Springfield Theatre Centre will close their season with a production of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf on June 12-14 and 19-21. Craig was able to talk to director Reggie Guyton along with cast members India Pierce and Lakeia Crawford about the upcoming show and how they became involved in the production. "For colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf: This groundbreaking "choreopoem" is a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Capturing the brutal, tender and dramatic lives of contemporary Black women, for colored girls... offers a transformative, riveting evening of provocative dance, music and poetry."

In the studio with Avika Sharma, Ben Elven, and Jeremy Auten; part of #14204 Super SCREAM Bros. won the Robot Design Award at the Illinois State Robot Design Championship, and advanced to the international World Championship in Houston.

Ellen Wiker of Athens has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for her efforts to reduce cat overcrowding at Menard County Animal Control Shelter and other animal welfare programs in her community. (Via Katrina Steubinger, Marketing Manager, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois)

Chris Boyster, executive director for the Illinois Certification Board certifies alcohol and drug counselors and those in the substance use disorder field and helps break the stigma often attached.

Singer, songwriter Ricki Marvel says "I'm chair for Black Pride, a part of Springfield Pride Fest. We're trying to start something, where people get to see themselves celebrated. That's very important!"

Dr. Melissa Fisher Paoni and Dr. Michael Trieger of Springfield Psychological Center come to NPR Illinois to speak on the recent Pride event, Dr. Trieger's upcoming retirement, and suicide prevention.

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

Blake Wood of Mid-Illinois Communication Association and Molly Hall's husband John Buehner announce the Good Golly Miss Molly Kindness Award recognizing those in Central Illinois, making a difference through simple acts of kindness.

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

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