Illinois Times (Springfield, IL)
May 1, 2025
Based on encounters I have across Springfield, I'd say a whole bunch of people want better local news. They see that the number of reporters covering local events has gone down here, just as it has in cities and towns across the country. But in addition to agreeing that the local reporting scene has suffered greatly by cutbacks, I often share a ray of hope. Later this year, an announcement should be made outlining how a five-year, $500 million national philanthropic program called Press Forward
Illinois Times (Springfield, IL)
November 9, 2023
Two foundations announced Nov. 6 that they are setting aside $2 million toward improving news coverage in Springfield and surrounding communities. "I don't know if we're what they call a news desert, but it's gotten awfully dry," said John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln during a grant announcement held at University of Illinois Springfield's Student Union. Springfield is one of six inaugural communities across the United States to receive
