217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 9 – Oct. 12
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.
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217 Today: Americans are drinking less. What does that mean for winemakers in the Heartland?
In today’s deep dive, the grape harvest for wine is in full swing. But in some regions, the last few years have been tough.
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217 Today: What happens if new data centers come to C-U? A look at the environmental costs
In today’s deep dive, still to come data centers use a lot of energy and water. And with the rise in AI some worry about the possibility of more facilities coming to downstate Illinois.
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217 Today: When will beef prices drop? We asked a rancher, a butcher and an economist
In today’s deep dive, beef is as expensive as it’s ever been, thanks to the high cost of cattle. Retailers of all sizes have upped their prices on steak and hamburger.
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217 Today: Rural America still needs fast internet. Some worry new federal plans will fall short
In today’s deep dive, federal dollars will help bring internet connection to rural communities across the U.S. But new guidance from the Trump administration is asking states to consider the lowest cost options.
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217 Today: CU Cyclists come together for a 22-mile moonlight ride
In today’s deep dive, in the warmer months, on the evening of a full moon, a group of cyclists in Champaign-Urbana head out into the countryside.
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217 Today: Standing up to ICE in the suburbs, the People’s Patrol puts its faith in resistance
In today’s deep dive, a west suburban effort called the People’s Patrol organizes scores of volunteers to confront immigration agents carrying out President Trump’s deportation blitz.
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217 Today: Rep. LaHood on the government shutdown, Tylenol guidance, and foreign aid after USAID
In today’s deep dive, Central Illinois Republican congressman Darin LaHood weighs in on Charlie Kirk’s debates and the looming government shutdown.
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217 Today: A student vandalized a University of Illinois building. U of I prohibited him from coming back onto campus.
In today’s deep dive, a University of Illinois student was suspended after spray painting the word “divest” onto a campus building last semester.
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217 Today: Rise in tick-borne illnesses prompts Illinois TICK Act to increase surveillance
In today’s deep dive, tick-borne diseases have been on the rise in Illinois for many years. And ticks appear to be migrating across the state.
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217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 25 – Sep. 28
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.
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217 Today: Bob and Bill Odenkirk discuss Illinois roots and their passion for comedy on Prairie Fire
In today’s deep dive, the main actor of the popular television series Better Call Saul has roots in Illinois.
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217 Today: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign launches space mission to make electronics and air travel safer
In today’s deep dive, a first for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign today! Learn about the space mission launch that could help make our electronics and air travel safer, coming up.
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217 Today: Illinois professors face threats after landing on Charlie Kirk group watch list
In today’s deep dive, dozens of professors at Illinois colleges and universities are on a watch list ran by slain activist Charlie Kirk’s organization.
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217 Today: ‘Predictor’ brings the story of Meg Crane, inventor of the home pregnancy test, to Station Theatre in Urbana
Friday, September 19, 2025 Today’s headlines: Police have arrested a 17-year-old student who threatened to “shoot up” Urbana High School. Portions of streets near Urbana High School will be briefly closed this afternoon for the school’s Homecoming Parade. Illinois has joined a growing list of states that are issuing their own vaccination guidelines. Illinois football…
