Vanessa Ferguson

2 days ago | nprillinois.org | Vanessa Ferguson

Ambassador Joseph Westphal is the former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a longtime public servant. With a career spanning five presidential administrations and roles in the Department of Defense, State, Interior and more, Ambassador Westphal shared his insights from decades of experience in both government and academia with NPR Illinois. He also explained the role of American diplomats and the growth of Saudi Arabia’s culture and economy

1 week ago | nprillinois.org | Vanessa Ferguson

Julie Pryde is the administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. She is a UIS Master of Public Health graduate and the 2025 University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award recipient. She spoke to Community Voices about what led her to public health, the evolution of HIV/AIDS medications and education, and attitudes toward immunizations. Julie also shared her approach to humor and provided insight into how she makes health information accessible for all ages.

1 week ago | nprillinois.org | Craig McFarland |Vanessa Ferguson

May the 4th be with you! On this Star Wars Day, we're sitting down with voice actress Nika Futterman to talk about the new animated series "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld," streaming now on Disney+. We'll talk to her about what's at the heart of her character Asajj Ventress and the passion that creator Dave Filoni brings to the project. Front Row Network DisneyStar Wars

2 weeks ago | nprillinois.org | Vanessa Ferguson

Mx. Leo Wilder is the founder of Pride Learning Academy, a microschool intended to better meet the needs of students. Wilder spoke to Community Voices about his inspiration behind starting the academy and how the school can prevent bullying, promote outdoor activities, support mental health, accommodate diverse learners and prepare students with practical skills. For more information about Pride Learning Academy visit: https://www.pridelearningacademy.com/

2 weeks ago | nprillinois.org | Vanessa Ferguson

Kathy and Bob Best are siblings who grew up in the newspaper business. Their parents owned a local paper in Sullivan, Ill., and although they have taken divergent paths, they both continue to play a role in sharing news. Kathy is the director of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism, and Bob is a photographer and the pressroom manager at Paddock Publications in Central Illinois.