Community Voices

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.