Susan Stephens

3 weeks ago | northernpublicradio.org | Spencer Tritt |Susan Stephens |Dan Libman

The year 2000 might not seem so long ago for some of us – and for others, it was a lifetime away. On April 16, 2025, the generations came together at Northern Illinois University’s Student Life Center. They were there to crack into a time capsule sealed up in a wall by employees of the student newspaper, the Northern Star, 25 years ago. WNIJ’s Under Rocks podcast team joined them to document this little piece of local history.

1 month ago | northernpublicradio.org | Susan Stephens

Thousands of people across northern Illinois gathered on street corners, in parks, and along roadways this weekend as part of the nation-wide “Hands Off” protests. Passions ran high in demonstrations from Chicago to Freeport against the Trump administration and the President’s advisor Elon Musk. In DeKalb, speakers and signs laid out the participants’ biggest issues with the Trump administration, including immigration, voting rights, the economy, and the slashing of federal jobs and programs.

1 month ago | northernpublicradio.org | Spencer Tritt |Jason Cregier |Susan Stephens

1 of 5  — IMG_7634.JPG 2 of 5  — IMG_7633.JPG 3 of 5  — IMG_7631.JPG 4 of 5  — IMG_7607.JPG 5 of 5  — IMG_7609.JPG Thanks to our wonderful hosts at the Edith Farnsworth House, Kristen Lochner, Scott Mehaffey, Arianna Kiriakos, and of course, our excellent tour guide, John Palmatier. Where should the Under Rocks team head next? Let us know at [email protected].

Jan 30, 2025 | northernpublicradio.org | Dan Libman |Susan Stephens |Spencer Tritt

1 of 4 — DSC06878.JPG 2 of 4 — DSC06865.JPG 3 of 4 — DSC06872.JPG 4 of 4 — IMG_7497.JPG Bellairs has a real estate office right in the heart of the action of Woodstock Square, Ground Zero for the filming of the 1993 hit “Groundhog Day.” We’re just steps away from the stretch of sidewalk where Bill Murray soaked his feet day after day in an icy mud puddle, the park where the Hollywood version of Punxsutawney Phil checks for his shadow, the tower where Murray’s character takes a plunge (a.k.a....

Jan 21, 2025 | northernpublicradio.org | Maria Lara |Susan Stephens

Supporters of women rights rallied Saturday across the country, including in northern Illinois. The goal was to send a message to the incoming presidential administration and coordinate their efforts to defend the rights they feel are threatened. DeKalb CountyIt was a cold morning, but the sun shone brightly. Folks gathered on the edge of the street surrounding the DeKalb County Courthouse.