Illinois Times has been selected as a Report for America newsroom, allowing us to hire an additional full-time reporter starting in July.
This position is partially funded by a grant of $25,000 for the first year – we are expected to raise $35,000 from community support to cover our share of the reporter’s salary.
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. His stories and photos were picked up by dozens of outlets, including Illinois Times, which republished seven of his articles in 2024.
Raju, a Schaumburg native, said his passion for journalism began in high school while focusing on arts writing. He went on to graduate from American University in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry. He eventually pursued a master’s degree in journalism with a focus on health, environment and science reporting from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He held editing positions in both undergraduate and graduate publications and has continued freelancing stories during and after his reporting fellowship last year.
Raju said he pursued the Report for America program because of the nonprofit’s dedication toward preparing journalists for a life of reporting news that matters. His interest in working with an established community institution steered him toward Illinois Times.
Since 1975, we’ve delivered trusted, local journalism. As a free publication, we rely on reader support, along with advertising, to stay strong, especially in challenging times. Your contribution will help us grow and continue reporting on the stories that matter. Please support this reporting expansion by making a tax-deductible donation at illinoistimes.com/communityjournalism or donate by check (and avoid processing fees). Send it with your contact info to:
Illinois Times c/o Reporter Fund 1240 S. Sixth Street Springfield, IL 62703
Call 217-679-7806 or email [email protected] with any questions.