Community Voices

5th Street Renaissance battle homelessness and other public health issues. The Harvest for Homes Celebration is a great fundraising opportunity for the community. Penny Powell and Ty Charnley bring us the info.

Cori Claycomb and Jenn Edginton with The Illinois State Museum with Info on Hispanic Heritage Month

Cori Claycomb and Jenn Edginton with The Illinois State Museum with Info on Hispanic Heritage Month

The Hoogland Center for the Arts is excited to present the smash hit musical HAIRSPRAY.Sophie Carpenter, who plays Tracy Turnblad, and Matt Woodson, who plays Link Larson are excited for everyone to see this production! Remember to buy your tickets directly from The Hoogland website for best price and to avoid problems with third party sellers.

FAE FOLK ART FESTIVAL brings us Folklore Fantasy Art Puppetry and more! We talk with Bri Skeels and Cee Jones give info on the Saturday, Sept., 12th event at Union Square Park in downtown Springfield.

Neill Dresen Booked bands like Los Lobos, Black Flag, Reverend Horton Heat, and The Wailers at Donnie's Homespun, Springfield and Decatur locations. Now he brings Decatur RHYTHM AND BLUES IN THE PARK.

Wild Rose Artisans Gallery and Boutique. Monica Zanetti Reed Bring Dance and Art to Downtown Springfield ALL MOVES WELCOME All Moves Welcome to Le Esquina Movimiento, a pop-up dance party!

Hear Songs from Tom Irwin and His Sing Along Book for Kids at Downtown Discovery Day in Jacksonville, Illinois. This event starts at 11am and goes to 2pm on Saturday, Sept. 12 on the Jacksonville Square.

What can the Declaration of Independence teach us about labor, free speech and voting rights today? Illinois 250 explores the history—and the unfinished work of democracy. In partnership with Illinois Humanities.

From a Chatham kitchen to 10 million monthly visitors, Kasey Schwartz built AllThingsMamma.com into a thriving recipe business—and has learned how to adapt as the digital world changes.

Brandy Apgar and Christy Freeman Stark with COMPASS FOR KIDS speak on the history and impact of this educational resource for underserved kids. BACK TO SCHOOL BRUNCH and volunteering opportunities.

Seth! Leary built a wee art house called 'Gallery 1624'. It's located at 1624 Holmes Ave. for those who want to take a little look. He was inspired by one that he saw in a Chicago neighborhood.

Copper Coin Ballet Comapny’s Rockballet returns Sept. 12 with an all-Prince program, live music and dance under the stars at Springfield Muni Opera. Purple Rain, anyone?

She trained from sunrise to midnight to make history. Meet Brittany Apgar, a founding Women's Pro Baseball League player inspiring the next generation in Springfield.

Discover a different approach to health care. Dr. Hossain Mesbah explains how direct primary care puts patients—not insurance paperwork—at the center of medicine.

How did the Declaration of Independence shape Native American history? Author Kimberly Sigafus explores resilience, truth, and inclusion in America's story. This Illinois 250 episode is produced in partnership with Illinois Humanities.

From Underground Railroad quilt codes to the Black Panther Heritage Trail, learn how Illinoisans are preserving Black history for future generations in this Illinois 250 episode in partnership with Illinois Humanities.

The U.S. story is written on Illinois roads. Discover the National Road, Route 66, and the highways that shaped a nation in this Illinois 250 episode in partnership with Illinois Humanities.

Illinois' music tells the story of our state. Discover how French Creole traditions, folk music, and river culture have helped shape Illinois and America for 250 years.Episode two of six in a special NPR Illinois series in partnership with Illinois Humanities.

Illinois 250 wants your story. Discover how 'Illinois Voices 250' is preserving the thoughts of everyday people for generations as America marks its anniversary. Episode one of six in a special NPR Illinois series in partnership with Illinois Humanities.

From handwritten notes to instant invoices: see how AI is transforming small business. Catch Adam Gurski’s live demos are June 10–11, with more to come.

A unique Illinois program helps incarcerated mothers stay connected to their children through family visits, crafts, meals, and love.

Levitt AMP Springfield concert series kicks off the 2026 season. Bella Szabo provides some attendance tips.

Families forever shaped by the Civil War gather in Springfield this summer at the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War national convention.

Fresh food, free events, and friendships are growing at the Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens — where community blooms one raised bed at a time. 🌱

A beloved small-town doctor is found dead—and secrets unravel fast. Mount Zion author Chris Cooper debuts a new murder mystery.

WQNA is coming back to Springfield’s airwaves. After 7 years, the eclectic, community-driven station is weeks from relaunch. Here’s what to expect.

From AI data centers to drinking water and carbon storage, Illinois faces big environmental decisions this spring - UIS PAR class of 2026.

Cash bail, classroom phone bans, and the fight over college funding—here’s what Illinois lawmakers are really debating this spring. - UIS PAR 2026

What do drug prices, hospital closures, and pensions have in common? They’re all shaping affordability debates at the Illinois Capitol. The UIS PAR class of 2026 has more.

Free Small Business Skillshare May 7: AI, loans, government contracts & more. Quick, practical tips to grow your business—plus breakfast and lunch included.

A haunted school, a dragon-shaped lake, and a hero with ghostly powers. Meet Strangely Bumptious—a funny, spooky new middle-grade adventure set in central Illinois.

Springfield’s The Lovelorn joins Nordista Freeze’s 50 shows in 50 states world record run May 17 in Chicago. Be part of music history in the making.

Research has shown that engaging children in learning through play is the best way to set them up for success, both academically, but also socially.

A local author launches two space adventures—misfit crews, starship mortgages, and library inspiration. Meet Mark Susko and his expanding universe.

Prescribed burns keep Illinois ecosystems alive — but insurance barriers are stopping them. A new bill aims to change that. Ellicia Sanchez and Tharran Hobson of the Nature Conservancy explain.

Jacksonville rallies against Alzheimer’s with trivia, empathy games and a fall walk. See how you can join the effort and support local families facing dementia.

From helicopter transports to 1-lb miracles, see how Springfield’s NICU delivers world-class care — and compassion — when families need it most.

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer—but early screening can save lives. A survivor’s story and expert insight show why getting checked now matters. Call 844-ALA-LUNG.

Evan Mitchell discusses the Zaden Dudra Memorial Skateboard Park in Taylorville, Illinois. A list of central Illinois skateboard parks is also provided for the community.

UIS student leaders take their stories to the Capitol, lobbying lawmakers for higher ed funding — and learning advocacy starts with using your voice.

St. Louis duo, Bruiser Queen has been a Springfield favorite. Morgan Nusbaum (guitars/vocals) and Jason Potter (drums/vocals) pack a powerful punch combining garage/raw power & nostalgic smoothness.

Don Hanrahan, Coalition for Springfield's Utility Future asks if a short moratorium is needed, to vet the proposed CyrusOne Data Center. "We haven't done due diligence."

Springfield is seeing job growth. Now a proposed data center could bring 500 construction jobs, $6.5M in taxes, and big debate over power and water. Here’s what it means.

Free concerts. paid artists. big impact. The Springfield Area Arts Council is hiring, and gearing up for a bigger-than-ever Levitt AMP season. Get involved and support local arts!

Dorothy, the Scarecrow & a few surprise jitterbugs take the stage! 🌪️✨ Don’t miss SYPG’s ballet Wizard of Oz April 18–19. Follow Ella and Mary on the yellow brick road to tickets!

From remote learning to real-world storytelling, Tess Peterson is building her journalism career while spotlighting Springfield’s stories. Discover her journey and passion for connection.

Spencer and Lyndsay Stokes speak on experiences as mural artists. Their beautiful murals can be seen from downtown Springfield to the flood wall in St. Louis, as cofounders of Trackside Murals.

What happens when you let the river back in? Discover how Emiquon’s 7,000-acre wetland comeback is reshaping Illinois’ future.

From Navy Band to solo “bass & spoken word,” William B. Hart blends Hendrix, Bach, bebop—and bold thoughts on AI. Hear his story on Community Voices.