What We’re Hearing From Illinoisans In The Know

What We’re Hearing From Illinoisans In The Know

Illinois Newsroom holds Listening Sessions across the state to hear what’s top of mind for community members. Unlike a formal interview, listening sessions are prompted with open-ended questions and discussions are community member led. These meetings often occur for hours, building bonds between our team and communities and giving us direction for deeper-dive reporting series…

From Plants To Panels: Solar Debate Plays Out In Fields Around Illinois

From Plants To Panels: Solar Debate Plays Out In Fields Around Illinois

Rural counties are facing a lot of heat over Illinois’ booming solar power development. The big push started in late 2016 when the state legislature passed the Future Energy Jobs Act. It sets aside at least $180 million yearly to help fund renewable energies like solar, which will help the state meet its goal of…

Ask The Newsroom: How Are Early Voting And Mail-in Ballots Handled?

Ask The Newsroom: How Are Early Voting And Mail-in Ballots Handled?

In the past, Ann Quackenbush would wake up early on election day to get to her polling place. The elementary school teacher in Champaign says it was often hard to make time to vote during a busy school day. For the primary last March, she tried something different – mailing in her ballot before election…

Obama Visits U Of I Campus, Urges Students To Get Out & Vote

Obama Visits U Of I Campus, Urges Students To Get Out & Vote

In his first major political speech since leaving office, former President Barack Obama took aim at the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress — blaming them for inciting division and stoking fears in the country. Obama delivered the address at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, where he also accepted the Paul H. Douglas Award for Ethics…

For Shrinking Illinois Towns, A ‘Smarter’ Approach

For Shrinking Illinois Towns, A ‘Smarter’ Approach

Farm towns in Illinois have been shrinking for decades, and the trend doesn’t show signs of reversing. By 2025, rural counties with populations of less than 10,000 people will see 7.4 percent of their residents leave, while counties with populations between 10,000 and 25,000 will lose 5.4 percent. That’s according to projections from the Illinois Department…