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A regional journalism collaboration focused on expanding access to trusted, timely and relevant information across three key statewide topics: Education, Political Impact and Health/Environment

Checking In with 2024-2025 Ebert Fellows

The 2024-25 U of I College of Media Roger Ebert Fellows—Aaron Anastos, Diamond Steward-Hutton and Kennedy Caldwell—reflect on a year of writing, talking, and festivalgoing both at Ebertfest and True/False Film Festival, with Ebert Fellowship advisor/mentor Michael Phillips, the film critic of the Chicago Tribune. Good summer, everyone!

two men talk at table
Illinois Public Media

‘This is like leaving home for us’: Chancellor Robert Jones talks about departing U of I, Trump targeting higher ed, and leading through crises

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones talks about how the university is fighting back as the Trump administration withholds billions in federal funds from higher education. He also addresses why he is leaving for the University of Washigton. Watch our interview May 1, 2025 on WILL-TV. Or listen to the Dialogue show, this Saturday at 11 am on FM 101.1 llinois Soul.

Three students discuss the movie Dog Day Afternoon in WILL studios
Michael Phillips - Chicago Tribune

2025 Ebert Fellows Review ‘Dog Day Afternoon’

A streetwise gem of 1970s studio filmmaking, director Sidney Lumet's "Dog Day Afternoon" handed newly minted superstar Al Pacino one of his greatest roles: Brooklyn bank robber Sonny, based on a real person and an improbable true-crime story, about a desperate man with a complicated home life and a hostage situation that turns into a media circus.