Beatrice Bonner

The Springfield Muni 2019 season is approaching and auditions are happening soon. Auditioning can be a nerve wrecking process, but Craig McFarland ensures attending their 2019 Muni Audition workshop will help combat the nerves.

This year the Muni will host two audition workshops one at 10 a.m. for children and another at 1 p.m. for adults on Saturday February 16.

More information on the Springfield Muni’s 2019 season here.

February is Black History Month. African Americans everywhere are celebrated especially those who made a difference in society.  

Have you ever thought about the influential people we do not hear about?

Fr. Daren Zehnle a priest of the Diocese of Springfield, IL and pastor of St. Augustine Church in Ashland stopped by the studio to tell the story of Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first African American priest in the United States of America. 

Austrian Organist Lukas Hasler and Mark Gifford Director of Music and Organist at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, sit down with Beatrice Bonner from Community Voices to announce the start of Lukas's United States tour. 

The number of news reporters has been declining for years – in print and broadcast, and markets of all sizes. One need only look at the Illinois State House Press Corps, whose numbers have dwindled from several dozen full-time, year-round reporters to a handful of credentialed journalists today, or the decreased size of local media news staff, to see the trend in our area.

What’s the impact on you - and the community? Research shows that fewer journalists mean less accountability of public officials. 

The Muni recently announced the shows for their 2019 season. The season features a brand new show, a focus on children, and more. Muni Board Member, Craig McFarland stopped in the studio and gave more information on what is to come. 

Find more infromation about the Muni's 2019 season here.

The midterm elections conclude November 6. Do you know what’s on your ballot? It's not a presidential election, so why does it even matter? What impact will your vote really have?

After 10 other Seeking Solutions forums across the state, NPR Illinois and AARP are bringing the final forum to the Union League Club in Chicago, IL. Panelists will discuss the major issues of the 2018 gubernatorial election such as the struggles faced by higher education, a loss of population in the state, and the changing needs of the Illinois workforce. 

NPR Illinois News Director Sean Crawford moderated and the panel was: 

Economic growth, a changing workforce, and new innovations were discussed at the forum in Champaign. 

What is the lasting impact of the budget impasse on higher education? 

Are Illinois residents able to readily and fairly access healthcare and education? Is there equal opportunity for economic growth?

Explore these topics and more with NPR Illinois at the Election 2018: Seeking Solutions Forum in Carbondale, Illinois at The Varsity Center. The forum is August 30th with light refreshments being served at 5:30 PM and the discussion beginning at 6.

The panelists will be answering questions from the moderator and from the audience during the one-hour question and answer forum. 

Panelists in Rockford discuss the challenges faced by small businesses - including economic growth and workforce needs. 

Panelists in Alton, Illinois discussed why Illinois residents may be looking to move to bordering states. 

Questions from the audience ranged from recreational cannabis to property taxes. 

NPR Illinois news director Sean Crawford moderated a panel including:

• Nathan Grimm, managing editor of the Alton Telegraph
• Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street and board member of Senior Services Plus
• Susie Harris, East Alton regional director of Caritas Family Solutions

This forum series is sponsored by AARP. 

Panelists in Moline joined NPR Illinois for the Seeking Solutions forum exploring the issue of residents leaving the state to move elsewhere.

Panelists:

Panelists at the Peoria forum discussed Education issues in Illinois. 

Panelists: 

• Pastor Marvin Hightower
• Beth Crider
• Professor Dean Cantu
• Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat

This forum series is sponsored by AARP.