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Mark Gardiner stand atop the "high and lonesome" hill on Gardiner Angus Ranch in Ashland, Kansas. "The reason that this is still here today is probably a byproduct of the fact that it's not very good land for farming and to raise crops on, it's too rough, it's too sandy," Gardiner said.

Anna Pope

Harvest Public Media

A native prairie bird lost federal protection. People are still trying to save it on private land

Anna Pope

The lesser prairie chicken was once a common sight in the southern Great Plains, but its numbers are dwindling. Even so, it lost federal protections earlier this year for a second time. Now states and landowners are overseeing conservation efforts

Belvidere North players and teammates hold up the 2025 IHSA Class 5A Semifinals football playoff plaque after winning the game against Cary-Grove.

Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

Illinois Public Radio

IHSA announces bylaw proposals to be voted on, including adding 128 teams to the state football playoffs

Michael O'Brien

A blue sign on a shop window asks people to "shop small."

Rachel Cramer

Harvest Public Media

Small businesses feel more uneasy ahead of the holidays after a year of slow sales and high costs

Rachel Cramer

TSPR Local News

Mark Thomas named Galesburg’s Herring Community Service Award winner

The Thomas B. Herring Community Service Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional service and leadership in the Galesburg area.
TSPR Local News

Knox County ballot challenges: Treasurer candidate removed, other objections move to Dec. 12 hearing

Jane Carlson

The county's electoral board removed Janet Windish from the ballot due to her statement of candidacy being incomplete. Objections to four other Republican candidates are pending.
TSPR Local News

Sticking point for Macomb-based CTE facility: location, location, location

Rich Egger

Those working to develop a regional career and technical education center in Macomb agree that it’s an important project, and that collaboration is essential. But what they disagree on is where to put it.
TSPR Local News

Guest conductor with local roots to lead Knox-Galesburg Symphony’s ‘A Celebration of Spirit’

Jane Carlson

ROWVA and WIU grad Wes Anderson will conduct the concert of three well-known suites. "A Celebration of Spirit" is at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre.
TSPR Commentaries

Voices of Women’s Public Activism in the U.S.-Occupied Philippines

Febe Pamonag

For our Women’s Voices series, commentator Febe Pamonag says women in rural areas have played an important role in advancing social issues. She shares an example from overseas, and says such contributions should not be overlooked.

NPR News

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NPR's College Podcast Challenge

Open until Fri, Jan. 16, 2026
Students can submit a podcast (or multiple podcasts!) on any topic they’re interested in for a chance to share their story on NPR and take home the $5,000 cash prize.