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Articles by Guy Stephens
Game-changing former NIU football coach Joe Novak has died
Former Northern Illinois University football coach Joe Novak has died at the age of 81. Novak led the Huskies from 1996-2007. Novak turned a team that struggled to get three wins in as many seasons into a competitive program that became a force in the Mid-America Conference, winning several MAC West division titles and appearing in the MAC Championship game.
Rockford mayor says he's stepping down
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara announced on Monday that he will resign at the end of August. According to a statement, he will become the CEO of the Illinois Municipal League. The non-profit represents 1,294 municipalities across Illinois. McNamara first took office in 2017. He was re-elected in 2021 and won a third four-year term in 2025. McNamara's last day as mayor will be Aug. 31.
My Son Was Restrained & Secluded at School. This Should Never Happen to Any Kid Original
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter There was a story recently out of New York state about young children with disabilities being forced into makeshift wooden solitary confinement cells. Many found this story shocking. Sadly, I was not surprised, because my family lived through a similar experience. In 2016, my 10-year-old neurodivergent son was physically restrained and secluded twice at his Maryland public school.
Employment law in 2025: key developments and what they mean for employers
Tinashe Makamure’s articles from Barry Nilsson are most popular: within Employment and HR topic(s) with Senior Company Executives, HR and Finance and Tax Executives in Australia with readers working within the Accounting & Consultancy, Aerospace & Defence and Basic Industries industries 2025 has been a transformative year in Australian employment law, marked by significant legislative reforms, landmark court decisions, and emerging workplace trends.
High Court clarifies scope of genuine redundancy under the Fair Work Act
The High Court has clarified the scope of 'genuine redundancy' under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) in its decision in Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd v Bartley [2025] HCA 29. The decision provides important guidance on how employers must approach redundancy decisions. On 6 August 2025, the High Court unanimously dismissed an appeal made by Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd (Helensburgh), concerning the dismissal of 22 employees.
On restraint and seclusion, ‘we can and must do better’
On November 28, 2018, a 13-year-old autistic student, Max Benson, was killed due to being held in a prone restraint at his school because he kicked a wall. On April 29, 2020, Cornelius Frederic was restrained in a face-down prone position after throwing a sandwich in his school's cafeteria. Two days later, he died due to injuries caused by the restraint. A prone restraint begins with a "takedown," where the staff forcibly takes a student down to the ground.
In Fire's Wake, Illinois EPA Asks State AG To Pursue Legal Action
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General's Office against the Chemtool, Inc. plant in Rockton in the wake of the Monday fire there which continues to burn.
U.S. House Dismisses Oberweis Petition, Confirms Underwood Victory in the 14th
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday dismissed Republican challenger Jim Oberweis’ contest of the result in the 14th Illinois House District 2020 election. That followed the recommendation in a report by the Committee on House Administration that received bipartisan support. The action by the House is likely the final move in confirming Democratic U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood’s victory in the race for the seat.
Rep. Cheri Bustos Will Not Seek Another Term In Congress
U.S. Illinois 17th District Representative Cheri Bustos announced on Friday that she will not seek a sixth term in Congress. The Democrat has represented her northwestern Illinois district, which includes the Quad Cities area, Peoria and Rockford, since 2013, the first woman to do so. Her current term, her fifth, ends in January of 2023. In a release announcing her decision, Bustos stated: "My North Star has always been to serve my community, drive real results and build a better future.
Rep. Cheri Bustos Will Not Seek Another Term In Congress
U.S. Illinois 17th District Representative Cheri Bustos announced on Friday that she will not seek a sixth term in Congress. The Democrat has represented her northwestern Illinois district, which includes the Quad Cities area, Peoria and Rockford, since 2013, the first woman to do so. Her current term, her fifth, ends in January of 2023. In a release announcing her decision, Bustos stated: "My North Star has always been to serve my community, drive real results and build a better future.
Major Airline Bringing Service Work To Rockford
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.
Second-Dose Moderna Vaccines Delayed For Winnebago County Hospitals
Boone County is beginning to expand its COVID-19 vaccination efforts to workers in manufacturing. Manufacturers are partnering with the Boone County Health Department to deliver vaccinations to their employees. Amanda Mehl, with the BCDH, said these workers are among the most likely to contract the coronavirus. “Over the last 10-and-a-half months, we have identified that the number one exposure location for individuals here in Boone County has been in a factory setting,” said Mehl.
Second-Dose Moderna Vaccines Delayed For Winnebago County Hospitals, Will Come A Week Late
Boone County is beginning to expand its COVID-19 vaccination efforts to workers in manufacturing. Manufacturers are partnering with the Boone County Health Department to deliver vaccinations to their employees. Amanda Mehl, with the BCDH, said these workers are among the most likely to contract the coronavirus. “Over the last 10-and-a-half months, we have identified that the number one exposure location for individuals here in Boone County has been in a factory setting,” said Mehl.
Pec Playhouse Theatre Roof Collapses
February’s near-record winter weather took its toll this week on the home of a northern Illinois community theater. Pec Playhouse Theatre in Pecatonica announced Friday that the roof of the auditorium in its building collapsed Wednesday under the weight of accumulated ice and snow. No one was injured. Along with the roof, most of the auditorium's lighting and heating systems came down into the seating area. The theater has been closed since the start of the pandemic last spring.
Safety First As Lincoln Presidential Museum Welcomes Visitors Again
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum will begin welcoming visitors again on Monday, Jan. 25. The museum said clear, simple safety protocols will be in place to protect all guests. Visitors will need to schedule their appointments in advance so the number of people in the building at any one time can be held to safe levels. Visitors will also have to wear masks that cover the mouth and nose, answer basic health questions and have their temperatures taken before they can enter.
Underwood Wins 14th
The Associated Press on Thursday called the race for the seat in Illinois' 14th Congressional District for incumbent Democrat Lauren Underwood. She defeated Republican Illinois state senator Jim Oberweis. In response to the AP call, Underwood issued the following statement: "I am honored to be reelected to represent Illinois' beautiful 14th District in Congress.
Music Venues Say It's Time To Face (-to-Face) The Music
As Illinois slowly reopens, live music is also trying to make a comeback -- at least in a few places. With large-scale gatherings still a no-no in Illinois, big shows and music festivals have mostly been canceled or postponed. But some smaller locations are taking tentative steps beyond virtual or small outdoor offerings. Melissa Mercado is executive director of The Venue in Aurora. The performance space is operated by the nonprofit Fox Valley Music Foundation.
Music Venues Say It's Time To Face (-to-Face) The Music
As Illinois slowly reopens, live music is also trying to make a comeback -- at least in a few places. With large-scale gatherings still a no-no in Illinois, big shows and music festivals have mostly been canceled or postponed. But some smaller locations are taking tentative steps beyond virtual or small outdoor offerings. Melissa Mercado is executive director of The Venue in Aurora. The performance space is operated by the nonprofit Fox Valley Music Foundation.
NIU President Outlines Next Steps Toward Employees' Return To Campus
Northern Illinois University President Lisa Freeman sent out an email to employees of the school on Wednesday outlining next steps for their return to campus. She said that return would be a "trickle" not a "flood." Many have been working remotely since March when NIU began closing campus facilities in the wake of concerns over the spread of COVID-19, and, later, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home-order.
Courts In Winnebago And Boone Counties To Reopen June 1, Resume Regular Schedule With Precautions
The 17th Judicial Circuit announced Thursday that it will be reopening courts in Winnebago and Boone Counties June 1 and resuming a regular schedule. In the announcement, Chief Judge Eugene Doherty advised anyone coming to the court as a juror or litigant of the changes in its procedures that will be in place due to the continued threat of COVID-19: All persons entering the Courthouse should bring their own mask or face covering as it may be required to wear one.
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.
Young Named Interim RVC President
Rock Valey College's Board of Trustees announced Tuesday that they appointed Acting President Beth Young as the school's interim president. Young was delegated the position of acting president by outgoing President Dr. Doug Jensen on March 30. Young had served as the college's chief operating officer (COO) since Dec. 2019. She will continue to perform the duties of COO along with those of interim president until a new permanent president is hired.
Greg Zanis, 'The Cross Man,' Has Died
Greg Zanis, who became known as “The Cross Man” for his memorials to the victims of mass shootings, died of cancer Monday morning. He was 69. On social media, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin called Zanis a giant among men. Irvin said Zanis’ legacy will forever be remembered in Aurora and around the globe.
Aurora Honors Greg Zanis During Living Visitation
By Guy Stephens • 44 seconds ago Originally published on May 1, 2020 4:27 pm People in Aurora paid tribute Friday to a native son whose life is slipping away. For more than two decades Greg Zanis built crosses to commemorate the victims of mass shootings. Shepherded by police, cars by the hundreds moved past Zanis’ house with messages of gratitude. This "living visitation," as his family called it, was a chance for the community to thank Zanis for what became his calling, Crosses for Losses.
Aurora Honors Greg Zanis During Living Visitation
People in Aurora paid tribute Friday to a native son whose life is slipping away. For more than two decades Greg Zanis built crosses to commemorate the victims of mass shootings. Shepherded by police, cars by the hundreds moved past Zanis’ house with messages of gratitude. This "living visitation," as his family called it, was a chance for the community to thank Zanis for what became his calling, Crosses for Losses.
Illinois Governor Announces New Testing Sites For COVID-19
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced on Thursday an expansion of testing and testing sites for COVID-19 in the state. According to a press release from the governor’s office, the State has partnered with Thermo Fisher to help improve testing capacities at Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) labs and across the state, and Thermo Fisher committed to prioritizing Illinois in its supply chain management.
Fifteenth Film Festival Shows BIFF Still Boffo In Beloit
Listen to the radio version of the story The 15th annual Beloit International Film Festival opens Friday. Greg Gerard has been with the Beloit International Film Festival, or BIFF, since it was founded by Rod Beaudoin fifteen years ago. Gerard, a singer/songwriter who started with no formal film background, said he’s done just about every job needed to help make it run. That includes the last couple of years serving as executive director. “It’s been a really interesting journey," he said.
As Illinois' Second Legal Hemp Growing Season Nears, Experts Offer Encouragement And Advice
The second season of legal hemp growing is coming in Illinois. State experts are sharing what they know — and don’t — as more people express interest in growing it. University of Illinois Extension Educator Phillip Alberti leads workshops on hemp. He said its fiber can be used in everything from clothing to auto parts, and its seeds can be used as food. Most lucrative are its oils that are touted for a list of therapeutic benefits.
As Illinois' Second Legal Hemp Growing Season Nears, Experts Offer Encouragement And Advice
The second season of legal hemp growing is coming in Illinois. State experts are sharing what they know — and don’t — as more people express interest in growing it. University of Illinois Extension Educator Phillip Alberti leads workshops on hemp. He said its fiber can be used in everything from clothing to auto parts, and its seeds can be used as food. Most lucrative are its oils that are touted for a list of therapeutic benefits.
As Illinois' Second Legal Hemp Growing Season Nears, Experts Offer Encouragement And Advice
The second season of legal hemp growing is coming in Illinois. State experts are sharing what they know -- and don’t -- as more people express interest in growing it. University of Illinois Extension Educator Phillip Alberti leads workshops on hemp. He said its fiber can be used in everything from clothing to auto parts, and its seeds can be used as food. Most lucrative are its oils that are touted for a list of therapeutic benefits.
Arts Matter In Aurora Downtown's Success
Listen to the radio version of Guy's story Aurora’s downtown is transforming into what some are calling an “arts district.” Melissa Mercado is the executive director of the Fox Valley Music Foundation. It runs The Venue, a performance space located in the heart of downtown Aurora. The Venue opened in 2019. Mercado said the atmosphere of the 200-seat listening room is casual. Most sit around tables, and food and drink are available, and the offerings are intentionally eclectic.
Illinois Governor Urges Action On Climate Change
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.
Organization Challenges McHenry County To Protect Its Oaks
Illinois is known as "The Prairie State," but oak woods and savannas make up an important part of the state’s natural ecosystem. An environmental group launched a campaign to preserve one county’s remaining oak woods. Lisa Haderlein is executive director of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. She said it’s been working for several decades to protect the original landscape. But, like other parts of Illinois, there are only remnants left.
Illinois' Renewable Energy Industry Touts Its Impact, Warns Of Looming Bust
Members from the Illinois renewable energy industry touted its economic impact as it unveiled an interactive map of solar projects across the state. But they warned that the current boom will go bust if the State doesn’t pass new legislation. Representatives from the renewable energy industry said, thanks to Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), it will generate $5 billion in economic activity as well as more than 14,000 new jobs for the state by the end of this year.
Illinois' Renewable Energy Industry Touts Its Impact, Warns Of Looming Bust
Members from the Illinois renewable energy industry touted its economic impact as it unveiled an interactive map of solar projects across the state. But they warned that the current boom will go bust if the State doesn’t pass new legislation. Representatives from the renewable energy industry said, thanks to Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), it will generate $5 billion in economic activity as well as more than 14,000 new jobs for the state by the end of this year.
Sales Tax Proposal Aims To Address Shortfall In Winnebago County Mental Health Services
Listen to the story Voters in Winnebago County will decide whether to increase its sales tax by half a percent. The money would fund mental health services. Mary Ann Abate spent 41 years in mental health services as a social worker in Rockford, 25 of them on call.
NIU Professor To Use Fulbright To Study Mental Health Services And Jail Rate Data In Finland
A Northern Illinois University professor is looking at ways to reduce incarceration rates for those dealing with mental illness. Professor of Sociology Fred Markowitz will continue his research in Finland thanks to a Fulbright research grant. Markowitz said both Finland and the U.S have seen an increase in the number of mentally ill in jail as they cut back local treatment programs.
Photo Update: Restored 'Black Hawk' Statue Unveiled
Originally published on January 16, 2020 4:59 am "Black Hawk" gazes over the Rock River from high atop a bluff in Lowden State Park once more. Restoration on the Lorado Taft statue (which he called "The Eternal Indian") is complete. Work remains on the surrounding plaza at its base. But the tarp and scaffolding covering and obscuring the statue the last several years is gone. Copyright 2020 Northern Public Radio. To see more, visit Northern Public Radio.
Photo Update: Restored 'Black Hawk' Statue Unveiled
An Oregon group supporting restoration of the statue known as Black Hawk wants to establish a dedicated fund to keep it maintained. The statue was uncovered recently after being wrapped up for the past few years. Observers noticed some further damage to the statue, and the restoration work isn’t complete. The recently passed state budget allocates another $350,000 to the project, but members of Oregon Together, a nonprofit supporting the statue’s restoration, want to go further.
Historical Society Ponders Future With Iconic Belvidere Mansion
Listen to Guy's story The Boone County Historical Society received the largest donation in its history -- an iconic Belvidere mansion and $1 million to help maintain it. So what is the society’s vision for its new acquisition? Boone County Museum of History Executive Director Anna Pivoras walked me through a converted bank and an addition that was built several years back to provide office space as well as a big room for museum events. The museum also rents it out to the public.
Long-Awaited Statue Restoration Set To Finish By Year's End
Restoration of a monumental Illinois statue is scheduled to finish by year’s end. Lorado Taft called his statue in Lowden State Park overlooking the Rock River near Oregon “The Eternal Indian,” but it’s known to many as Black Hawk. Crystal Curfman is the executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. She said once work is finished, scaffolding and protective tarp will be taken down.
Long-Awaited Statue Restoration Set To Finish By Year's End
Restoration of a monumental Illinois statue is scheduled to finish by year’s end. Lorado Taft called his statue in Lowden State Park overlooking the Rock River near Oregon “The Eternal Indian,” but it’s known to many as Black Hawk. Crystal Curfman is the executive director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. She said once work is finished, scaffolding and protective tarp will be taken down.
On The Longest Night, Calling Forth The Light
Listen to the audio version (includes a bit of Jim Scott's music) The winter solstice arrives late Saturday. A community concert in Rockford invites everyone to come together for the longest night of the year. David Stocker is a guitarist, percussionist, world musician and State of Illinois Artist-in-Residence. He organized the concert at Emmanuel Lutheran Church which will feature special guest Jim Scott. For many years, Scott played with the Paul Winter Consort.
End Of 'Hometown Holiday' Calls Up Reflections On What It's Meant For Its Creator -- And Rockford
The 25th and final "Hometown Holiday" variety show takes place this weekend in Rockford. Those onstage and in the audience are reflecting on what the show has meant for the city. To understand the full impact of "Hometown Holiday" on Rockford, you have to go back well before its 25-year run. One person who can do that is Paul Logli. He was a year ahead of show creator J.R. Sullivan at Rockford’s Boylan Catholic High School in the late 1960s.
Master Printmaker And Former Longtime NIU Art Teacher Has Died
A world-renowned printmaker and former Northern Illinois University art teacher has died. David Driesbach was known for his humorous, sometimes fantastic images, and his mastery of intaglio, or engraving, that helped produce those images. At a retrospective exhibit of his work held at Rockford University in 2018, Driesbach offered words of encouragement to those who might follow. “Feel free to expand your universe," he said. "If you’re an artist and you want to try intaglio, go all out for it.
New Genres Art Space: As Exhibition Shows, Its Name Is Its Mission
An exhibition in Rockford closes this Saturday with a live musical performance by the artist. She'll interpret animated images she created. It’s part of an effort by a new gallery space to promote art that goes beyond the paintbrush. Listen to Guy's story New Genres Art Space co-founders Jason Judd and Iga Duchalska usher their visitor into a large, high-ceiling room on an upper floor of the Rockford Public Library’s Nordlof Center in downtown Rockford.
Getting To The Heart Of The Truth
A piece by acclaimed American composer Libby Larsen will be given its world premiere this weekend at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. The work is inspired by the true stories of migrants. NIU Choral Director Eric Johnson said he wanted something special to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his professional choir, Cor Cantiamo, the choral Ensemble-In-Residence at NIU. He said Libby Larsen, a much sought after composer with whom he’s worked before, was the perfect choice.
Rockford Symphony Orchestra Music Director Announces His Retirement
The Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director says next season will be his last at the helm of the organization. In an announcement Wednesday, Steven Larsen said he plans to retire after the 2020/2021 season. It will mark his 30th with the orchestra. Orchestra Marketing Director Michelle McAffee says he’s provided the next level growth the RSO board was hoping for when they hired him in 1991. “He went from five concerts a year to -- now we’re over twelve," she said.
Statue's Long-Awaited Restoration Set To Begin
Work is finally set to begin on the restoration of an iconic Illinois statue. Scaffolding has been erected around Lorado Taft’s statue. Known to many as “Black Hawk,” (Taft himself called it "The Eternal Indian") it overlooks the Rock River near Oregon. The crumbling concrete figure has been swaddled in black tarp the last few years to protect it from the elements. Soon, that will come off and restoration work will begin.
Rockford Festival A Showcase For New Plays, New Playwrights
The fifth annual Rockford New Play Festival takes place Friday & Saturday at The West Side Show Room. This year’s edition features short works by established and aspiring playwrights on the theme “Over…The Edge.” Artistic Director Mike Werckle recently showed off The West Side Show Room’s nearly completed new home. A cabaret area and 30-by-30 foot black box theater are housed in a strip mall some ways north of Rockford’s downtown.
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