Prairie Fire: Episode 1 - May 2023

Prairie Fire makes its return to Central Illinois airwaves this week with stories about Paralympian and Boston Marathon winner Susannah Scaroni, restauranteur Mubanga Chanda of Stango Cuisine and Normal, IL native and "American Idol" star Leah Marlene.  This 30 minute magazine-style program was a fan favorite for many years, and we're bringing it back with gorgeous cinematography, adventurous storytelling styles and the same focus on the people, places and creatives that make Illinois a fabulous center of the American Midwest.

Follow the remarkable journey of Susannah Scaroni, from her days growing up in Washington, to adapting the challenges of life in a wheelchair following a tragic accident at the age of 5, to the journey that led her to the winner's circle of this year's Boston Marathon!

Get a crash course in African-based cooking right here in Central Illinois at Stango Cuisine in Champaign, and learn the amazing story of owner and head chef Mubanga Chanda.

And finally, go on a whirlwind adventure with singer Leah Marlene as she goes from small-town life in Normal, Illinois to the finale of "American Idol," and back again! We even talked her in to lending us her talents in the singing of this seaon's theme song!

Watch "Praire Fire" every third Thursday of the month, starting in May. Or stream all the episodes online on YouTube or the PBS Video App.