Illinois Times is in its second year as a Report for America newsroom, which allowed us to add a full-time reporter to our staff in July 2025.
This position is partially funded by a grant of $20,000 for the second year. We are expected to raise $40,000 from community support to cover our share of this position.
Before joining Illinois Times, Dilpreet Raju reported on disparity through public health, wrongful convictions and the state’s burgeoning marijuana industry for Capitol News Illinois, a nonprofit news service, as a reporting fellow.
Raju, a Schaumburg native, has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He pursued the Report for America program because of the nonprofit’s dedication toward preparing journalists for a life of reporting news that matters.
Since 1975, Illinois Times has delivered trusted, local journalism. As a free publication, we rely on reader support, along with advertising, to stay strong, especially in challenging times. Your gift will help us grow and continue reporting on the stories that matter.
Please support this reporting expansion by making a tax-deductible donation today. Make a gift or become a monthly donor by visiting illinoistimes.com and clicking the “Support Us” button in the top right corner.
To make a donation by check, make it out to “Local Journalism Matters” and send it along with your contact information to:
Local Journalism Matters
C/O Illinois Times
1240 S. Sixth Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Questions? Call 217-515-2142 or email kmckenzie@illinoistimes.com.
