Immigrant health care programs boosted hospital bottom lines, study suggests
Two state-run health care programs that extend Medicaid-like coverage to non-citizens may have provided significant financial benefits for Illinois hospitals.
Catholics in Central Illinois overjoyed by the election of a pope from Chicago
Catholics in Champaign felt a mix of shock, joy, and optimism for the future following the election of the first pope from the United States — and from Illinois.
The Trump administration pauses a moonshot push to grow biofuel crops with less fertilizer
10 days after taking office, the Trump administration decided to hold off on a $38 million investment that the energy department had previously boasted could save farmers $6 billion in fertilizer spending.
Longtime Chicago friend describes first American pope as ‘very dedicated’
The Rev. Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, hails from Chicago’s South Side.
217 Today: Chancellor Robert Jones reflects on U of I tenure as he prepares for new role at University of Washington
In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones, who explains why leaving the university was the toughest choice he had to make in higher education.
Pritzker signs order to protect personal autism data in response to federal action
Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order Wednesday that bars state agencies from collecting and disclosing data about autism to the federal government unless it’s medically or legally necessary.
In Springfield visit, Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem takes aim at Gov. Pritzker’s sanctuary policies
Noem’s visit to the state capital also shows that President Donald Trump is actively targeting Pritzker, who is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender.
Robert Prevost, first American pope in history of the Catholic Church, will take the name Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
The Latest: White smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a new pope is elected
White smoke is pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling that a pope has been elected to lead the Catholic Church.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 08 – May 11
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about what is coming to Central Illinois in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.
Republicans have Medicaid in their crosshairs and Illinois residents who depend on it are worried
Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of low-income people and those with disabilities. But the Trump administration wants to cut $1.5 trillion dollars in federal spending, which policy experts say won’t be possible without steep cuts to Medicaid.
Local activists decry ‘one year of silence’ from Champaign officials on Gaza
Champaign officials have declined to take action on the conflict, saying the issue isn’t a local one. That’s prompted some local Arabs and Muslims to say they feel their safety is being ignored.
Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating no pope was elected as conclave opens
The smoke billowed out at 9 p.m. Wednesday, some four hours after 133 cardinals solemnly entered the Sistine Chapel, took their oaths of secrecy and formally opened the centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francis to lead the 1.4 billion-member church.
Hospital needs volunteers who can visit with patients in their final hours
The No One Dies Alone program is a national movement in hospitals to have people that provide vigils for patients nearing the end of life.
Samuel Hall III sworn in as Rantoul’s first Black Village President
The new mayor said he wants to improve Rantoul’s infrastructure and create a more inclusive village.