A retired English teacher from Jacksonville is promoting free speech | First Listen

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Michelle Eccles

Published September 23, 2026 at 6:18 AM CDT

Pat Kennedy is holding events on the square and inviting people of all opinions to participate
Governor JB Pritzker has signed an executive order establishing an artificial intelligence cabinet
Twenty-three alleged gang members have been indicted in Sangamon County
Health officials are warning of possible measles exposure at Busch Stadium and several bars and businesses in St. Louis
This Friday, the Citizens Club of Springfield is hosting its monthly forum on elections

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Michelle Eccles

Michelle Eccles anchors NPR Illinois' Morning Edition. Michelle has more than 30 years of experience in broadcasting which all began at her high school radio station, Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor, Illinois. She attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale for her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a focus in Radio Television and went on to become an award winning anchor and reporter for stations in Decatur and Springfield.

See stories by Michelle Eccles