Moving Pillsbury Forward has received a big federal grant to assist with more remediation efforts at the former Pillsbury Mills site in Springfield. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Chris Richmond of the group about what the money will mean, and how much is still left to do to clear and redevelop that north end site.

Verizon is announcing a significant expansion of 5G capability on its mobile network across many Illinois communities, including Springfield. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke with Dean Brauer, VP of engineering and operations for Verizon, to discuss what the new technology can do, how quickly you may see the results -- and why you might need to upgrade your phone to take advantage of it.

Ryan McCrady of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance provides an update on the Wyndham hotel project downtown, along with discussions on how carbon capture projects may affect economic development, and what the legislature is doing for (and to) business attraction and retention efforts.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum held an event Wednesday night to discuss what the rise of artificial intelligence might mean in terms of historical research -- both the promise and the potential pitfalls. ALPLM research director Brian Mitchell joined WMAY's Jim Leach ahead of the event to talk about the risks and opportunities posed by AI.

The group 100+ Who Care in Springfield has taken the proceeds of a unique recent local fundraiser and made a $10,000 donation to support the work of the James Project on behalf of foster children and foster families in the Springfield area. Kolin O'Brien of 100+ talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about the group's novel approach to fundraising and how the James Project was chosen as the group's latest beneficiary.

Just days after she was fired by Mayor Misty Buscher, former Lincoln Library director Summer Griffith discusses her ouster, her legacy at the library, and changes she hopes can be implemented going forward.

This is Foster Care Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is recruiting foster parents to provide essential care to children in need. Kristina Engel with DCFS talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about what the agency is looking for in foster parents and about recruitment events such as one happening Saturday at PrideFest in downtown Springfield.

Springfield Pridefest returns to downtown Springfield this Saturday, May 20. Jonna Cooley of the Phoenix Center talks about the event's history and features, and how it's taking on new importance given the national political climate.

The gun safety group Moms Demand Action Illinois rallied at the Statehouse this week calling for the state to enact greater gun safety measures. Lauren Harper, legislative lead for the state chapter, spoke with WMAY's Jim Leach about what the group is hoping to accomplish at the Capitol.

Springfield Clinic has entered into an agreement to become the official "Health and Performance Sponsor" of the forthcoming Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe. Cal Thomas with Springfield Clinic joined WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss the arrangement, which involves "millions" of dollars in investment, and how it will enhance not only the sports park but also health care for the broader community.

The classic rock band formed in Central Illinois performs live at the BOS Center Tuesday night, opening for Foreigner. WMAY's Jim Leach talked with founding member Roger Boyd about the group's formation, its success, the missteps that hampered its progress, and the synthesizer that played a major role in rock history (and that he still uses to this day).

New Springfield Fire Chief Ed Canny, Jr. talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about his new position, some of the critical issues facing him in the first week on the job, and how he feels the department is positioned for the future.

Remember Stuckey's? The roadside stores filled with delicious treats that were a mandatory stop on vacation back in the day? The chain is rebounding, and third-generation CEO Stephanie Stuckey spoke with WMAY's Jim Leach ahead of her visit Friday to Motorheads on Toronto Road (the former site of a Stuckey's location) to talk about the Stuckey's of the 21st Century and what the brand will -- and won't -- be going forward.

In her first live interview on WMAY since taking office, Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher discusses some of her personnel moves, concerns about the fire department, the status of the Wyndham project, the future of a city residency requirement, and more.

Springfield Alderman Shawn Gregory discusses his frustration with the new City Council and some early votes it's taken against measures important to him and his ward, and why it's prompted him to suggest the city's Voting Rights Lawsuit consent decree, ensuring minority representation, may need to be revisited.

After surgery to remove his cancerous prostate, Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette is back on the job. He spoke with WMAY's Jim Leach about his diagnosis, his prognosis, and his future with the department under new Mayor Misty Buscher.

Every month for the last eight years, Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder has sat down with WMAY's Jim Leach for wide-ranging discussions on city business. Now Langfelder sits down for the final time as mayor for one last discussion about his legacy, current issues at City Hall, and his personal and political future.

With a big weekend fundraiser coming up, Olivia Hayse of the James Project talks about the group's work in support of local foster families and about Sunday's "Artsy: An Art Fair for Kids in Care" fundraiser at the Pharmacy Art Gallery downtown.

On the morning after his final Springfield City Council meeting as an alderman, Ward 7's Joe McMenamin joins WMAY's Jim Leach to talk about some of the moving moments -- and some that were tension-filled -- in that final meeting, and discusses his thoughts on what lies ahead for new Mayor Misty Buscher and the incoming City Council.

Magic Wade, associate professor of political studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, has extensively studied gun violence in cities large and small across the country. She appeared with WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss her findings and what they say about public safety everywhere from Chicago to Springfield to even smaller communities.

The director of the Illinois Community College Board discusses how community colleges are rebounding after the pandemic, why they make so much sense for both traditional and non-traditional students, and a pending piece of legislation that could make it easier for students to move themselves and their credit hours from community colleges to four-year institutions.

State Sen. Doris Turner checks in with WMAY's Jim Leach to talk about the legislative session, the status of some of her key bills, and how she thinks she'll be able to work with incoming Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher.

Comedian Jeremy Nunes performs this weekend at Mason City Limits. But before he goes on stage there, he sat down with WMAY's Jim Leach to talk about his comedy career, what it's like to be a "clean" comedian in 2023, and how his book about his stint as the mayor of Dawson could someday become a sitcom or motion picture.

Legendary rock band Foreigner is bringing its "Farewell Tour" to the BOS Center on Tuesday, May 16th, with special guest Head East. WMAY's Jim Leach talked with Foreigner keyboardist Michael Bluestein about what it's like to perform with this iconic band, why Foreigner is calling it quits after nearly 50 years of success, and what song is his favorite to play live on stage.

With transgender issues making waves from Congress to athletic teams to public restrooms, Jonna Cooley of the Phoenix Center says it's time to separate truth from fiction. WMAY's Jim Leach sat down with Jonna to talk about myths and reality regarding gender identity issues.

Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church has become the first Methodist congregation in Springfield to declare itself a "reconciling congregation" -- with open arms for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or other issues. The pastor, Rev. Meredith Manning Brown, talks about how the designation came about and how it aligns with Biblical teaching.

It's one of the most enjoyable and entertaining events in Springfield this year. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Chrissy Maher of the Fat Ass 5K and Street Party for Charity about this year's event, as well as how you can save on your registration (hint: use promo code WMAY when you sign up at FatAss5K.com).

Illinois is only 205 years old -- but our National Guard is celebrating its 300th anniversary. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Lt. Col. Brad Leighton of the Guard about its long, rich history; the Illinois Guard's role in a World War II drama that would make an amazing screenplay; and the events coming up in Springfield on May 6th to commemorate the anniversary.

Springfield tourism officials are promoting Mr. Lincoln's Hometown as a tourist destination -- by taking Mr. Lincoln to the NFL Draft in Kansas City, Mo. WMAY's Jim Leach spoke with Amy Beadle of the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with Lincoln interpreter Fritz Klein, live from KC about their visit and how it ties into the broader marketing strategy of SCVB.

Patrick Pfingsten of the Illinoize political newsletter talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about the latest moves at the Statehouse and what the final weeks of the legislative session may hold.

With just days to go until he leaves office because of term limits, Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about issues before the Springfield City Council, who may replace him as the "contrarian" voice among aldermen, and his advice for incoming Mayor Misty Buscher.

The director of Lincoln Library talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about National Library Week, upcoming programs and events at the library, and her own future with the coming change in city administration.

The beloved classic stage play will be performed this weekend (April 27-30) at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Brittney McLaughlin, an actor in the show, about what makes this production unique and fresh. Get more details at hcfta.org.

The host of WMAY's new weekend show "Classic Radio Theater" talks with Jim Leach about the Golden Age of Radio and why classics like Fibber McGee and Molly, Gunsmoke, and more endure to this day. (Check out Classic Radio Theater Saturdays 8-10pm and Sundays 9-10pm on WMAY.)

Legislative efforts to underway to make it easier for the visually impaired to vote by mail. Ray Campbell, president of the Illinois Council of the Blind, joins WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss how that would work and the status of that pending legislation.

Landmark Ford is collecting used bikes that can be refurbished and donated to kids in need, while also giving you a chance to win a brand-new BMX bike. Jeremy Lookis at Landmark Ford talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about the details.

He's a one-time teen idol... a star of film and TV... he has six Billboard #1 hits to his credit... Elvis once opened for him... he's sung pop, gospel, Americana, even heavy metal. And now the legendary Pat Boone talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about his career and his latest project, an all-star country compilation.

The pandemic health emergency officially ends on May 11th -- but that doesn't mean the pandemic is over. Sangamon County Public Health Director Gail O'Neill talked live with WMAY's Jim Leach about what does and doesn't change next month, why people should continue to take COVID seriously, and what the county health department's priorities will be going forward.

Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill to adopt "ranked choice voting" in presidential primaries. Andrew Szilva of Fair Vote Illinois, which supports ranked choice voting, appeared live with WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss what it is and how it could change elections around the state.

The CEO of Springfield's public-private partnership for economic development sits down for his monthly check-in with WMAY's Jim Leach to discuss pending projects from the Wyndham to the Scheels Sports Park to the Double Black Diamond solar farm, and more.

Jim Leach talks with Drew Stroud, Illinois College alum about his role as Vincent Van Gogh in the one-man performance 'Exhausted Paint: The Death of Van Gogh' at the Hoogland Center for the Arts April 14-16.  Purchase tickets and get showtimes at https://www.hcfta.org/

A Riverton day care center was one of the businesses badly damaged by the March 31st tornadoes that hit Sangamon County. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Mindy Parks, one of the owners of Parks' Place Child Care Center, about the damage they sustained, the helping hands they've received, their efforts to rebuild, and upcoming fundraisers to assist them.

Freshman Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski is marking her first 100 days in office. WMAY's Jim Leach talked to her about her legislative priorities and what it takes to be successful in a chamber controlled by the other party.

A new program ni Springfield's public high schools gives students a place to go for guidance and counseling when they are overwhelmed by the issues they face. WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Terence Jordan of District 186 and Jonathan Ponser of Memorial Behavioral Health about the new "peace rooms" in all three high schools.

Jim Leach talks with David Greising of the Better Government Association. 

With the news that one of Springfield's oldest family-owned businesses will close its doors at the end of the month, WMAY's Jim Leach talked with third-generation owner of Recycled Records (originally Springfield Furniture Company), Gary Kessler, about his decision to retire and his unsuccessful efforts to sell the business and keep it going.

WMAY's Jim Leach talks with tournament director Kate Peters and Aimee Daily with Memorial Health about this year's edition of the Memorial Health Championship, the Korn Ferry Tour event that will bring tomorrow's PGA stars to Springfield this summer.

WMAY's Jim Leach talks with Mayor-elect Misty Buscher about her plans and priorities after her election win this week.

WMAY's Jim Leach has an extended conversation with Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder after Langfelder's election loss this week, discussing his future and the pending items that new Mayor Misty Buscher will face.

Renowned Yale law professor and Springfield High School graduate Tracey Meares talks with WMAY's Jim Leach about returning to her school to be inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame -- nearly 40 years after she was unjustly denied valedictorian honors there.