Sean Crawford
Chatham
Sean has led the NPR Illinois news operations since the fall of 2009. He replaced the only other person to do so in the station's history, Rich Bradley. Prior to taking over the News Department, Sean worked as Statehouse Bureau Chief for NPR Illinois and other Illinois Public Radio stations. He spent more than a dozen years on the capitol beat.
Sean began his broadcasting career at his hometown station in Herrin, Illinois while still in high school. It was there he learned to cover local government, courts and anything else that made the news. He spent time in the Joliet area as News Director and Operations Manager for a radio station and worked for a chain of weekly newspapers for two years. Along with news coverage, he reported heavily on sports and did on-air play by play.
Sean holds a Master's Degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield.
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Illinois and other states got a windfall with federal pandemic aid. But new research looks at how the money is being spent and raises the possibility of problems down the road. -
It was the fall of 2020 and COVID was surging again. An outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans' Home resulted in the deaths of 36 residents. Gov. J.B. Pritzker made changes in leadership at the home and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. But a new state audit questions the Illinois Department of Public Health's response when the problem became apparent. We'll discuss the audit and reaction on this episode. -
Gun violence is a crisis in Illinois. The federal government provided money for the state to use on anti-violence efforts. But Illinois has only spent about one tenth of one percent of that amount so far. What's causing the delay? We have a report. And we learn about the challenging attracting — and keeping — home health aides. Those stories and more on this episode of Statewide. -
On this week's episode, we speak with a person conducting seminars to help understand the way racism is built into our society. We also hear about a Ukrainian couple who fled their country and now live in the Midwest. And, the early history of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, who was born in Illinois and spent time in Peoria. Those stories and more on Statewide. -
Democrats in control of state government were racing to approve a budget and public safety legislation, among other items, before their self-imposed adjournment deadline passed. The budget plan included several tax relief proposals, which will be heavily touted during the upcoming campaigns. -
Many in the U.S. feel helpless as they watch the war in Ukraine. But we'll take you to a small gift shop in Illinois, which has become a place to show support and find a sense of belonging. Also, Russian immigrants in the state explain their thoughts watching the war unfold. Those stories and more on this episode of Statewide. -
The first U.S. town founded by a Black person was in Illinois. Free Frank McWorter was formerly enslaved. He settled New Philadelphia in Pike County in the 1830s and both whites and Blacks lived there. It is now being considered for National Park status. McWorter's great-great grandson and his wife have written a book about the community and we hear from them. And we learn about how contracts for deed are used to help some individuals obtain home ownership. But things don't always work out. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide. -
For some teachers, the return to the classroom has been rocky. Experts are saying there is a mental health crisis among young people and many are acting out. All of this comes as districts consider changes to discipline policies. We have a report. Also, why are some nursing home resident leaving their jobs only to return to the exact same work? Listen to this week's Statewide. -
Chester Weger was paroled after nearly six decades in prison for the killing of three women at the state park. He has maintained his innocence. We talk with his attorney. That story and more on this episode of Statewide. -
Marcus Belin is the first Black principal at a suburban high school, where the student body is primarily white. He's using his experiences to help students connect history with recent events. Also, we discuss the indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and a Ukrainian college student in Illinois tells us how she's feeling about what's happening in her home country.
