election volunteers didn't want to come in because they

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

When Celtic arrived home after their defeat by Feyenoord on May 6, 1970, everyone at Parkhead was understandably deflated, while the fans were in mourning for the lost chance of glory.

GLASGOW-BORN TV star John Barrowman has hit out at a fake account pretending to be him.

Comic Relief and Children In Need are teaming up for the first time ever to hold a special fundraising night on BBC One.

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.

Glasgow certainly looked different before the coronavirus lockdown.

GLASGOW rocker Gerry Cinnamon has rescheduled his biggest city gig to date at the 50-000 capacity Hampden Park.

ITV bosses have confirmed when their popular daytime show Loose Women will return with new episodes.

A documentary series on Central Station will return to the BBC Scotland channel tomorrow night.

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

Raw, heavy, and in your face, Germany's Primal Fear return with an album that kicks off 2016 with explosive force.

Primal Fear make a strong statement with Rulebreaker, showing yet again that their tried-and-true metallic formula works effortlessly.

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.

Abbath has arisen... or returned, depending on how you look at it.

Abbath is pretty standard fair in a lot of ways, but it manages to stray enough away from being completely formulaic.

Though mostly a demonstration of live capabilities, Delain delivers a few good new punches.

This EP delivers a short glimpse into the band's future, but little more.

XI packs a real punch to the face and twice to the gut.

Metal Church come full circle back to where they should be and return with a fantastic new album that delivers the very best they can offer.

Sweden's very own modern-day Viking horde return with a truly epic masterpiece.

With Jomsviking, Amon Amarth deliver a pulverizing, yet highly enjoyable listening experience that will keep you coming back for more. A pure masterpiece for the masses.

Good things come to those who wait nearly a half century.

Santana regress back to their roots and redefine themselves with a fantastic, highly-listenable album that exceeds expectations.

No Folk?

A nice demonstration of Terji's capabilities from start to finish.

Not their best, but not their worst either.

Lacuna Coil manage to deliver a decent listening experience, thanks mostly to Cristina Scabbia's beautiful vocals. However, overall Delirium takes a step back in comparison to the band's more successful efforts.

Quite possibly the Metal album you've been waiting for.

With all its creativity and musical genius, Proponent for Sentience could definitely be one of the best albums you've ever heard.

With The Holographic Principle, Epica continue to get better with each new release, and there's no telling where they'll go next.

With The Holographic Principle, Epica continue to get better with each new release, and there's no telling where they'll go next.

A complete paradigm shift.

The Ninth Hour tries to inspire but it's ultimately a complete genre-shift that will leave many fans scratching their heads.

Accept's classic era comes to life one last time.

Dirkschneider puts the pedal to the metal in delivering some of the best live Accept material heard to date. Fans young and old will cherish this for years to come.

Metallica prove that they can still play Metal.

Hardwired... To Self-Destruct has that familiar Metallica flavour while venturing into some interesting new territory, but fails to deliver a hefty blow like the glory-day albums.

Shops are closing. Newspaper sales are falling. But we’ve chosen to keep our coverage of the Coronavirus crisis free because it’s so important that the people of Glasgow stay informed during this difficult time.

Shops are closing. Newspaper sales are falling. But we’ve chosen to keep our online journalism free because it’s so important that the people of Glasgow stay informed during this crisis.

While government lockdown measures remain in effect - people all across the country are now working from home - and educating children who would otherwise be at school.

Like everyone else, my hands have taking a true beating from hand sanitiser, hand wash and cleaning products throughout this pandemic.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of one of the most dramatic missions in human spaceflight: Apollo 13.

OUR Home Times series has been giving parents and carers top tips and advice on how to keep children learning during these difficult times.