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Hear Christine Brewer, Grammy-winning, area soprano at free concert in Springfield October 1, 2021

The NFL's Chicago Bears announced this week an agreement to purchase the former Arlington International Racecourse in the northwest suburbs. The decision could potentially lead the team to move away from Soldier Field. Gov. J.B. Pritzker downplayed any rumblings of state financial incentives to keep the Bears in Chicago or help build a new multi-billion dollar facility.

Mary Young will portray Queen Elizabeth II in Spencer Theatre Company's production of "The Audience," playing at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Young spoke with Community Voices about the show and the many quick costume changes she will have throughout the play. Young also shared what she's learned about the Queen through her research.

Funny or Die producer and author Ben Sheehan visits "Convince Me" to talk about his new book "What Does the Constitution Say?: A Kid's Guide to How Our Democracy Works." Host Larry Smith is joined by Vanessa Ferguson. Together they talk about the constitution, activism, cable TV and baseball.

COVID-19 vaccine mandates have been implemented as a way to increase the number of people getting the shots. However, both the federal and state orders allow those with religious objections to skip the vaccinations. Governments have protected that choice for years. But during a pandemic, there are concerns some are exploiting a loophole. We examine the history of religious exemptions and efforts to tighten the rules. We also hear how the return to the classroom hasn't been easy for some young learners. Those stories and more on this week's Statewide.

The Muppets are helping Disney fans celebrate the spooky fall season with their first-ever Halloween special “Muppets Haunted Mansion.” In this episode of Beyond the Mouse, Craig, Vanessa and Brett give their spoiler-free review of the film before speaking with one the movie’s stars Miss Piggy. Then our Disney trio is joined by VP of the Muppets Studio Leigh Slaughter and Executive Producer of “Muppets Haunted Mansion” Andrew Williams.

Jessie Burrell is the director of marketing at the University of Illinois Springfield, but she has many hobbies that keep her busy outside of work. She grew up in a farm family with 165 years of history in Central Illinois. She spoke with Community Voices about learning to garden and enjoying rural life as well as vintage vehicles.

Front Row Classics kicks off November with a special conversation. Brandon recently had the pleasure of speaking with George Stevens Jr. Mr. Stevens is the son of legendary director, George Stevens and forged his own way by becoming one of the premier champions of film and the arts. He is the founder of the American Film Institute, which has helped to advance the art of film for over 50 years. Stevens was also one of the driving forces behind the Kennedy Center Honors, which has become a national tradition. We also discuss Stevens's career as a producer and author, including a preview of his memoir, which will be released in May. Join Brandon as he sits down for an hour with this true hero of film.

Ryan McCrady, president and CEO, Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, joins Community Voices to discuss the new job tools the organization is providing along with updating the work SSGA is doing to increase economic development in the area.

Jessica Lance is the owner of Bewitching Botanicals. She started making organic products because she could not find healthier options for her family. This hobby led to a brick and mortar store in Auburn. Lance spoke with Community Voices about products and her business, which he calls a holistic self-care store.