BREAKING NEWS: At long last, after the pandemic has kept the state under lockdown for most of the past year-plus, Illinois is looking to reopen (mostly) on Friday. “After a tremendously challenging year, Illinois has now reached a defining moment in our efforts to defeat COVID-19,” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said. “Thanks to the hard work of residents across the state, Illinois will soon resume life as we knew it before – returning to events, gatherings, and a fully reopened economy, with some of the safety guidelines we’ve adopted still in place.” According to the Illinois Department... Read More

During a period of time when the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting virtually every activity nationwide, faculty and students in Western Illinois University’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) are finding a variety of ways to reach the populations they are learning to serve. RPTA Instructor Julie Eggleston is working with students in her classes to create programming for the McDonough County Special Recreation Association (MCSRA) and residents at Macomb’s Bickford Cottage. The MCSRA, housed in the Macomb Park District, provides recreational experiences, including... Read More

More people died from covid-19 in Iowa over the last week, and over the past month, than any other time this year, according to new numbers from the Iowa Department of Heath. Today, Iowa Department of Health reported 37 more deaths from covid, pushing the total to 2,349 since the first death on March 24. The new numbers reflect 222 deaths in the last week (Nov. 20-27), making it the highest week yet for covid deaths. The new numbers also reflect 634 deaths reported so far in November, making it the highest month yet, with four days still left to go in the month. Since the beginning of November,... Read More

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, has tested positive for coronavirus, she posted Monday on Twitter. “I am experiencing mild symptoms, but still feel well. I have been in contact with my medical provider and, per CDC guidance, am self-isolating,” she tweeted. “Consistent with medical advice, I will be working remotely from my home in Illinois until cleared by my physician,” Bustos, 59, wrote. “All individuals that I had been in contact with have been notified. Across the country and the Congressional District I serve, COVID case numbers are skyrocketing.” “We must all continue to... Read More