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Articles by Ryan Keith
Illinois Railroad Workers Urge Public to Make Safe Choices Around Tracks and Trains
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (September 16, 2026) — Illinois railroad workers are asking motorists, pedestrians, and families to remember a few basic rules that can save lives as the state observes See Tracks? Think Train!® Week September 21-27 — while highlighting a new Illinois law designed to make sure those lessons begin at a young age. SMART-TD Illinois State Director Bob Guy said railroad employees see firsthand why vigilance around tracks and crossings matters.
Illinois Conservation Leaders Urge Lawmakers to Fully Fund Soil and Water Conservation Before May 31 Budget Deadline
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (May 13, 2026) — The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) is calling on Illinois lawmakers to make soil and water conservation a top priority in the final weeks of budget negotiations, warning that increasing farmland conversion, flooding concerns, nutrient loss, water-quality challenges, and mounting development pressures are underscoring the urgent need for stronger long-term investment in land stewardship across the state.
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF): Budget Maintains Stability for Disability Services, More Opportunity for Progress Ahead
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (February 18, 2026) — The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), representing community providers serving Illinoisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and serious mental illnesses, has issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s proposed state budget: “In the face of significant fiscal uncertainty, we thank Governor [JB] Pritzker for his ongoing support of the Direct Support Professional workforce, the needs of...
Advance Illinois to Discuss Quad Cities Education Trends November 13, East Moline
EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS (November 12, 2025) – Advance Illinois, Black Hawk College, East Moline School District 37, and Western Illinois University will host a Quad Cities regional event on Thursday, November 13, focusing on how Illinois’ education system is performing post-pandemic and what the data reveal for local students. The conversation will examine statewide findings from The State We’re in 2025 and local data, highlighting both gains and challenges.
Nimble Options for Buying Layered Effects (NOBLE)
54 MDA's NOBLE announcement (Solicitation No. HQ0860-25-S-0001) is a 5-year notice that contains multiple authorities to which individual Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and non-FAR based solicitations can be issued against. Under NOBLE, MDA is seeking new and innovative concepts, disruptive technologies and rapid prototyping and demonstration efforts. The goal is to mature these technologies for integration into the missile defense system. Interest is in non-traditional business approaches.
Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD): Second Year of Budget Cuts Threatens Future of Conservation Districts
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (June 10, 2025) — The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) is sounding the alarm as the FY26 Illinois state budget continues to underfund the state’s 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs).
Students Across Illinois Win Awards, Create Career Opportunities at SkillsUSA Championships
PEORIA, ILLINOIS (May 8, 2025) —From solving crimes to flying drones, and from repairing diesel engines to building tiny homes, students from across Illinois have earned the opportunity of a lifetime: championship awards, a shot at national fame, and most importantly, a path toward career success.
Muslim Leaders, Lawmakers Prioritize Illinois as Welcoming State During Illinois Muslim Action Day
SPRINGFIELD, ILLILNOIS (April 9, 2025) — Building relationships with state leaders in Illinois takes on new importance these days for Muslims and immigrants facing unprecedented challenges, under a new federal administration determined to roll back legal protections.
Illinois Teacher Shortage Eases as Recruitment Efforts Show Results
SPRINGFIELD – New results from two statewide surveys show Illinois’ educator shortage crisis is easing. The Illinois State Board of Education attributes the progress to comprehensive statewide efforts to address teacher shortages, which include the largest-ever state investment in addressing teacher vacancies. The state’s Teacher Vacancy Grants provided $45 million per year in FY 2024 and FY 2025 to the 170 districts with the greatest numbers of unfilled teaching positions.
OUTSafe Program Supports LGBTQ+ Seniors with Statewide Service Provider Training Sessions
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (August 26, 2024) — Growing reports of violence and abuse, coupled with a lifetime of fear of discrimination, have state officials working with service providers to better meet the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors every time they reach out for help. OUTSafe: The LGBTQ+ Older Adult Violence Prevention Training Program is free training being offered across Illinois to law enforcement, health-care, social service, and other providers who support and interact with LGBTQ+ older adults.
Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) Education Leaders Celebrate Teachers Across Illinois in May in Midst of Shortage
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (May 30, 2024) — Leaders with the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) spend time each year helping schools understand the state’s teacher-shortage crisis. As the school year ends, they help celebrate the educators who selflessly serve students across Illinois. May is Teacher Appreciation Month.
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) Statement on New State Budget Support for Direct Support Professionals and Behavioral Health
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (May 29, 2024)—The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), representing community providers of services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses, today issued the following statement after the final state budget proposal was acted on by the Illinois Legislature: “We offer a sincere and important thank you to state legislators and Governor [JB] Pritzker’s Administration for supporting another state budget...
Illinois Students Earn Awards, Career Path Preparation at SkillsUSA Workforce Championships
PEORIA, ILLINOIS (May 6, 2024) — They poured concrete to lay bricks. They built tiny buildings, repaired diesel engines, and raced the clock and each other to be the best at more than 150 events — and they just might have found their successful career path in the process.
The Mobile Museum of Tolerance Honors Illinois Student Champions in Anti-Hate Essay Contest
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (May 3, 2024) — The Simon Wiesenthal Center, through its Illinois Mobile Museum of Tolerance, announced the winners of its 4th annual “Your Voice: Changing the World, One Speech at a Time” contest. The competition, which was open to students between sixth to twelfth grades, challenged participants to craft a three-minute, 450-word essay based on Simon Wiesenthal's statement: “The history of man is the history of crimes, and history can repeat.
Lawmakers, Affordable Housing Advocates Join Labor In Push for New Tax Credit Legislation
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ affordable housing shortages have reached crisis levels in Chicago and other communities, fueling needed public policy discussions about short-term and long-term solutions. State legislators and housing advocates say one important piece of the puzzle is the Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit, and they have a new, influential ally in organized labor.
Local Food Infrastructure Program Announces Nineteen Award Recipients, Sets Up Push for Expanded State Funding
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (March 20, 2024) — Local food is getting an important shot in the arm with the distribution this spring of nearly $2 million in state funding. But it’s clear more support is needed to meet the state’s growing local needs.
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF): New Budget Proposal Does Not Include Needed Investments in Disability Services
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (February 22, 2024) —The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, representing community providers of services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses, issued the following statement February 21, after Governor JB Pritzker presented his 2025 state budget proposal: “We appreciate the Governor and his administration working with the disability community and ultimately deciding not to pursue a proposed decrease in...
Transportation Coalition Calls February 21 Budget Proposal Wrong Direction for Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, ILLLINOIS (February 22, 2024) — The Transportation for Illinois Coalition, an umbrella organization of business, labor and infrastructure groups that advocates for federal and state transportation funding, today issued the following statement in response to Gov.
The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI): Occupational Cancer is Killing Fire Fighters
LINCOLN, ILLINOIS (January 2, 2024) — Occupational cancer is claiming the lives of more fire-fighters than any other cause, including fires and other on-scene incidents.
Advance Illinois Report to Highlight Progress, Remaining Challenges in Educator Shortage and Diversity
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (October 9, 2023)—Illinois has made encouraging progress to address educator shortages, despite historic challenges presented by COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. But persistent problems remain, and Illinois must prepare to provide significant aid to schools through informed financial investments and policy changes, according to new research from a statewide policy advocacy organization.
State Rep Bob Rita Legislation to Reduce Fishing License Fees Becomes Law
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (August 15, 2023) — State Representative Bob Rita has a new solution in Illinois law for anyone interested in fishing across the state but not so sure about paying the license fee. This year, Rep Rita (D-Blue Island) led the push for House Bill 2317. The bill significantly reduces the license fee for sport-fishing or spearing for anyone 26 years old and older wanting to fish here.
Illinois House Progressive Caucus Endorses Slate of Legislation Headed to Senate
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Mother-Daughter Pair End Year With Joint Book Launch
LINCOLN – A year to remember has taken on a special meaning for one central Illinois family, with a mother-daughter joint release of new books they have authored to end 2022. E.G. Keith is out with her second book of the year, after her first successful young-adult novel Havoc was released in March. The sequel is Serenity, and in it the now 12-year-old author picks right back up with her style of witty comebacks, timely puns and an evil way of thinking. Her mother, Jennifer J.
Mother-Daughter Pair End Year With Joint Book Launch
LINCOLN – A year to remember has taken on a special meaning for one central Illinois family, with a mother-daughter joint release of new books they have authored to end 2022. E.G. Keith is out with her second book of the year after her first successful young-adult novel Havoc was released in March. The sequel is Serenity, and in it, the now 12-year-old author picks right back up with her style of witty comebacks, timely puns, and an evil way of thinking. Her mother, Jennifer J.
Rep Mike Halpin Celebrates $2.65 Million State Grant for New Library in East Moline
EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS (September 13, 2022)— The new public library in East Moline is a reality, thanks to a crucial state grant delivered by State Representative Mike Halpin. Rep Halpin (D-Rock Island) joined officials Monday, September 12, at the grand opening for the new East Moline Public Library, which received $2.65 million in state funding. The $7 million project was able to be completed through a combination of public funding and private donations.
Unlocking the Opportunities of Cell and Gene Therapies
Cell and gene therapies represent both the hopeful and the concerning sides of modern health care. They massively advance the science of medicine, treating and curing diseases that we struggled to address in the past. But they are also massively expensive and risk exacerbating inequities that already exist in the health care system. How do we unlock the opportunities of cell and gene therapies while avoiding the risks? Experts from Marsh McLennan Agency and Guy Carpenter weigh in.
Cell and Gene Therapy Is Getting Popular. How Will Employers Manage Costs?
In Practice September 2, 2021 Healthcare Director at Marsh McLennan Advantage Senior Vice President at Guy Carpenter National Practice Leader at Marsh McLennan Agency Pharmacy Clinical Director at Marsh McLennan Agency Doctors work at the chemical analysis laboratory on April 1, 2020, in Rome, Italy.
Kids Have a Natural Connection With Nature and Here's How You Can Help Them Keep It
Parents and researchers have long suspected city kids are disconnecting from nature due to technological distractions, indoor lifestyles and increased urban density. Limited access to nature during COVID-19 lockdowns has heightened such fears. In fact, “nature-deficit disorder” has become a buzzword, driving concerns about children’s well-being and their ability to understand and care for the natural world.
One in two primary-aged kids have strong connections to nature, but it drops off in teenage years
by Ryan Keith, Dieter Hochuli, John Martin, Lisa M. Given, The Conversation A girl volunteers her opinion in a group discussion at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Credit: Ryan Keith Parents and researchers have long suspected city kids are disconnecting from nature due to technological distractions, indoor lifestyles and increased urban density. Limited access to nature during COVID-19 lockdowns has heightened such fears.
1 in 2 primary-aged kids have strong connections to nature, but this drops off in teenage years. Here's how to reverse the trend
Parents and researchers have long suspected city kids are disconnecting from nature due to technological distractions, indoor lifestyles and increased urban density. Limited access to nature during COVID-19 lockdowns has heightened such fears. In fact, “nature-deficit disorder” has become a buzzword, driving concerns about children’s well-being and their ability to understand and care for the natural world.
Vaccine Hesitancy Is Rising in Poorer Countries
Geopolitics June 14, 2021 Professor at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine A woman waits to receive a dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at a walk-in vaccination center in Algeria on June 7, 2021. Photo: Ryad Kramdi/AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson hoped that last weekend’s G7 summit would commit to vaccinating the world against COVID-19 by the end of next year.
Nature detectives in the backyard: 3 science activities for curious kids this summer
During lockdowns, millions of homes were transformed into mini schools as parents and teachers joined forces to facilitate remote learning. The experience proved education doesn’t only happen in classrooms. The green spaces around our homes can be stimulating learning environments. Backyard activities get kids outdoors, benefiting both their health and well-being and their education. Instead of experiencing learning loss over summer, curious kids can discover wildlife right on their doorstep.
DOD Official Describes Missile Defense Strategy
James H. Anderson, the assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and capabilities, spoke about the 2019 Missile Defense Review at the Brookings Institution in Washington, Jan. 29. He noted that the strategy covers the Defense Department’s three lines of effort: lethality, partnership and reform. Here are his main points: 1 The Threat China and Russia are developing advanced cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons that can potentially overcome United States defenses.
Saints Travel To Minnesota Sunday To Face Vikings
All of Louisiana will stand still this Sunday and be in front of a TV to root the New Orleans Saints on to victory. The Saints got past the Carolina Panthers last Sunday in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs beating them 31-26. Next up for the Saints is a big divisional round game against the Minnesota Vikings on their home field. The game will be at US Bank Stadium which is also the site of this years Superbowl.
The Comic Book Supervillains of Louisiana
Even if you don't like comic books, there's a supervillain on this list for everyone. From Senator Two-Face to Who Dat Brainiac, anyone from Louisiana will recognize more than a few of these superpowered ne'er-do-wells. SENATOR TWO-FACE This villainous trickster promises to invest in infrastructure improvements and things like public education, but ends up spending most of his time posting selfies to his Facebook page in whichever one of his 57 cowboy hats is his favorite that day.
1st Annual Family Friends And Fun Fest This Sunday In Lake Charles
In Southwest Louisiana we are known for our festivals full of great food, fun and great entertainment. Well this Sunday a brand new festival is coming your way and will have all three of these things. The first annual Family Friends and Fun Festival will take place at the Lake Charles Civic Center inside the coliseum this Sunday, Jan 14th.. The festival is full of great food choices along with some stellar entertainment.
Naomi Judd Celebrates Her 72nd Birthday Today
One half of the legendary duo "The Judds" and the mom in the situation Naomi Judd turns 72 years old today. Naomi's real name is Diana Ellen Judd and she was born in Ashland, Kentucky in 1946. Who would have known that when Naomi was born, she would change country music forever. In 1983, the Judds were formed with her daughter Wynonna. During the run of the musical duo The Judds, they scored 15 number one hits and released 26 singles.
Saints Get New Theme Song Called 'Da Sean Payton'
With the recent success of the New Orleans Saints this season, folks are going Black and Gold crazy lately. We told you earlier this week about how folks are ordering Black and Gold themed king cakes for Mardi Gras. People are ordering them for their Saints football parties and for their Mardi Gras balls. Back in 2009 when the Saints made a run to the Superbowl a song came out called "Who Dat Black and Gold to the Superbowl".
20 Years Ago: Martina McBride Hits No. 1 With ‘A Broken Wing’
Twenty years ago today (Jan. 10, 1998), Martina McBride soared to No. 1 with her single "A Broken Wing." The song comes from McBride's multi-platinum-selling album Evolution . "A Broken Wing," which was McBride's second career No. 1 hit, is an honest look at an emotionally abusive relationship.
John Michael Montgomery Postpones Concerts Due to Surgery
John Michael Montgomery was planning to rock it out with his fans this weekend, but as it turns out, he's been unfortunately sidelined due to surgery. "Hi all, As you may of heard I went into the hospital for some surgery that is going to require me to stay home this weekend January 12/13," he informed fans on Facebook. "I’m recovering well and ready to be back on the road January 19 and 20.
Brantley Gilbert Announces 2018 Kick It in the Ship Cruise
Brantley Gilbert is getting ready to hit the high seas on his first-ever fan cruise. Gilbert's 2018 Kick It in the Ship Cruise is set for October. The 4-night cruise is set to take place from Oct. 23-27, 2018, setting sail out of Miami, Fla., and headed to Nassau, Bahamas, on the Norwegian Jade. Luke Combs , Michael Ray , Blackhawk, Colt Ford , Josh Phillips and Faren Rachels have been announced as special guests who will also perform on the cruise, with more artists yet to be announced.
Is Aaron Watson's 'Run Wild Horses' a Hit? Listen and Sound Off!
Aaron Watson turns the heat way up with "Run Wild Horses," an absolute baby-maker from his Vaquero album. The followup to " Outta Style " has a Michael McDonald kind of feel, if the Doobie Brother was from the American southwest. R&B overtones dominate a sultry, guitar and fiddle-heavy arrangement that practically reaches out to dim the lights itself. Then he starts to sing.
Tim McGraw, Faith Hill Hit With Copyright Lawsuit Over ‘The Rest of Our Life’
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are facing a lawsuit from two songwriters who allege they lifted their current single, " The Rest of Our Life ," from a song that scored a hit in Australia in 2016. Songwriters Sean Carey and Beau Golden filed a lawsuit in New York federal court on Wednesday (Jan. 10), alleging "The Rest of Our Life" is "blatant copying" of their 2014 song, " When I Found You ," which was a hit when Jasmine Rae released it via ABC Records, according to the Hollywood Reporter .
US News & World Report HATES Louisiana
I’m not sure anyone really puts a lot of stock in whatever U.S. News & World Report says, but they do love making lists…and putting Louisiana at the bottom of nearly all of them. This time, they’ve come up with a Best States list by factoring in things like Health Care, Education, Crime & Corrections, Infrastructure, Opportunity, Economy, and Government to determine an overall rank for each state.
Hear a Sample of ‘The Mountain,’ Title Track of Dierks Bentley’s New Album
Dierks Bentley recently announced that his ninth studio album, The Mountain , will be released early this year. In addition to holding a video chat with fans where he answered their questions about the project, he also released a sampler of the album's title track. A nearly 90-second snippet showcases Bentley's familiar yearning vocals as he sings about climbing that metaphorical mountain in life.
Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town Announce Joint Bandwagon Tour
Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town are teaming up for a co-headlining tour this summer. Thirteen stops on the Bandwagon Tour were announced on Thursday morning (Jan. 11). As of now the 2018 Bandwagon Tour focuses on the east coast and midwest, with stops in Indianapolis, Tampa and Pittsburgh after the kickoff on July 12 in Charlotte, N.C. The final stop is an Aug. 24 stop in Clarkston, Mich., just north of Detroit.
Top 10 Hank Williams Jr. Songs
Hank Williams Jr. is known for many things: his presence on Monday Night Football , a history of outspoken (and often controversial) political opinions ... and, oh yeah, being the son of Hank Williams. Williams Jr. is also known for his rambunctious, rowdy style of music, and how prolific he has been in putting it out: He has released 56 studio albums and 25 compilation albums throughout his 50-ish-year-long career.
Justin Moore, Dustin Lynch + More Join 2018 Taste of Country Festival Lineup
Ten country hitmakers with more than 20 combined No. 1 hits have just been added to the 2018 Taste of Country Music Festival lineup. Montgomery Gentry , LeAnn Rimes , Dustin Lynch and Justin Moore will join Eric Church , Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt at the sixth-annual country music and camping festival in central New York. Rodney Atkins , Kane Brown , Devin Dawson , Ashley McBryde , Jimmie Allen and Sasha McVeigh are also among the performers announced on Wednesday morning.
LSU Football Finish Season Just Inside Top 20
Sadly college football fans, the season is over. It ended with the national championship game Monday night when Alabama won in overtime over Georgia to win their 5th national championship in the past 9 years. The LSU Tigers final game of the 2017 was in the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame where the Tigers lost 21-17 to finish the season at 9-4 and 6-2 in SEC play. Before the bowl game LSU was ranked #17 in the College Football playoff rankings and #16 in the AP Top 25.
Goodwill Returns Roy Acuff Fiddle to Owner
It seemed almost too mysterious to be true: A fiddle believed to have been owned by country music legend Roy Acuff went up for auction last week in the humblest of locales: the charitable organization Goodwill. As it turns out—probably not to anyone's surprise—the donation turned out to be accidental, and the fiddle has been returned to its rightful owner. The Kansas City Star reported that Goodwiil's Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas location received the instrument from an anonymous donor.
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