SIU Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

06/05/2026

On Tuesday, March 31st, at the Varsity Center in Carbondale, Illino...

05/29/2026

Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago has emerged as one of the nation’s most compelling moral voices, offering thoughtful leadership rooted in faith, compassion, dialogue, and human dignity. In Institute Director John Shaw's latest column, he explores Cupich’s views on immigration, peacemaking, foreign policy, and the responsibilities of moral leadership in a divided age.

From defending vulnerable communities to calling for diplomacy over conflict, Cupich presents what Shaw describes as a “master class on moral and spiritual statesmanship.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4u6CnH9

05/28/2026

Some of our Springfield interns recently had the opportunity to spend time with former Alexander Lane intern Shantel Franklin, who is continuing to make history in Illinois politics. Franklin is currently running unopposed in November’s election for the 8th House District after winning the Democratic nomination with nearly 46% of the vote. If elected, she would become the first-ever female state representative from Illinois’ 8th House District.

05/22/2026

The Institute welcomed Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman for a compelling “Pizza and Politics” conversation with Institute Director John Shaw on.

Coleman reflected on his path from aspiring FBI agent to Kentucky’s top law enforcement official, sharing lessons on resilience, mentorship, and the importance of public service. The discussion also explored some of today’s most pressing public policy issues, including consumer protection, violent crime, the opioid crisis, and safeguarding children online.

Throughout the conversation, Coleman encouraged students to pursue careers in public service grounded in integrity, civility, and community engagement.

Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/vdXaMrbbPLI

05/21/2026

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute’s Springfield interns had their annual lunch today with Southern Illinois University System President Dan Mahony, and it was a great opportunity for conversation and connection.

A big thank you to President Mahony for taking the time to meet with our interns and support the work of the Institute. Events like this continue to make the Springfield internship experience both meaningful and memorable.

05/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Spring Morton-Kenney Lecture at Southern Illinois University featuring Dr. Robert Pape of the University of Chicago. His timely and thought-provoking presentation, “Iran, the Escalation Trap, and the Coming Most Dangerous Election,” sparked important conversations about global conflict, U.S. foreign policy, energy security, and the state of American democracy heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Dr. Pape shared his research and analysis on the dangers of military escalation, the growing geopolitical influence of Iran, and the broader implications these developments could have both internationally and here at home. The lecture highlighted the complexity of today’s global challenges and the importance of informed public dialogue.

If you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the discussion, we encourage you to watch the full lecture and continue the conversation.

Watch - https://bit.ly/3Rr4weh

05/14/2026

Dr. Linda Baker and the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute’s Springfield interns were proud to attend the Conference of Women Legislators’ “Taste of the Capers: Act 2” last night at the State House Inn in Springfield. For the second year, Dr. Baker was proud to serve on the planning committee for the event. Our outstanding Paul Simon Public Policy Institute interns were instrumental in helping with the logistics for the evening.

05/11/2026

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Paul Simon Democracy Prize! 🎉

This year, four Illinois college students were awarded $5,000 each to support innovative projects designed to strengthen civic engagement and revitalize democracy in their communities.

Congratulations to:
• Miguel Alvarez (SIU Carbondale)
• Daniel Blaine (Roosevelt University)
• Caitlin Bradford (Illinois State University)
• Isabella Taylor (Moraine Valley Community College)

From youth-led music initiatives and community conversations to voter engagement events and accessible civic education content, these projects reflect the creativity and commitment of students working to build a stronger democracy.

Learn more about the winners and watch their winning videos on the institute’s website and YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/3OYZW6l

05/07/2026

Our interns and friends of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute spent the evening in Springfield at the Edgar Fellows reception and a gathering hosted by the Health Care Council of Illinois.

Among those pictured are Brenda Edgar, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Howard Peters, Institute Board member Mike Lawrence, Dr. Linda Baker, Senator Adriane Johnson, Senator Mary Edly-Allen, Representative Maurice West, interns Kaitlynne Franklin, Penny Bordewick, and Will Feurer, along with Executive Director Matt Pickering.

It was a great opportunity for our students to connect with public servants, policy leaders, and professionals from across Illinois.

04/30/2026