217 Today

In today’s deep dive, every year, Illinois students vote on the Readers’ Choice Awards for the books they loved the most. 

In today’s deep dive, the Education Justice Project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign gives people in prison a chance to take college classes and earn a degree. 

Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad highlights people around the state who helped with the Underground Railroad, including those in east central Illinois.

A look at the arts, culture, and entertainment coming to the central Illinois area this weekend.

Champaign Movie Makers is hosting their annual 48 Hour Film Competition this weekend, where participants have just two days to make a movie.

Illinois and four other Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to block a freeze on federal funding for childcare and family services. A judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking immediate implementation of the freeze.

In today’s deep dive, the president of the University of Illinois System is stepping down once his contract expires next year. We’ll bring you a conversation with Tim Killeen about why he’s leaving and his plans for the future.

In today’s deep dive, some farmers ended 2025 unsure how they’ll pay their bills. We’ll hear from farmers around the central US about what made 2025 such a tough year and what’s ahead.

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.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Today’s headlines: The Trump administration says it’s withholding social safety net money from five states, including Illinois. US Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois compares the US invasion of the Middle East to the recent actions taken in Venezuela. Pregnancy-related deaths in Illinois have become more prevalent over the past decade. In…

In today’s deep dive, a wetland preservation project continues, despite the shrinking number of wetlands in the Midwest.

In today’s deep dive, a new law threatens to place strict regulations in place for the hemp industry, which could impact hemp producers and farmers.

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.

In today’s deep dive, some rural towns are known for their holiday festivities. Tourist dollars are a big part of their local economy but getting people to town each year means new events.

In today’s deep dive, will a new aid package for farmers go far enough? In a year when tariffs have affected sales of Illinois soybeans, there are major warning signs.