News Around Illinois Archive

217 Today: ‘Quantum Voyages’ comes back to life at the Krannert Center with a new musical twist

Friday, April 18, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Central Illinois could see some severe storms tonight. 
• Around 100 people gathered in Pontiac this week for a town hall hosted by Robin Kelly, the Democrat representing Illinois’ second district.
• After years of vacancy, Hotel Royer in downtown Urbana has finally opened.
• Sickle cell disease experts are worried that recent staffing changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will impact a program that collects data about the genetic disease.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the play “Quantum Voyages” and the new rendition that features a musical twist.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Andrew Pritchard, Anna Koh, Mary Piacente, Farah Yousry and Stephanie Mosqueda.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Apr. 17 – Apr. 20

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• A professor at the University of Illinois College of Law is working to make it easier to track abortion laws.
• Fear among students is stoking false rumors about federal immigration agents visiting the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
• Some Illinois Democrats are growing impatient with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
• The Trump administration’s cancellation of hundreds of student visas is leaving Illinois educators unsure of how to protect their students.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about what is coming to Central Illinois in the world of art, culture and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Layli Nazarova, Emily Hays, Alex Degman, Lisa Kurian Philip, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui.

217 Today: Many hospitals use AI but few are testing for accuracy and bias

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Boneyard Creek connects the cities of Champaign and Urbana, which have been taking steps to make the space safer and more accessible. 
• The University of Illinois is suing the federal government over a cap on energy grants.
• Decatur Public Schools is one of 27 Illinois school districts that have lost access to COVID-19 relief grants.
• Governor JB Pritzker’s office is shelling out millions of taxpayer dollars to Illinois’ film and TV industry.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn that many hospitals use AI but few are testing for accuracy and bias.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Diana Zhang, Emily Hays, Mawa Iqbal and Ryan Levi.

217 Today: Investigative reporters discuss possible cancer cluster in Piatt County

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Chris Mosier is the first trans athlete to represent the United States in an international competition and spoke about gender liberation and sports in Urbana on Saturday.
• The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus was teaming with students and vendors last weekend to celebrate Earth Month.
• State officials are preparing for the possibility that the ongoing national measles outbreak could spread to Illinois.
• Shoppers can expect to pay more for chocolate Easter eggs and bunnies this year as cocoa prices have skyrocketed over the past few years.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how community members are raising concerns about the rates of brain cancer in Piatt County, but advocates say Illinois’ public health department has been slow to investigate.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Sam Rink, Giuliana Means, Kulsoom Khan, Anna Pope, Molly Hughes, Stephanie Orellana and Nazala Salauddin.

217 Today: Illinois proposes a victim-first approach to combat human trafficking

Monday, April 14, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Illinois Senate passed legislation protecting public media outlets operated by universities from prior review of stories by those institutions.
• Local Palestinian Americans say they are hurt by the silence of other ethnic groups in Champaign-Urbana over the conflict in the Middle East.
• Springfield resident Sonya Massey was fatally shot in her home about nine months ago, and Illinois lawmakers last week passed two reforms in her honor out of the Senate.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team won the weekend series by defeating the Indiana Hoosiers in two out of three games. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a bill that proposes using a victim-first approach to combat human trafficking in Illinois. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Mae Antar, Mawa Iqbal, Colin Hislope and Eric Stock.

217 Today: Local food advocates try to patch supply chain gaps after the USDA cuts programs

Friday, April 11, 2025

Today’s headline:

• WTTW, the PBS station in Chicago, reports JB Pritzker is evaluating a request to appear before Congress about the state’s laws designed to protect undocumented immigrants.
• Illinois is joining 15 other states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump administration to restore access to federal pandemic relief funding for schools.
• Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would reestablish parole. But a new documentary shows it’s not an easy path out of jail.
• A pause in federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services has worried library advocates around Illinois.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how food advocates are trying to patch supply chain gaps after the USDA cuts programs.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Emily Hays, Kulsoom Khan and Rachel Cramer.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Apr. 10 – Apr. 13

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The union representing Champaign teachers plans to submit a “demand to bargain” next week.
• This year, the University of Illinois Chancellor’s Research Program is spending nearly $500,000 to fund seven different initiatives including a project that aims to showcase cancer research through theater.
• The Trump administration has issued an emergency directive to make it easier to log trees on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
• A Central Illinois lawmaker is pushing a bill that would create a victim-first initiative when combating human trafficking.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to Central Illinois in the world of art, culture and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Mae Antar, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Cesar Toscano, Adelyn Mui and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: How Trump’s tariffs could threaten construction and housing affordability in Champaign-Urbana

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Conservative figure Charlie Kirk drew a packed crowd to the University of Illinois’ Foellinger Auditorium last night.
• A University of Illinois student was arrested yesterday for allegedly vandalizing Foellinger Auditorium, where conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was scheduled to appear.
• The trial of a white former police officer charged with murder in the shooting death of a Black woman in Springfield is being moved.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team lost to Illinois State in Normal last night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why economists worry that recent tariffs could drive up housing prices in central Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Kaitlyn Devitt, Mae Antar, Alex Degman, Colin Hislope and Layli Nazarova.

217 Today: Chicago Fulbright scholar ‘embarrassed to be American’ after Trump cut funding for her work in Africa

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• A portion of North Vermilion Street near Main Street in downtown Danville will be closed to traffic starting tomorrow for the demolition of the Vermilion County Courthouse Annex.
• A new U.S. Supreme Court decision could impact teacher training programs in Illinois. 
• There’s a bill moving through Springfield that would limit “crime-free” housing laws in Illinois
• The Trump administration wants to rewrite a rule that governs what the Clean Water Act protects.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how a Chicago Fulbright scholar sees firsthand how President Trump’s efforts to slash government spending are changing how the world sees Americans.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Isabela Nieto, Mawa Iqbal, Kate Grumke and Anna Savchenko.

217 Today: There’s a growing call to restrict junk food purchases by SNAP users, but experts say it’s complex

Monday, April 7, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• A thousand people chanted ‘hands off’ as they gathered in Champaign’s West Side Park on Saturday.
• The number of satellites orbiting Earth has nearly tripled in recent years. 
• National Weather Service offices across the Midwest are eliminating or scaling back weather balloon launches.
• A federal judge in Chicago is throwing out a lawsuit against the Illinois State Police over their use of license plate readers.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about proposed bills introduced this year in Congress that seek to restrict what SNAP recipients can buy.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Adrien Reetz, Molly Ashford, Mawa Iqbal and Anna Pope.

217 Today: How a hidden box of love letters became a historical memoir of WWII

Friday, April 4, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Dozens of protestors gathered on the University of Illinois South Quad yesterday to demand better working conditions for graduate workers.
• Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul likely isn’t going to take any action against two hospitals in Chicago that have stopped gender care surgeries. 
• International students in Illinois and across the country are worried about losing their visa status.
• Public transit agencies in downstate Illinois are worried about a fiscal cliff.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new memoir from local author Larry Schnell that explores the little-known role of music in war.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Michael Sweeney, Kulsoom Khan, Kristen Schorsch, Alex Degman and Anna Koh.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Apr. 03 – Apr. 06

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Studying genealogy is popular in Champaign-Urbana, but the library services that make it possible are at risk.
• Illinois Democratic Congressman Brad Schneider says he’s been seeing “a tsunami of concern” from constituents since President Trump returned to office.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is throwing shade at billionaire Elon Musk after helping a Democrat win a key Wisconsin Supreme Court seat.
• The State Board of Education says the U.S. Education Department revoked the approval needed to spend $77 million in federal pandemic relief in Illinois schools.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to Champaign County in the world of arts, culture and entertainment. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Mae Antar, Dave McKinney, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui.

217 Today: Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend celebrates its sixteenth year in April

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Following last night’s election, five candidates are in the lead for seats on the Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education.
• Champaign voters rejected a property tax increase aimed at funding the area’s only low-barrier shelter — Strides. 
• Champaign County could see some severe weather this afternoon. 
• Illinois students and public university leaders united this week to hammer the importance of federal education funding and infrastructure for marginalized students.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team defeated the Illinois State Redbirds at home last night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what goes into preparing for the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend and what it means for the community. 

 217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Michael Sweeney, Andrew Pritchard, Lisa Kurian Philip, Colin Hislope and Kimberly Schofield. 

217 Today: Thousands of deceased donor kidneys are discarded. This organization hopes to revive them

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF1 tornado crossed 12 miles of land in Champaign County on Sunday afternoon.
• A rally was held in downtown Urbana yesterday in protest of anti-LGBTQ legislation and statements made by the Trump Administration.
• The annual Urbana Model Railroad Show caught the attention of many at Lincoln Square Mall over the weekend.
• People voting in today’s municipal elections across Illinois won’t notice a difference in the process, despite an executive order from President Donald Trump.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new Midwest-based organization trying to revive thousands of deceased donor kidneys that were discarded last year.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Sam Rink, Brendan Gallian, Alex Degman and Elizabeth Gabriel.

217 Today: Midwest light pollution kills migrating birds, but scientists know how you can help

Monday, March 31, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Severe storms caused damage in Champaign, Coles and Vermilion Counties yesterday afternoon.
• Critics of the Trump administration held a loud protest over the weekend in Urbana.
• The Trump administration canceled $53 million in federal funding for Illinois health programs.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team won its first series against a Big Ten Conference opponent this weekend.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how Midwest light pollution kills migrating birds and how people can help prevent it. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Mary Piacente, Isabela Nieto, Colin Hislope and Celia Llopis-Jepsen.

217 Today: Urbana couple cultivates healing and growth through nature at Ujima Retreat Center

Friday, March 28, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• A man in Champaign is being charged for a shooting that happened in July of last year, killing two teenagers and injuring two others.
• Media scholar Robert McChesney died this week at the age of 72. The former University of Illinois professor hosted a show on WILL Radio for 10 years.
• Champaign officials have taken the first step to identify and address the housing needs facing residents.
• Tonight, the Ebert Center for Film Studies will have a showing of rare 1930s Japanese short films.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with an Urbana couple redefining what it means to learn, grow and heal together through nature.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Kaitlyn Devitt, Jim Meadows, A. Oishii Basu and Kennedy Vincent. 

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Mar. 27 – Mar. 30

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois lawmakers are considering a ban on carbon sequestration under certain fresh water sources.
• Around 40 University of Illinois employees rallied outside the provost’s office in Champaign yesterday for higher wages.
• Illinois residents are worried about teacher shortages and underfunded public schools. That’s according to a new, nonpartisan poll from the state’s largest teachers union.
• President Trump is targeting a Chicago legal powerhouse in his latest attack on U.S. law firms.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn what’s coming to central Illinois in the world of art, culture and entertainment. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Sam Rink, Emily Hays, Anna Savchenko, Dave McKinney, Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck.

217 Today: Who is running in the April 1 Champaign Unit 4 school board race?

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Champaign County’s only low-barrier shelter – Strides — is at risk of closing at the end of the year.
• The two men running for mayor of Rantoul say they’re pushing for economic development and infrastructure improvements.
• Employees at the Veterans Administration medical center in Danville have been temporarily rehired after a judge ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to fire thousands of federal workers.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team lost to the Missouri Tigers last night. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about who is running in the April 1 Champaign Unit 4 school board race.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Giuliana Means, Mary Piacente, Mae Antar, Colin Hislope and Emily Hays.

217 Today: Brown v. Board in Champaign-Urbana

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Around 150 people gathered on the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign quad yesterday to protest the administration’s response to pro-Palestinian speech. 
• Governor JB Pritzker’s initiative to bring bachelor’s degrees to Illinois community colleges stalled in the General Assembly last week.
• President Trump recently signed an executive order gutting a number of independent agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball season came to an end yesterday. The team lost to the Texas Longhorns in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with locals and university faculty about what it was like growing up in the American education system post Brown v Board. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Isabela Nieto, Adora Namigadde, Colin Hislope and Kennedy Vincent.

217 Today: An alternative to the USDA Organic label could be more accessible for farmers. Can it stick?

Monday, March 24, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Governor JB Pritzker and Senator Dick Durbin both say that voters must put pressure on Republicans in Congress to avoid cuts to social services.
• As the Trump administration plans to dismantle the Department of Education, advocates in Illinois say the state needs to step up its commitment to public education.
• Later today, the Fighting Illini women’s basketball team will face the Texas Longhorns in the NCAA Tournament.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how an alternative to the USDA Organic label could be more accessible for farmers.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Lisa Kurian Philip, Colin Hislope and Harshawn Ratanpal.

217 Today: How life changed when Illinois’ pandemic lockdown began five years ago — here’s what you told us

Friday, March 21, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Plans for a quantum computing park in Chicago are attracting interest from the private sector.
• Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator says he wants to stave off Medicaid cuts through bipartisanship.
• Local arborists are encouraging Illinois residents to keep an eye out for a spreading invasive insect this spring.
• An Illinois bill that would require schools like Freeburg High in the Metro East to change its mascot passed out of a House committee yesterday. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how life changed when Illinois’ pandemic lockdown began five years ago.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Alex Degman, Jess Savage, Will Bauer and Isabela Nieto.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Mar. 20 – Mar. 23

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Governor JB Pritzker wants Illinoisans to participate in “mass activism” to let Congress know they oppose the Trump administration’s cuts to food and agriculture programs.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says he isn’t sure who to blame for the end of the ceasefire in Gaza.
• The Champaign Urbana Design Organization will host its 11th annual board game competition this weekend.
• A measure to regulate homeschooling in Illinois continued gaining significant opposition yesterday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the art, culture and entertainment in central Illinois this weekend. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Mae Antar, A. Oishi Basu, Alex Degman, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui. 

217 Today: Northwestern faculty and students say efforts to appease Trump chill free speech

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Around 200 people marched through the streets of Champaign yesterday evening to say they’ve had enough with Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. 
• It’s becoming increasingly clear that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker wants to run for a higher office.
• As Southern Illinois University Edwardsville administrators face a $10 million budget deficit, one of the first proposals is to eliminate the physics program. 
• The Fighting Illini baseball team defeated Indiana State at Illinois Field last night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why some Northwestern University faculty and students say a new required antisemitism training will chill free speech.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Alex Degman, Will Bauer, Colin Hislope and Lisa Kurian Philip.

217 Today: Who is running in the April 1 Champaign Unit 4 school board race?

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The ongoing bird flu outbreak has affected a wide variety of species, threatening raptors and waterfowl as well.
• 100 years ago today, the Tri-State tornado, considered the deadliest tornado in recorded U.S. history ripped through Southern Illinois.
• Hundreds of military bases across the U.S. have suspected or known reports of water contamination from forever chemicals, or PFAS. 
• The state and a right-leaning publisher of dozens of websites is settling a lawsuit over its publication of sensitive information about millions of Illinois voters.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn who is running in the April 1 Champaign Unit 4 school board race.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Brendan Gallian, Mawa Iqbal, Elissa Eaton, Dave McKinney and Emily Hays. 

217 Today: U of I students call for better housing and meal options over breaks

Monday, March 17, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Dozens of people demonstrated in front of the Mahomet office of Congresswoman Mary Miller on Saturday.
• Areas across East Central Illinois sustained damages from three tornadoes on Friday night.
• The University of Illinois Observatory in Urbana was buzzing with activity from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday morning. 
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team earned the six seed in the Midwest region of the NCAA Tournament. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how some students at the University of Illinois want the campus to provide better housing and meal options over breaks. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mary Piacente, Mae Antar, Adrien Reetz, Colin Hislope and Adelyn Mui.

217 Today: How could cuts to the U.S. Department of Education impact Illinois schools?

Friday, March 14, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Central Illinois could see some severe weather today, including high winds, thunderstorms and an elevated fire risk.
• The Urbana Health and Wellness Center opened this year and surpassed one thousand memberships. 
• Illinois is among 20 states and the District of Columbia that filed a federal lawsuit yesterday, challenging the Trump administration’s mass layoffs across the U.S. Department of Education.
• The Illinois High School Association’s Boys Basketball State Finals Tournament started yesterday at State Farm Center.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the local impact of cuts to the Department of Education.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Today’s report was contributed by Andrew Pritchard, Stephanie Mosqueda, Emilie Syberg, Colin Hislope and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Mar. 13 – Mar. 16

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Presumptive Urbana Mayor—DeShawn Williams—stepped into the role of interim Champaign County Treasurer last week.
• The Soybean Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois has been officially terminated by the Trump administration. 
• It’s a big week for advocates coming to Springfield to lobby for policies supporting Illinois’ local farmers. 
• A proposal in Springfield would prohibit Illinois schools from using a Native American name, logo or mascot.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Champaign-Urbana area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today was contributed by Nathan Gonzalez, Jim Meadows, Mawa Iqbal, Isabela Nieto, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui.

217 Today: The power of mentorship through the C-U One-to-One program

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• A lawsuit filed in Peoria County alleges a priest sexually abused an 8-year-old boy over six years, starting in 1997.
• Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is reminding residents to check if they need an updated REAL ID card ahead of the federal deadline in May.
• Starting in July, students at Millikin University in Decatur will have a new president.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team defeated Western Illinois at home last night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the CU One to One Mentoring Program and how it has helped some people in the area. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Colin Schopp, Jim Meadows, Arjun Thakkar, Colin Hislope and Kennedy Vincent. 

217 Today: Small town grocery stores face unique challenges. Some Midwest states are trying to help

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth is standing up for Veterans who have been fired through President Trump’s “Department of Government Efficiency.”
• Illinois is the top soybean producing state in the United States, and China is the biggest buyer of that commodity.
• The city of Champaign wants to showcase its downtown area.
• Democrats at the Illinois capitol are pushing a measure to regulate homeschooling – but Republicans and homeschooled students are pushing back.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how some Midwest states are trying to help small town grocery stores.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Today’s report was contributed by Linda Kenyon, Reginald Hardwick, Mae Antar, Alex Degman and Rachel Cramer.

217 Today: Trump’s funding cuts are hitting early-career researchers the hardest

Monday, March 10, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• There’s a full slate of candidates running for the Champaign Unit 4 school board.
• The annual “Danville’s Got Talent” show took place at the Fischer Theater on Friday night.
• Groups that provide financial support for people seeking abortion care say a funding crisis is unfolding across the Midwest.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team lost two out of three games over the weekend to Michigan.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how Trump’s funding cuts are hitting early-career researchers.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today was contributed by Emily Hays, Sam Rink, Mawa Iqbal, Colin Hislope and Lisa Kurian Philip.

217 Today: Mass layoffs at USDA leave an uncertain future for researchers and rural areas

Friday, March 7, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Students in Champaign got a visit from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker yesterday as he continues to promote a plan to limit cell phone use in K-12 schools.
• The CU Stand Up for Science rally kicks off today at Noon at the University of Illinois’ alma mater statue.
• The two men running for Savoy village president say they’re committed to creating a new downtown and improving transportation infrastructure.
• The results of a contest to pick the new Illinois state flag are in and voters want to keep the current one.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture leave an uncertain future for researchers and rural areas.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Today’s report was contributed by Emily Hays, Mary Piacente, Mawa Iqbal, Stephanie Orellana and Collin Schopp.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Mar. 06 – Mar. 09

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The super-massive black hole at the center of our galaxy has sent us a light show from 26,000 light-years away.
• Over a dozen people protested outside the Chabad Center for Jewish Life as the organization invited a soldier with the Israel Defense Forces. 
• The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District found multiple food safety violations at Urbana High School during an inspection last month.
• Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sparred with Congressmembers yesterday during a hearing on Chicago’s sanctuary city policy.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about what’s coming to the Champaign-Urbana area in the world of art and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today was contributed by Adrien Reetz, Mae Antar, Emily Hays, Tessa Weinberg, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui.

217 Today: NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge open for students to share their stories

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Hundreds of parents and some of their children rallied at the Illinois State Capitol yesterday demanding continued investments in early childhood needs.
• Education advocates are rallying to thwart President Trump’s planned massive cuts to the Department of Education.
• Most Chicago-area universities have held firm against President Trump’s attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. However, Northwestern has erased mentions of DEI from several of its webpages.
• Engineers at Washington University have built a sensor that can detect the presence of bird flu particles within minutes.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge and what students and adults need to know before they submit.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today was contributed by Alex Degman, Michael Puente, Lisa Kurian Philip, Sarah Fentem and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: The evolution of Black sacred music

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The University of Illinois is taking steps to make campus more bike-friendly.
• The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has unveiled an interactive portal at its website that helps users determine if they need a REAL ID.
• School districts in Champaign-Urbana are figuring out what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement comes to their doors.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker proposed legislation yesterday that would allow community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees for in-demand career fields.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Professor Ollie Watts Davis, the founder and director of the U of I’s Black Chorus.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today was contributed by Anna Koh, Emily Hays, Isabela Nieto and Kennedy Vincent.

217 Today: Illinois Democrats have bold words for Trump. What action can they take?

Monday, March 3, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

• Illinois lawmakers are considering several bills that could increase the availability of housing
• The U.S. Department of Education has told schools to end diversity initiatives and avoid decisions based on race. 
• Around 150 community members and University of Illinois students rallied in downtown Champaign this past weekend to support immigrant rights.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team lost to Texas Tech and number 15 overall Texas and defeated Washington in the Las Vegas College Baseball Classic over the weekend.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with a Northwestern University law professor who studies the powers of local government.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today was contributed by Giuliana Means, Emily Hays, Maria Picante, Colin Hislope and Mawa Iqbal.

217 Today: First public bus tour explores the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail

Friday, February 28, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Local groups working to address food insecurity in Champaign County came together this week to explore solutions.
• The results of a special census in Urbana have pushed the city’s official population back above 40,000.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is celebrating a milestone — erasing medical debt for nearly 270,000 people.
• Income levels for farms growing row crops like corn and soybeans are projected to remain low this year. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the first public bus tour that explored the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail this month.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Today’s report was contributed by Diana Zhang, Kristen Schorsch, Jim Meadows, and Emily Hays. 

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Feb. 27 – Mar. 02

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Gene Hackman, the Academy Award winning actor who was raised in Danville, has died.
• The Associated Press reports that Gene Hackman was born in California and grew up in Danville, where his father worked as a newspaper pressman for the Commercial-News.
• Some U of I students are worried about the future of cultural houses.
• Today is the last day for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students to vote in student government elections.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the art and entertainment coming to the Champaign-Urbana area this weekend.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today was contributed by Ed Donahue, Stephanie Orellana, Layli Nazarova, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui. 

217 Today: Transgender teens and their parents speak out after Lurie Children’s pauses surgeries

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• DeShawn Williams is poised to become the next mayor of Urbana. 
• Urbana voters reelected all their current city council members during yesterday’s Democratic primary election.
• Urbana-based Carle Health says it’s closing down most of its Health Alliance insurance plans, effective at the end of this year.
• Officials with Planned Parenthood Illinois say they’re working to reach people in more remote areas of the state.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn that transgender teens and their parents speak out after Lurie Children’s paused surgeries.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Kaitlyn Devitt, Arjun Thakkar, Jim Meadows, Mae Antar and Kristen Schorsch.

217 Today: Fantastical, satirical, unapologetic: Millie Wilson’s ‘Museum of Lesbian Dreams’ at Krannert Art Museum

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Central High School in Champaign will be led by an African-American principal for the first time, starting July 1.
• The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a pair of cases from abortion opponents in Illinois and New Jersey, who say laws limiting demonstrations near clinics violate their First Amendment rights.
• Transgender teens and their parents are angry and frustrated after a children’s hospital in Chicago paused gender care surgeries.
• Wildfires have become more frequent, burning bigger areas during longer seasons thanks to conditions exacerbated by climate change.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with artist Millie Wilson about their exhibit at the Krannert Art Museum that challenges historical representations of gender and sexuality.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Sarah Fentem, Kristen Schorsch, Anna Pope and Adelyn Mui.

217 Today: Ukrainian family in Mahomet faces uncertainty after Trump administration suspends refugee program

Monday, February 24, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Hamlet Syndrome” was screened at the University of Illinois earlier this month.
• Studies show African American Muslims nationwide aren’t going to the mosque as often as they used to.
• Illinois consumers would see expanded protections against fraud and predatory financial practices if a legislator’s proposal is passed.
• The Fighting Illini baseball team claimed victory in their weekend series on the road against Texas State,

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a Ukrainian refugee family that fled their home country because of a war that started three years ago today.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Adelyn Mui, Mae Antar, Isabela Nieto, Colin Hislope and Stephanie Mosqueda.

217 Today: Guitarist Isaiah Sharkey to close out Uncorked with Illinois Soul for Black History Month

Friday, February 21, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The 42nd annual Insect Fear Film Festival returns to the University of Illinois this Saturday.
• The Village of Rantoul is moving forward with a project to improve streets and infrastructure downtown.
• A new study suggests people feel less safe in public when guns are present.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with a Grammy-award-winning artist Isaiah Sharkey about his upcoming performance at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Brendan Gallian, Arjun Thakkar, Michael Puente and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: Recapping Pritzker’s seventh budget address

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Danville school board has put their superintendent on administrative leave as she’s been working remotely for months following alleged threats from the Ku Klux Klan.
• The February 25th Urbana Primary Election is less than a week away, but Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons says more than half of expected voters have already cast a ballot.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to an analysis and recap of Pritzker’s seventh budget address — and a look at the upcoming art and entertainment coming to the Champaign-Urbana area. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Nathan Gonzalez, Alex Degman, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui. 

217 Today: ‘So busy’: Immigration Project in Normal informs clients of rights as ICE raid concerns heighten

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail hosted its first public bus tour this week.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says he doesn’t want to raise taxes, but at least one budget expert thinks he should.
• Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow people in prison to access state financial aid for college.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team lost to the Wisconsin Badgers on the road last night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how the Immigration Project in Normal informs clients of their rights as ICE raid concerns heighten.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Alex Degman, Lisa Kurian Philip, Colin Hislope and Eric Stock.

217 Today: Pens to Lens competition offers a chance for students to bring their ideas to the big screen

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• An analysis from the Associated Press found that incarcerated people with violent records have been transferred to medium-level security prisons in Illinois.
• There’s no school for Danville public schools and The Promise Healthcare clinic in Rantoul is closed today.
• Around 40 people braved freezing temperatures yesterday to rally in downtown Champaign against the Trump administration’s cuts in federal spending and staffing.
• One of the previous winners of the Pens to Lens a screenwriting competition explains how the experience changed his life.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with one of the organizers the Pens to Lens Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anna Koh, Mawa Iqbal, Jim Meadows, Arjun Thakkar and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: School police ticketed Rockford students nearly $60K for in-school incidents. A new bill wants to end the practice in Illinois.

Monday, February 17, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The CU International Film Festival Saturday in Urbana opened with a red-carpet gala, followed by a film screening.
• Early voting opens later this morning at the U of I Illini Union for Urbana’s Democratic primary election.
• A new tool will allow visitors to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield to explore Lincoln’s life through a digital reality.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team won their eighth game in a row yesterday at home against Nebraska.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why Illinois lawmakers just introduced legislation to ban school-based ticketing.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Diana Zhang, Arjun Thakkar, Isabela Nieto, Colin Hislope and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Madigan jurors give insight into deliberations that led to conviction

Friday, February 14, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Valentine’s Day is when many celebrate romance. But college students today appear to be less focused on relationships and dating compared to prior generations.
•  Champaign City Councilman Davion Williams says he wants to work towards unity after facing backlash for posting an image of a swastika on Facebook.
• Governor Pritzker stopped the groundbreaking of a billion-dollar project in suburban Joliet to prevent invasive carp from swimming toward Lake Michigan.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team won at home last night against Penn State. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about Timothy Nessner—the jury foreman who signed off on Madigan’s landmark guilty verdict.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anna Koh, Nancy Averett, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Colin Hislope and Dave McKinney.

217 Today: Family of U of I freshman who died from hypothermia focus on prevention one year later

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Seventeen university labs that research food and agriculture have stopped work after President Donald Trump froze the U.S. Agency for International Development last month.
• Journalists from the University of Illinois are working with reporters in Sierra Leone to explore the issue of period poverty.
• The Urbana Police Chief says a proposed city ordinance to require approval for police surveillance technology goes too far.
• Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan left the courthouse smiling even though a federal jury found him guilty of conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how safety on the U of I campus has changed since a former freshman died from hypothermia after going out drinking with friends a year ago.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Diana Zhang, Mae Antar, Dave McKinney and Emily Hays.

217 Today: Amid deportation fears, hundreds of patients skip appointments at one Chicago health clinic

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• A program that helps Black students transition to the University of Illinois has been put on hold.
• Many schools will have e-learning days, early dismissals, or closings today because of today’s wintry weather.
• The Democratic Party of Champaign County is taking applications as the current County Treasurer plans to retire at the end of the month.
• Oil refiners and fuel importers are required by federal law to blend a certain volume of biofuels, like ethanol, or buy credits from companies that do their own blending.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn that hundreds of immigrants have skipped appointments and left prescriptions at the pharmacy since Republican President Donald Trump returned to office.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Stephanie Orellana, Reginald Hardwick, Arjun Thakkar, Rachel Cramer and Kristen Schorsch.

217 Today: Advocates ask Illinois lawmakers to increase funding for the unhoused in new budget

Monday, February 10, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Since President Trump took office, he’s taken steps to limit the rights of transgender people and curb access to abortion. Advocates for reproductive justice in Champaign-Urbana are taking action.
• Police say a domestic violence incident in Urbana led to a shooting that killed a child and a man over the weekend.
• Members of the public are invited to attend a celebration of life for Illinois baseball pitching coach Mark Allen.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team won on the road yesterday against Wisconsin.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how advocates are asking Illinois lawmakers to increase funding for the unhoused in their new budget.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Layli Nazarova, Reginald Hardwick, Colin Hislope and Eric Stock.

217 Today: How will the new chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees navigate the changes of the Trump administration?

Friday, February 7, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley is warning that dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development will deliver a major blow to Ukraine.
• Illinois House Democrats are doing what they can to oppose President Donald Trump – but their power is extremely limited.
• Illinois state police shot a man at a gas station in the McLean County town of Lexington yesterday.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team defeated Northwestern last night at State Farm Center.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how the new chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees will navigate the changes of the Trump administration.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anna Savchenko, Alex Degman, Colin Hislope and Emily Hays.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Feb. 06 – Feb. 09

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Danville Election Commission is moving to keep city council candidate Jaleel Jones on the April First ballot.
• Hundreds of people braved freezing rain outside the Illinois state capitol yesterday for a midweek rally against President Donald Trump’s administration.
• Officials at the University of Illinois say they’re working to clarify how federal policy changes under the Trump administration will affect operations on campus.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team lost on the road against Rutgers last night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about what’s coming to the Champaign-Urbana area in the world of art and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Alex Degman, Emily Hays, Colin Hislope, Adelyn Mui and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: How more tribes are working to bring bison back to their land

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Despite the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, local Palestinians say they’re afraid President Trump will push to permanently displace the people living there.
• Illinois schools could be required to keep track of when students are referred to law enforcement agencies.
• Hundreds of red-breasted mergansers have been found either dead or sick over the past few days along Lake Michigan in Chicago.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how more tribes are working to bring bison back to their land.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Isabel Nieto, Araceli Gomez-Aldana and Anna Pope.

217 Today: Champaign County Public Defender’s Office is facing a funding crisis after tax referendum fails

Monday, February 3, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• President Donald Trump has targeted transgender and nonbinary people with a series of executive orders. That prompted more than a hundred people to march in downtown Champaign for trans rights on Saturday.
• Illinois Republicans who protested last month’s inauguration in Springfield are being punished by their own party leadership.
• Illinois public health leaders are restrategizing, after President Trump ordered the U-S to leave the World Health Organization last week.
• The Fighting Illini basketball players won both of their match-ups yesterday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how some Illinois lawmakers want the state to help the Public Defender’s Office in Champaign County with funding and staffing challenges.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Alex Degman, Mawa Iqbal, Colin Hislope and Nathan Gonzalez.

217 Today: A Champaign agency’s design is a finalist for the Illinois new state flag contest

Friday, January 31, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• At a candidate forum last night, DeShawn Williams and Annie Adams each made their case to be Urbana’s next mayor.
• In the race to represent southeast Urbana on the City Council, the incumbent council member and her predecessor disagree on whether the city should use automatic license plate readers.
• Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump launched immigration enforcement raids across the country.
• The FusionFest: Lunar New Year Celebration will occur Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn that Champaign-based Clanin Creative‘s design has made it one of the top ten finalists for Illinois’ state flag contest.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Stephanie Mosqueda, Diana Zhang and  Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: A Dialogue with Jane Eugene of Loose Ends

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Trump administration’s federal funding freeze has been rescinded. However, the confusion of the past week has caused some University of Illinois researchers to be concerned.
• University of Illinois community members with family in the Middle East are glad to see Israel and Hamas continue to follow the terms of their ceasefire deal. 
• Despite one of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, trans youth in Illinois should still have access to gender-affirming care.
• Reading scores for Illinois fourth graders continue to decline in the wake of the pandemic, according to results from a national test known as the Nation’s Report Card.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Jane Eugene from the British R&B trio Loose Ends to learn about the group’s role in soul music.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Brittany Prempin, Mae Antar, Alex Degman, Anna Savchenko and Kennedy Vincent.

217 Today: Pritzker addresses pause of federal funds to programs in Illinois

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Champaign Unit 4 School Board is one step closer to filling a short-term vacancy.
• Black Illinois legislators want reparations for descendants of enslaved African Americans.
• Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined 22 other state attorneys general to sue the Trump administration over its freeze on federal grants and loans.
• Some immigrant families in Chicago say they are staying home as immigration officials move ahead with plans to arrest and deport people.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear Governor JB Pritzker address the pause of federal funds to programs in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Mawa Iqbal, Adriana Cardona Maguigad and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: More Illinois colleges are offering full tuition scholarships. Are they too good to be true?

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The amount of American crops, pasture and forestland owned by foreign investors continued to increase in 2023.
• Experts at the University of Illinois are exploring new agricultural technologies to policymakers that could streamline work for farmers to local democrat representatives. 
• The average price for a dozen eggs has soared to over $4 in recent weeks and bird flu is a big reason why.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how some Illinois colleges and universities are able to offer full-tuition scholarships.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Mae Antar, Skyler Rossi and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Amid deportation threats, DeKalb area families learn more about guardianship forms

Monday, January 27, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Smart Start Illinois program is expanding, meaning the state could pay preschool tuition for more than 5,000 additional kids.
• The legal team for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is presenting its closing arguments in his landmark federal corruption trial.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health has launched a dashboard for data on firearm-related injuries and violent deaths.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team defeated the Northwestern Wildcats at State Farm Center yesterday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how residents in northern Illinois are supporting immigrant families who could be impacted by President Trump’s plan to launch mass deportation.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Dave McKinney, Mawa Iqbal, Colin Hislope and Maria Gardner Lara.

217 Today: New concerns over cancer and alcohol suggest even moderate drinking increases risk

Friday, January 24, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Champaign County Board members voted to pause all carbon sequestration projects in the county for 12 months.
• University of Illinois tuition is going up more than it has for a decade.
• Immigrant rights groups are preparing for if and when President Trump makes good on his promise to conduct raids in Chicago.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team lost last night at home while the women’s team won on the road.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how new concerns over cancer and alcohol suggest even moderate drinking increases risk.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Sam Rink, Emily Hays, Michael Puente, Colin Hislope and Natalie Krebs. 

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Jan. 23 – Jan. 26

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says his administration is working to protect the state’s immigrant communities from the crackdown promised by President Trump.
• Champaign County’s homeless service providers conducted their annual count of people without permanent housing last night.
• The Urbana school district is promoting two administrators to serve as its next middle school principals.
• Financial challenges are hitting Planned Parenthood of Illinois.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn all about what’s coming to the central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Anulika Ochuba, Emily Hays, Mawa Iqbal, Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck. 

217 Today: Meshell Ndegeocello comes to Krannert to share James Baldwin’s wisdom with music

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Danville School District 118 is holding a second day of e-learning instruction today due to cold temperatures.
• A statewide group for LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois is advising people to stay vigilant in light of an executive order from President Trump this week.
• After a weekend of fear fueled by multiple threats that Chicago would be the site of President Donald Trump’s first major deportation raids, there were no reports of immigration enforcement yesterday.
• Illinois joined more than 20 other states in filing lawsuits yesterday, challenging President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Meshell Ndegeocello ahead of her upcoming performance at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Adriana Cardona Maguigad, Kulsoom Khan and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: A Midwest farmland owner tests a longstanding wetland conservation law called ‘swampbuster’

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Cold weather kept the chair of the Champaign County GOP from seeing the presidential inauguration in person yesterday. But she says it was still rewarding to join fellow party members to celebrate Donald Trump’s return to the presidency.
• Danville honored the life and service of Martin Luther King yesterday (Monday) with a simple message — now is the time to stand up.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker vows to protect residents should the new Trump administration send immigration enforcement to the state.
• Much of the Midwest and South-central U.S. has been experiencing varying snow, ice and rain levels. But livestock also needs special attention during winter weather conditions.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why a landholding company says a decades-old wetlands law is unconstitutional and why sustainable agriculture groups are pushing back.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Emily Hays, Kristen Schorsch, Jana Rose Schleis and Rachel Cramer.

217 Today: Trump’s Green Card proposal for international students sparks doubt. Here’s why.

Monday, January 20, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The 24th annual Champaign County Martin Luther King Jr. celebration took place on the University of Illinois campus last night.
• The largest Asian grocery store chain in the U.S. has come to downtown Urbana.
• Some central Illinoisans are grateful after a ceasefire was announced in Israel’s war in Gaza.
• A U.S. official says immigration officers will target hundreds of people starting Tuesday after President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
• As President-Elect Trump takes office today promising mass deportations, local police chiefs in Champaign-Urbana say they won’t be collaborating with federal immigration agents.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about Donald Trump’s Green Card proposal and why it has sparked some doubt among international students.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Diana Zhang, Mae Antar, Julie Walker, Emily Hays and Anna Koh.

217 Today: At Colorado meatpacking plant, a vulnerable workforce braces for Trump 2.0

Friday, January 17, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Wintry weather is changing part of Monday’s MLK celebration in Danville.
• The Illinois State Board of Education has voted to recommend a budget that includes a $350 million increase in evidence-based funding for school districts.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is launching an online portal for children’s behavioral health care.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team won on the road last night against Indiana.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how Donald Trump’s immigration policy might impact the meatpacking industry and the price of our food.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Isabela Nieto, Mawa Iqbal, Reginald Hardwick, Colin Hislope and Ted Genoways.

217 Today: There’s a new Piano Man in town

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Today is the first day of early voting for the February Municipal Primary elections in Illinois.
• Donald Trump’s nominee for US Attorney General says the Justice Department went after the president-elect.
• Decatur’s new Ellsworth Dansby Junior Magnet school is gearing up to open this fall. 
• A new measure in the Indiana statehouse would explore letting secession-minded Illinois counties join the Hoosier State.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to Andrew Simek discuss his take on his new position and music’s role in his life.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Sagar Meghani, Anulika Ochuba, Alex Degman and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: The state of Illinois may soon get a new flag

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The American Civil Liberties Union urges the University of Illinois to roll back recent protest regulations. 
• The Champaign Fire Department extinguished a small commercial fire at the Marketplace Shopping Center yesterday.
• The City of Urbana is taking applications for a program to support housing in Champaign County.
• At least two dozen people have died in the devastating wildfires engulfing the Los Angeles area — and the crisis is affecting some families from Illinois.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with commissioner Will Stephens to learn more about what went into the process of selecting a new Illinois state flag.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Mae Antar, Anulika Ochuba, Kulsoom Khan and Mawa Iqbal.

217 Today: Experience CU kicks off the year promoting non-alcoholic beverages with the Mocktail Trail

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Around one year ago, Champaign Unit 4 school board members shut down meetings after clashing over filling vacant positions. As the board confronts another vacancy, the group is working through those lingering tensions.
• Prosecutors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal racketeering conspiracy trial confronted him with a previously unheard wiretap.
• Along with respiratory illnesses, the state Department of Public Health is warning Illinoisans about the rise in Norovirus.
• University of Illinois athletes broke several school and facility records over the past weekend.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with the Experience CU Vice President of Destination Branding and Development about the CU Mocktail Trail.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Dave McKinney, Kulsoom Khan, Colin Hislope and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: Why is it hard to diagnose mental health conditions?

Monday, January 13, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to take precautions and get vaccinated as rates of respiratory illnesses are increasing statewide.
• In school closure news, the Clinton Unit School District 15 is having an E-Learning day today because there’s a boil order across the city.
• Lawmakers have put the soybean on track to become Illinois’s official state bean.
• People in Illinois with certain reproductive health conditions can now ask for treatment with medical marijuana. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why it can be difficult to diagnose mental health conditions.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anulika Ochuba, Arjun Thakkar, Jim Meadows, Mawa Iqbal and Elizabeth Gabriel.

217 Today: IVF patients in Illinois worry, feel uncertain about access and treatments as Trump returns to office

Friday, January 10, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The Illinois Prisoner Review Board has seen controversy this past year but a state lawmaker wants to reform it. 
• Urbana is receiving a nearly $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for major upgrades to the Florida Avenue corridor.
• The trial for the man accused in the Highland Park 4th of July mass shooting will begin February 24.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why some IVF patients in Illinois feel uncertain about access and treatments as Trump returns to office.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Anulika Ochuba, Reginald Hardwick and Kulsoom Khan.

217 Today: Local Muslims and Arabs have anxiety and aspirations for a second Trump term

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Advocates in Illinois are concerned that the incoming Trump administration could pose a threat to the rights of transgender people.
• Champaign voters will once again decide this spring whether to approve a property tax increase to help maintain the city’s only low-barrier homeless shelter.
• A measure to confiscate guns from people who have an order of protection against them has passed in the Illinois legislature.
• The number 13 overall Fighting Illini men’s basketball team won at home last night.

In today’s deep dive, we will look at how local Arabs and Muslims are viewing a second Trump administration and the conflict in the Middle East.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Anulika Ochuba, Alex Degman and Mae Antar.

217 Today: How Donald Trump’s tariffs have — and could — affect Illinois agriculture

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• On Thursday, President Joe Biden will deliver a eulogy at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.
• The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation may soon get a piece of their northern Illinois land back – thanks to a measure that passed out of the Illinois House yesterday.
• Cunningham Township officials have been working to help unhoused people find shelter from this week’s snow and cold weather.
• Fighting Illini men’s basketball player Kasparas Jakucionis won his second Big Ten Conference Freshman of the week award earlier this week.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how Donald Trump’s tariffs have—and could—affect Illinois agriculture.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Mae Antar, Colin Hislope and Jim Meadows. 

217 Today: What Illinois families are doing to prepare amid fears of being deported during Trump’s second term 

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• After a two-week holiday break, the jury in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s trial returned to court yesterday for a final week of defense witnesses.
• Illinois legislators are clashing over a measure to make it easier for someone to change their name legally.
• When the weather changes rapidly, it’s harder for snow crews to do their jobs.
• U.S. industry is a major source of greenhouse gas pollution causing climate change. New federal data show which industrial facilities emitted the most carbon in Illinois and eight other states across the Midwest and South.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn what Illinois families are doing to prepare amid fears of being deported during Trump’s second term.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Dave McKinney, Mawa Iqbal, Morgan Watkins and Emily Hays. 

217 Today: Lack of access anticipated ahead of second Trump term

Monday, January 6, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• The winter storm conditions are prompting multiple school districts and regional organizations to adjust their operations.
• Crews in cities across East Central Illinois are working around the clock to clear roadways, sidewalks and parking lots.
• Snow plow drivers around the region are putting in long hours to clear snow off the streets.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how some people feel about Trump’s next four years in office.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick and David Pierce.

217 Today: Recent Alzheimer’s advancements leave Black and Latino patients behind

Friday, January 3, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• Snow — and possibly several inches of it — is in the forecast for central Illinois this weekend. 
• OSF Healthcare says they recommend — but do not require — that visitors wear masks when seeing their hospital and hospice patients.
• Central Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen says he’s concerned the incoming Trump administration plans for mass deportations will hurt employers in his district — and tear apart families.
• Health insurance companies operating in Illinois can no longer use so-called “step therapy”.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how Latino and Black people are significantly more likely to get diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at stages when treatments are less effective.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Andrew Pritchard, Eric Stock, Alex Degman and Natalie Krebs.

217 Today: The University of Illinois will build a smaller, safer and smarter nuclear reactor. Here’s what’s next

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Today’s headlines:

• University of Illinois researchers have developed a new approach to capturing and destroying harmful synthetic chemicals known as PFAS.
• Victory for the Fighting Illini football team at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
• The Citrus Bowl win was just part of a memorable season for Illinois football fans—the plays on the field were just as part of a historic run.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the U of I’s Microreactor Demonstration Project.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Adelyn Mui, Jakob Stutz and Elissa Eaton.

217 Today: Pat Bryant leaves lasting legacy at Illinois

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Starting today, all employees, patients and visitors at OSF Hospitals will be required to wear masks.
• The funeral service for an Illinois State Police officer killed in the line of duty will be later this week.
• The University of Illinois is pioneering the development of advanced nuclear technology.
• Discarded Christmas trees have become a seasonal snack for some animals in Chicago.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about Fighting Illini receiver Pat Bryant.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Elissa Eaton, Lisa Dwyer and Jakob Stutz.

217 Today: Jonathan Alter on the life and career of Jimmy Carter

Monday, December 30, 2024

Today’s headlines: 

• Elected leaders in Illinois are mourning the death of Jimmy Carter.
• All job postings by Illinois companies with 15 or more employees must now include pay scale and benefits information.
• Economists say the slowdown in the agriculture economy has continued, according to an Ag Finance Update from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
• A new Illinois law taking effect January 1 aims to protect the rights of pregnant people while they are incarcerated.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with author Jonathan Alter about his book on Jimmy Carter’s life.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Mawa Iqbal, Anna Pope and Brian Mackey.

To hear all of Jonathan Alter’s interview about Carter on The 21st Show, click here.

217 Today: Collard enthusiasts are using science and preservation to lift up rare varieties of the leafy green

Friday, December 27, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Next year, state officials will start working on a plan to allow residents to use a digital copy of their driver’s licenses and I-Ds on their cell phones.
• The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is collecting the trees to be used as fish habitat in local lakes.
• Starting today, Memorial Health hospitals in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville are implementing temporary visitor restrictions.
• There’s a new Illinois law on the books addressing student discipline in non-public schools.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how collard enthusiasts and scientists use science and preservation to lift rare varieties of the leafy green.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Mawa Iqbal, Reginald Hardwick and Kate Grumke.

217 Today: Illinois is transitioning to cleaner energy. Here’s how it is impacting some rural communities

Monday, December 23, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• A shooting in Danville killed a man from Champaign late Saturday night.
• Illinois would fare poorly if the future Trump administration enacted tariffs on goods from Canada, China and Mexico.
• The Illinois Department of Transportation is joining forces with local law enforcement for the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign this holiday season.
• Illinois men’s basketball faced off against Mizzou for their annual bragging rights game in St Louis Sunday afternoon.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why some rural communities in Illinois aren’t too thrilled about the state’s goal of getting to 100% clean energy by 2050.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Mawa Iqbal and Elissa Eaton.

217 Today: Big box grocers dominate some markets. That impacts small grocers and food deserts

Friday, December 20, 2024

Today’s headlines: 

• President-elect Donald Trump has nominated two University of Illinois alumni to serve in his cabinet.
• The Illinois State Police is overseeing investigations into a triple homicide in Mahomet and the death of a suspect in the case after a shootout with police in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn.
• Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth met with Northern Illinois University leaders this week in Washington.
• Defense lawyers for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan called their first witness in his federal corruption trial.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about some of the challenges independent grocers face in low-income areas and food deserts.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Jim Meadows, Peter Medlin, Dave McKinney and Elizabeth Gabriel.

217 Today: Ahead of her retirement, Champaign City Manager Dorothy David reflects on 30 years of service

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• The aging population in the U.S. is growing — and so is the demand for caregivers. Yet, caregivers can face challenges within the healthcare system.
• Two young men from Danville are featured on the Forbes Thirty Under Thirty list for 2025.
• The defense has called their first witness in the racketeering conspiracy trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
• President-elect Donald Trump has pledged new tariffs on imports from some of America’s biggest trading partners.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Dorothy David as she reflects on her tenure in Champaign.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anna Koh, Kulsoom Khan, Dave McKinney, Rachel Cramer and Arjun Thakkar.

217 Today: Illinois DCFS director cites progress, says more changes are needed

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Champaign officials are putting up signs for an honorary street name to remember a young woman who was shot and killed in the city.
• Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin says under his tenure, Congress is appointing a record number of judges to serve on federal courts.
• Federal prosecutors appear to be nearing the end of their racketeering conspiracy case against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with the head of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services about the department’s progress and future changes. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anulika Ochuba, Kulsoom Khan, Dave McKinney and Charlie Schlenker.

217 Today: Women are a growing segment of hunters. But keeping them in the sport remains a challenge

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Officials in Urbana are weighing a proposal that would require the city’s police department to get approval before it can use surveillance technology.
• Another member of the Champaign Unit 4 school board has resigned.
• The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is encouraging residents to get vaccinated as cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, are rising in the community.
• An Illinois lawmaker wants to limit Artificial Intelligence’s role in denying people healthcare coverage. 
• Illinois’s state climatologist says weather conditions last month were mild and led to one of the warmest Novembers on record.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the barriers women face as they try to break into the sport of hunting. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Madison Holcomb, Emily Hays, Anulika Ochuba, Alex Degman, Jim Meadows and Teresa Homsi.

217 Today: Midwest builders are using wood in a new way to construct high rises. And it’s climate-friendly

Friday, December 13, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Some Illinois teachers want the state to provide guidance on how they can use artificial intelligence safely in their classrooms.
• Syrians living in the U-S are expressing new hopes and fears after rebel groups in the country appear to have brought the country’s brutal civil war to an end.
• Illinois lawmakers are still considering whether psilocybin products should be legalized to treat mental health conditions – but they’re running out of time.
• The Illinois prison system is rolling out a program to scan incoming postal mail electronically, despite opposition from some prison reform groups.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new climate-friendly way builders are using wood.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Arjun Thakkar, Alex Degman, Mawa Iqbal and Kate Grumke.

217 Today: Amidst a biodiversity crisis, these Champaign County groups are working to restore native ecosystems

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• After administrators updated school policies to prohibit the use of loudspeakers on campus, students are finding new ways to make sure their voices are heard — even if they’re silent.
• The Champaign Park District is moving forward with plans to make security upgrades at the Virginia Theatre.
• Following the social media platform Twitter’s transformation into X, some experts are worried about government agencies leaving the platform.
• New rules governing Illinois’ hemp industry are going into effect.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the efforts to increase biodiversity in east-central Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Anulika Ochuba, Kulsoom Khan and Brendan Gallian.

217 Today: More Muslim girls are playing youth sports and celebrating their religion while doing it

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois is one of 41 states receiving support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reinforce water infrastructure in rural communities.
• The Illinois State Flag Commission has picked 10 possible finalists for the state’s new flag.
• A coalition of civil rights groups is pushing Illinois lawmakers to require police to receive ongoing training to identify hate crimes.
• Illinois Basketball had their first home conference game of the season last night vs Wisconsin.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about basketball leagues for young Muslim girls that are springing up around the Chicago area.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Michael Puente, Jakob Stutz and Anna Savchenko.

217 Today: Chicago and Illinois have sanctuary laws to protect undocumented migrants

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• A westbound traffic lane on University Avenue in Champaign between Chestnut and First Streets is closed for storm sewer repairs.
• A new study from Northwestern and Princeton universities finds misinformation makes people feel moral outrage at a higher rate than factual information.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health says overall respiratory illness levels are low… but that might change soon.
• A federal jury heard from Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan yesterday in Chicago.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn what sanctuary laws do and what they don’t do.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Adora Namigadde, Mawa Iqbal and Adriana Cardona Maguigad.

217 Today: Illinois law requires transparency when police kill people. Many cases stay in the dark

Monday, December 9, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Seventeen Republican governors and several farm groups are urging Congress to reauthorize the farm bill before the end of the year.
• With the holidays just around the corner, the Champaign Urbana Autism Network hosted a sensory-friendly breakfast with Santa yesterday.
• Student DJs from the University of Illinois showcased their work at an event in Urbana last week.
• The city of Champaign continues its leadership transition with the selection of a new Deputy City Manager.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn what can happen when prosecutors stay silent on police killings.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Anna Koh, A. Oishii Basu, Kulsoom Khan, Farrah Anderson, Chris Weber and Sam Stecklow.

217 Today: Mexican consul general in Chicago prepares for second Trump administration

Friday, December 6, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Decatur homeowners will see an increase to their property tax bills starting next year after a vote from the city council.
• The weather outside is getting frightful and the Illinois Department of Public Health is telling people to get vaccinated for respiratory illnesses.
• Wolf Carbon Solutions withdrew its pipeline permit application earlier this week with an Iowa regulatory commission.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with a Mexican consul general from Chicago on how she’s preparing for a change in immigration policy under President-elect Donald Trump.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anulika Ochuba, Mawa Iqbal, Rachel Cramer and Emily Hays.

217 Today: White Christmas opens at Parkland College to celebrate the holiday season

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Officials in Champaign have appointed Joan Walls as their next city manager, making her the town’s first African American to hold the position. 
• Some health experts are concerned that the Secretary of the U.S. Health and Human Services nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Junior, could make getting a vaccine more difficult.
• The decline in local newspapers nationwide has hit Illinois particularly hard.
• Federal prosecutors say the son of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan scored a big payday – thanks, in part, to a government mole.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new holiday musical opening tonight at Parkland College in Champaign.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anulika Ochuba, Kulsoom Khan, Michael Puente, Dave McKinney and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: Prolific Chicago sculptor Richard Hunt’s works are now on display at Springfield museum

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Shoppers in Danville will continue to pay a one percent tax at grocery stores. That’s as Illinois plans to phase out the statewide tax starting in 2026.
• At the start of next year,  a new state law will take effect that aims to improve access to mental health care for veterans and first responders. 
• Infamous government mole Danny Solis is finally off the witness stand in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
• Allerton Park’s annual Holiday Showcase is returning this weekend.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the late sculptor Richard Hunt and his exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anulika Ochuba, Mae Antar, Dave McKinney, Kulsoom Khan and Mawa Iqbal.

217 Today: This Supreme Court case could impact transgender health care in the Midwest

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• The top prosecutor in Springfield is vowing to keep Sean Grayson in jail while he awaits trial for the shooting death of Sonya Massey.
• A top government witness is now facing scrutiny from defense lawyers in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
• Starting this school year, Illinois high school students have been required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court court ruling that could affect transgender Americans of all ages across the country.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Dave McKinney, Peter Medlin and Ryan Levi.

217 Today: Discussion revisits music of the Civil Rights Movement and integration of America’s schools

Monday, December 2, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• The Champaign City Council will vote tomorrow on a resolution promoting their deputy city manager to the top job.
• Because of Illinois Department of Corrections policy, some students pursuing higher education degrees at the Stateville Correctional Center were transferred away from their teachers —with no contact allowed.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why the Supreme Court decision that ruled racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional is relevant for young people today.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Julie Walker, Emily Hays and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Daniel Romanchuk shares his journey to becoming an elite wheelchair marathoner

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• Officials in Urbana are taking steps that could bring a grocery store to the city’s north end.
• Ethanol producers have been setting production records this year.
• A group of five statewide education organizations released a blueprint for the future of Illinois education.
• Deer season is from October to January, but drivers should be on high alert this week. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Daniel Romanchuk about his journey to becoming an elite wheelchair racer.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Anulika Ochuba, Todd Gleason, Peter Medlin, Jess Savage and Diana Zhang.

217 Today: Movie filmed in Champaign released nationwide

Friday, November 22, 2024

Today’s headlines:

• A Central Illinois food bank is supplying hay to farmers in North Carolina recently impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• The Champaign County Board is extending an agreement that’s meant to provide some homes with contaminated well water access to clean municipal drinking water.
• College hopefuls can now fill out the federal application to get financial assistance paying for tuition.
• Illinois lawmakers’ two-week fall session has come and gone – with not a lot to show for it.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Christine Swanson, the director of the movie Albany Road which was released nationwide last week. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Kulsoom Khan, Anulika Ochuba, Lisa Kurian Philip, Alex Degman and Kimberly Schofield.