The Crisis
The collapse of local journalism has created a crisis for democracy. Residents no longer get the information they need to understand the critical issues facing their community, to make good decisions for their family, and hold elected officials accountable.
This problem is not going to be solved by a new phone app or an increase of a few pennies in digital ad rates. It’s time to try something dramatically different.
The Solution
Report for America is a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. An initiative of the nonprofit media organization, The GroundTruth Project, it is structured to harness the skills and idealism of an emerging group of journalists plus the creative spirit of local news organizations.
The Corp
Yvonne Boose covers artistic, cultural, and spiritual expressions. This includes how members of community cultural groups are finding creative and innovative ways to enrich their personal lives through these expressions individually and within the context of their larger communities.
Maria Gardener Lara reports for WNIJ Hola with a focus on keeping families informed on the programs and policies that affect the growing Latino community.
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco covers the environment includes a sharp focus on water including the quality of rivers and groundwater, and how climate-driven rain and flooding are fundamentally changing the course of life in the region. Additionally Juanpablo can be heard covering stories related to substandard housing and community policing.
These positions are partially funded by a grant from Report for America. WNIJ must raise an the remainder through local matching funds. Support these important voices in our community by donating to WNIJ’s portion here.
Maria, Juanpablo, and Yvonne’s stories from our community will be collected below.
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The Environmental Protection Agency recently released new rules regarding the Waters of the United States that decide which bodies of water fall under federal protection. But a case the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on soon throws those rules into question and could mean less protection for wetlands.
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The Rockford Symphony Orchestra has a new maestro following a 30-year tenure of their former one. He recently had a conversation with WNIJ’s Yvonne Boose.
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The Northern Illinois University School of Theater and Dance will showcase a film that took over 10 years to complete.
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The Rockford Symphony Orchestra has a new music director.
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A Rockford native accomplished one of his lifelong goals and won big while doing it.
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Volunteers in a northern Illinois city use Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations to foster community through the youth that expands beyond the holiday.
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A network of businesspeople in DeKalb is asking the community to help design their business directory cover.
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Nominations are now open for annual awards that celebrate the arts and artists in the Rockford area.
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City of Rockford braces for possible severe winter storm
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It’s been almost 10 years since one Rockford native was granted clemency by President Obama. This ex-drug dealer is using his story to help others choose a different path.