Community Voices

National Hispanic Heritage Month is upon us! Many events are happening. President of the Hispanic Women of Springfield Ana Manriquez shares information on the activities and some ISM events.

Wooden It Be Lovely

Brian Galecki, Jeff Black, and Chris Nickell bring pinball to downtown Springfield. The new VAULT 66 pinball venue and Dumb Records; for both locals and Route 66 travelers. They even have pinball tournaments!

Diaper Depot

Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, Arts in Education Grant, Poetry Out Loud, Music at the Market

Diaper Depot

Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, Arts in Education Grant, Poetry Out Loud, Music at the Market

Shelley Flynn Singleton and LAND OF LINCOLN GOODWILL offer programs like Youth Services, Adult Services, and Career Services. Shelley also provides information their RETAIL stores; also, on how their OUTLET Stores work.

Austin Simmons and Autumn Gwinn and the Springfield VEGAN CHEF CHALLENGE. From October 1-31. Restaurants in Springfield, Illinois will be featuring fantastic vegan dishes. The event is welcome to all.

What does the Constitution mean to you? A new play at UIS blends storytelling, live debate, and audience participation to explore how America’s founding document shapes all of us.

Stephanie Fulton tells us some of the history of Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby in central Illinois. Stephanie also explains the rules. The team is currently recruiting and is all inclusive.

Upcoming Edwards Place Fine Art Fair

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