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Community Voices

Vanessa Ferguson signs off with a spicy farewell on Community Voices

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Beatrice Bonner

Published August 1, 2025 at 12:09 PM CDT

A picture of Bea Bonner, Vanessa Ferguson, and Randy Eccles in front of the NPR Illinois studios window. — Bea Bonner, Vanessa Ferguson, and Randy Eccles.

Vanessa Ferguson, longtime co-host and producer of Community Voices, joined the team for a fiery farewell episode unlike any other. In a twist on the popular "Hot Ones" challenge, Vanessa answered audience-submitted questions while working her way through increasingly spicy hot wings. She shared behind-the-scenes insights into how the team selects topics, her favorite memories on and off the mic, and what she's most proud of during her time at the station.