Illinois History Day (an affiliate of National History Day) is a project-based learning program for 6th-12th grade students. The program enhances learning history through research, analysis, and discovery. Students are asked to pick a topic of their choosing related to the National History Day theme and use the research skills they learn in their classrooms to develop a project. Projects consist of papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites. This year's theme is rights and responsibilities. Illinois hosts 4 regional contests and then a state contest where students present their projects and topics. Laura Mitchelle Illinois History Day Coordinator at the Illinois State Museum spoke to Community Voices about the origins of Illinois History Day, how teachers can prep their students, and the need for volunteer judges for the state contest. The Illinois State History Day contest is May 1, 2025 in Springfield. For more information about Illinois History Day and volunteering click here.

The Chatham Area Public Library hosts an annual murder mystery fundraiser, and this March marks the 25th time there’s been a murder in the library. Library Director Amy Byers and playwright Ryan Byers spoke to Community Voices about the fundraiser and how it helps contribute to the programming provided at the library. Ryan Byers also shared how he writes a zany, original script each year.The murder mystery will take place at 7 p.m. on March 14-15 at the Chatham Area Public Library. For more information or for tickets visit: https://www.chathamlib.org/murder-mystery

The two acts are the latest additions to the 2025 grandstand lineup.

Nancy Cole is an actor who has performed on several stages in Central Illinois, but she’s also made appearances in commercials, independent films and in the backgrounds of several TV series. She spoke to Community Voices about the behind-the-scenes of background acting and her experience on the set of the HBO Max series “Somebody Somewhere.”

Bradley Swanson started at NPR Illinois in 1977 as Operations Director. He became general manager of the station in 1999 and retired in 2004. He spoke to Community Voices about his first impressions of public radio, the story behind the station's changing call letters, and advancements in technology and fundraising. Brad also talks about the importance of public radio.Listen to people share reflections and memories of the past 50 years of NPR Illinois all year long on Community Voices.

Ken Lam is director of orchestral studies at The Tianjin Juilliard School and resident conductor of the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra. He was also music director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra from 2017 to 2022. Ken is returning to Illinois as guest conductor of the ISO's upcoming concert Romantic Reflections. The concert takes place Friday Feb. 7 in Springfield and Saturday Feb. 8 in Bloomington-Normal. He spoke to Community Voices about The Tianjin Juilliard School, what people can expect to hear at the concert, and about guest pianist for the concert, Aristio Sham. Tickets and information about the concert can be found here.

Every year Illinois Women in Leadership gives out the Athena Award to a woman who exemplifies a commitment to mentoring other women. Heather Burton spoke to Community Voices about the award and the process to submit a nomination. She also shared the importance of mentoring and how to get involved with the organization.For more information about nominations for the Athena Award visit: https://www.iwil.biz/

Jack McLaughlin and Jordan Shea are joined by Noah Thuma in Scarlet's Darling. I Didn't Mean to Call Your Name, is their Feb. 7, 2025 album release.

The Standardized Patient Program, which is replicated at medical schools across the country, originated at SIU School of Medicine. Dr. Amelia Frank spoke to Community Voices about the program. She explained how this program uses trained individuals to simulate real patient scenarios, helping future doctors develop their clinical skills. Dr. Frank also explained the process of becoming a standardized patient, the importance of continued learning for doctors and the various methods they employ to stay current in their field.For more information on the Standardized Patient Program visit: https://www.siumed.edu/oec/sp/become-standardized-patient

The central Illinois band, Crash Planet, has two EPs out — 2023's Subconscious and 2024's False Summit. They play shows in the area and are planning a regional tour.