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.

Erin Helmholz is raising awareness regarding mental health resources in our area; and has been a licensed clinical social worker in central Illinois for 10 years. She works for Molina Healthcare long-term care centers. Erin is also a child welfare advocate. Serving on the board for the Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery (MOCN).

Craig speaks with co-directors Preston Dodd and Roy Lowery about the upcoming performances of Jesus Christ Superstar coming to the Hoogland Center for the Arts May 7-9 and 15-17. This is part of the Springfield Theatre Centre season. "Jesus Christ Superstar, the first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire."

Hillary LaMontagne says, "I specialize as a certified alcohol and drug counselor. I see a lot of patients that want to address substance use issues. I do grief and trauma work. I like to work with postpartum moms. I really like to work with the LGBTQIA+ population, and I've worked with a lot of individuals who are transgender."

Springfield, Illinois native Tyler Lackland, Indiana University Department of Surgery | St. Louis University School of Medicine, recently matched into a cardiothoracic surgery integrated residency; a residency where, upon completion, she will be board certified as a cardiothoracic surgeon; heart and lung surgery. Tyler and her mother Tammy came into the NPR Illinois studios on the campus of UIS, where Tyler also did her undergrad.

'Wait Until 8th is an organization that encourages parents to delay giving their child a smartphone until the end of 8th grade. I have a 17-year-old and a 22-year-old. I've seen attention spans dramatically decrease over time.' says Melissa Hostetter, a Springfield middle school teacher.Local attorney, Ashley Vincent, has been following the litigation against Meta / Facebook, and Google / YouTube. 'To summarize, the jury found that the algorithm used by these platforms is harmful to children. It's meant to be addictive. Screen Sanity is an event to help parents connect. May 5th at Cherry Hills Church. from 6 to 7.30 P.M. Childcare will be provided.

Ted Morrissey, author of 'Aspiring Child A Biography of Mary W Shelley in Sonnets' comes to the NPR Illinois studios. He speaks on a recent trip to a Baltimore author's conference. Many of Ted's written works can be found at Twelve Winters Press.

"I shouldn't be here. I had broken almost every vertebra in my back. I have titanium rods that line my back, into my hips, both lungs punctured, all my ribs were broken. I am a T2 paraplegic." Artist Kristyn Yocius and her daughter Zvee have invented 'Slime Art'. Kristyn speaks on her remarkable comeback and her daughter's remarkable music.

Alana McKean and Susan Helm stop by the studio to give us the scoop on the upcoming Illinois Native Plant Sale, held at the Reisch Pavilion at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on May 9th. McKean says, "It's grown to be a really large, well-attended event." The event offers thousands of native plants, trees, shrubs, perennials.