UIS Public Affairs Reporting program (PAR)

From AI data centers to drinking water and carbon storage, Illinois faces big environmental decisions this spring - UIS PAR class of 2026.

Cash bail, classroom phone bans, and the fight over college funding—here’s what Illinois lawmakers are really debating this spring. - UIS PAR 2026

What do drug prices, hospital closures, and pensions have in common? They’re all shaping affordability debates at the Illinois Capitol. The UIS PAR class of 2026 has more.

Kate McKenzie is the director of development at NPR Illinois. In this role, Kate is the chief fundraiser. Her background is from the editorial side of journalism, but the need has led her to find funding to inform the community.

Sean Crawford is the NPR Illinois managing editor, or news director. In this conversation he discusses his earliest radio days to his years at the statehouse before taking the helm of NPR Illinois news operations.

Jenna Dooley News Director at Northern Public Radio reflects on her time working for public media stations.

Community Voices talks with former NPR Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel.

A Citizen's Club of Springfield discussion on how local news media is changing. Panelists include Fletcher Farrar, Illinois Times/Springfield Business Journal; Jason Piscia, UIS Public Affairs Reporting Program; and Randy Eccles, NPR Illinois General Manager

Amanda Vinicky is a political reporter on WTTW's Chicago Tonight. She previously covered Illinois politics and government for NPR Illinois. Amanda is a…

Mary Hansen is a reporter for NPR Illinois. She is a graduate of the Public Affairs Reporting Program at the University of Illinois Springfield. Mary also…