Jonathan Ahl
Jonathan is the General Manager of Tri States Public radio. His duties include but are not limited to, managing all facets of the station, from programming to finances to operations. Jonathan grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago. He has a B.A in music theory and composition from WIU and a M.A in Public Affairs Reporting from The University of Illinois at Springfield. Jonathan began his journey in radio as a student worker at WIUM. While in school Jonathan needed a summer job on campus. He heard WIUM was hiring, and put his bid in. Jonathan was welcomed on the team and was very excited to be using his music degree. He had also always been interested in news and public radio. He soon learned he was a much better reporter than a musician and his career was born. While at WIUM, Jonathan hosted classical music, completed operations and production work, was a news reporter and anchor, and served as the stage manager for Rural Route 3. Jonathan then went to on to WIUS in Springfield where he was a news anchor and reporter covering the state legislature for Illinois Public Radio. After a brief stint in commercial radio and TV, Jonathan joined WCBU in Peoria, first in operations then as a news reporter and for the last ten years of his time there he served as the News Director. Jonathan’s last job before returning to Tri States Public Radio was as the News Director/ Co-Director of Content for Iowa Public Radio. During Jonathan’s off time he enjoys distance running, playing competitive Scrabble, rooting for Chicago Cubs, listening to all kinds of music and reading as much as he can. He lives in Macomb with his wife Anita and children Tommy and Lily.
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In order to comply with a Pentagon mandate to electrify its non-tactical vehicles, one base in Missouri is outsourcing the charging stations to the local utility co-op. -
Research into psychedelic drugs was halted in the 1960s amid concern about recreational use. Now, the VA is among dozens of medical providers resuming that work. -
States are mailing absentee ballots sooner and — in a few places — letting troops cast ballots online. Still, voter turnout among military personnel lags the general population. -
Most grazing animals spend their time in open pastures. But there is a movement to raise livestock in the forest to benefit animals and the environment.
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The Army suicide rate is at its highest level in years. Plans to reduce it are getting mixed reviewsSoldiers are dying by suicide at the highest level since 9/11, and while some bases are trying do more to help prevent suicide, critics say its not enough. -
The military is having a tough time finding new recruits, and one factor may be its heavy reliance on families of those who’ve served. -
Small town farm shows are reacting differently to COVID-19 restrictions. Some canceled, some went virtual and some are carrying on as usual.
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Labor shortages exacerbated by the pandemic have left facilities around the country with empty beds, even though veterans are on waiting lists hoping to move in. -
Instead of applying crushed limestone to balance pH levels in fields, some farmers are trying crushed basalt. It can trap carbon and could help fight climate change.
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Forested land isn't usually good for farming unless it's clear-cut and plowed. Mini farms under the tree tops can grow crops like ginseng and mushrooms. It may be viable way to be a small time farmer.
