News Around Illinois Archive

217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Aug. 21 – Aug. 27

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Local Palestinians are hopeful after Governor JB Pritzker spoke in support of a resolution in the U.S. Senate that would have blocked arms sales to Israel.
  • The union for highway workers employed by DeWitt County says it intends to go on strike if administrators don’t offer a fair contract.
  • Lawmakers in Illinois say the state’s new ban on  the use of artificial intelligence in therapy will keep patents safe.
  • The state of Illinois will not help the Chicago Public School district this fall close its 734 million dollar budget gap.

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.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Jim Meadows, Arjun Thakkar, Alex Degman, Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck.

217 Today: Your food probably traveled a long way before reaching the grocery store. Here’s why

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Students in Windsor and Martinsville in East Central Illinois went back to school last week. But starting this year, they won’t have their cell phones.
  • Environmental Advocates say recent legislation by Governor JB Pritzker is a big step towards addressing toxic pollution in water.
  • Conservative farmer Darren Bailey says he’s seriously considering a second run for Illinois Governor.
  • A billboard in southwest Illinois advertising for a far-right militia group has been taken down.

In today’s deep dive,​​ a trip to the produce section of the grocery store can take you around the world. An exploration of why our food travels so far to get to us.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Mawa Iqbal, Erick Sock, Will Bauer and Molly Ashford.

217 Today: Skyglow is erasing the stars, but smarter outdoor lighting can help bring the night back

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • A portion of Bradley Avenue in northwest Champaign will see some lane closures today for sewer maintenance.
  • More than a year after the pro-Palestinian encampment formed on the University of Illinois campus last summer all charges filed against protesters have been resolved.
  • After a two-week standoff, Texas Democrats left Chicago to go home yesterday and they said they left victorious.
  • Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is back with yet another lawsuit against the Trump administration.

In today’s deep dive, ​​light pollution means most Americans can’t see the Milky Way anymore. It’s also hurting wildlife, including birds.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Mae Antar, Mawa Iqbal and Celia Llopis-Jepsen.

217 Today: Illinois Arts Council promotes regional approach: ‘It’s only going to get better’

Monday, August 18, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Several road construction projects are getting underway today in east-central Illinois.
  • Students are returning to Rantoul Township High School today. 
  • An organization focused on healthy eating initiatives partnered with University of Illinois students this summer to explore the challenges seniors face when accessing food.
  • After Danville native Gene Hackman died earlier this year, residents called for something to be done to honor him.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll check in with the agency tasked with promoting the arts all across Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Stephanie Mosqueda, Emily Hays, Sam Rink and Rich Egger.

217 Today: Naturalization ceremony at Illinois State Fair celebrates immigrants

Friday, August 15, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Customers in Savoy will continue to pay a one percent grocery tax next year.
  • A fundraiser in Champaign next week will help support the first U.S. clinical trials for a rare form of muscular dystrophy. 
  • Republicans from around the state gathered for their annual rally at the Illinois State Fair yesterday.
  • Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly is trumpeting a new law meant to improve the state’s handling of human trafficking.

In today’s deep dive, it’s the second year in a row in which there was a naturalization ceremony at the Illinois State Fair. We’ll talk to some of the nearly 400 new Americans.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Stephanie Mosqueda, Ben Szalinski, Katie O’Connell, Brian Mackey and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Aug. 14 – Aug. 1

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Urbana Mayor Deshawn Williams says his first 100 days in office were focused on listening to what the community needs. Now, he says the real work begins. 
  • Champaign is taking steps to implement a registration program for owners of apartment and commercial buildings in the city.
  • The first major change to Illinois’ public defense system in decades is awaiting the governor’s signature.
  • U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is taking his pro-Democrat, anti-Trump message to Springfield.

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.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Lauren Warnecke, Colleen Holden, Alex Degman, Kimberly Schofield and Patricia Bradford.

217 Today: Illinois redistricting effort possible, but unlikely to yield more Democratic seats

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Urbana officials have appointed a new deputy police chief.
  • Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton says she wants to help the millions of Americans who could lose healthcare coverage due to federal cuts to Medicaid.
  • The Illinois State Board of Elections is giving President Trump’s administration some of the information it wants – but not all of it.
  • Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Tuesday creating stricter hiring requirements for law enforcement. 

In today’s deep dive, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker talks about fighting fire with fire as President Trump pushes a mid-decade redistricting effort in Texas – but what does that look like in Illinois?

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Kulsoom Khan, Stephanie Mosqueda, Alex Degman and Capitol News Illinois.

217 Today: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts announces its 2025-2026 season

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Starting tomorrow, a small section of Bradley Avenue in northwest Champaign near Parkland College will be closed to traffic to reconstruct pavement on the road.
  • The first day of school starts next week at Urbana’s new Sixth Grade Center.
  • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin joins a growing list of Illinois Democrats calling out a Republican effort to redraw Texas’ congressional maps.
  • A national ultimate frisbee tournament is making its way to East Central Illinois next month for the first time.

In today’s deep dive, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2025-2026 performance season, which officially starts this September.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Colin Hislope, Mawa Iqbal, Emily Hays and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: Monmouth College phasing out ten majors, enhancing other programs following academic prioritization process

Monday, August 11, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Capitol News Illinois reports a judge has denied former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s motion to remain free as the legal appeal process plays out for both his corruption conviction and prison sentence.
  • Coming to the Illinois State Fair in Springfield: a live property auction that includes a Ryne Sandberg rookie card.
  • Forty Illinois local news entities operating 120 outlets are receiving $4 million in state tax credits.
  •  U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem visited Illinois on Friday for the second time this year.

In today’s deep dive, students across Illinois will soon head back to class. But one college in our state is phasing out ten majors.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, John Volk, Hannah Meisel, Ben Szalinski and Jane Carlson.

217 Today: Meteorologist breaks down Texas flood tragedy and how to stay prepared for flooding in Illinois

Friday, August 8, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • A community of tiny homes to house and support the chronically homeless is coming to Urbana.
  • There were no signs of the FBI yesterday confronting any Democratic Texas lawmakers who have sought refuge in Illinois. 
  • The Trump Administration is ending a 45-year-old federal database that tracks the financial cost of climate disasters.
  • Two people are dead after a helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois yesterday.

In today’s deep dive, the weather story that dominated the news this summer was the Texas flood tragedy. An Illinois meteorologist breaks down what happened and why you should never risk driving through a flash flood.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Alex Degman, Celia Llopis-Jepsen, Sarah Fentem, Maddie Stover and Jeff Frame.

217 Today: Illinois Gov. Pritzker on why his state is hosting Texas state lawmakers

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • More than 200 people who work for Illinois Extension are losing their jobs.
  • After a toxin-producing algal bloom made the drinking water in Mattoon unsafe for nearly a week, the Mattoon City Council is taking action to prevent it from happening again.
  • Illinois State Police are investigating after a bomb threat was made at a suburban hotel hosting Democrats from Texas.
  • In an Illinois State Fair tradition dating back more than 100 years – the state’s butter cow has been unveiled.

In today’s deep dive, governor JB Pritzker speaks to NPR about why Illinois is hosting a group of Texas state lawmakers as they protest a partisan redistricting effort in their state.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Todd Gleason, Alex Degman and Juana Summers.

217 Today: The interest in local food systems, like farmer’s markets and direct farm-to-consumer sales, is on the rise. But the U.S. is still more reliant on imported foods than ever before.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Urbana is taking steps to address funding gaps for programs that serve the area’s homeless population.
  • A defense workers strike continues at Boeing factories in the St. Louis area.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is not ruling out redrawing Illinois’ congressional maps in response to Texas.
  • The last of four convicted ComEd co-conspirators is headed to federal prison for an illegal scheme to influence one-time House Speaker Michael Madigan.

In today’s deep dive, a trip to the produce section of the grocery store can take you around the world. An exploration of why our food travels so far to get to us.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Olivia Mizelle, Alex Degman, Dave Mckinney and Molly Ashford.

217 Today: NPR journalist’s new book tells humanizing stories of life under current Chinese communist government

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Texas House Democrats are still in Illinois despite warrants issued to try getting them back to Austin.
  • Illinois Congressman Danny Davis is retiring after 15 terms. And there are plenty of people who want to replace the Chicago Democrat. 
  • The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s solar car team came in first place during a national competition last month.
  • Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul finally explains why hospitals are not discriminating against patients even though they’re scaling back gender affirming care. 

In today’s deep dive, a voice you hear on NPR has a new book reflecting what happens when you live in China and disagree with the government.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Colin Hislope, Arjun Thakkar, Kristen Schorsch and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Next U of I chancellor talks AI, responding to Trump policies and comic books

Monday, August 4, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The University YMCA at the U of I Urbana Champaign is accepting donations starting today of any usable furniture or other goods for its 23rd annual Dump & Run.
  • A bill protecting the Mahomet Aquifer in east-central Illinois from carbon sequestration was signed into law Friday by Governor JB Pritzker.
  • A group of Northwestern University professors are calling on their campus leaders to stand up to the Trump administration. 
  • The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has released findings from two investigations into an accident two years ago at the Quad Cities Nuclear Plant near the Rock Island County town of Cordova.  

In today’s deep dive, we’re revisiting a conversation with Charles Isbell and his top priorities for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as its new Chancellor.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Jim Meadows, Lisa Kurian Philip, Brady Johnson and Emily Hays.

217 Today: Illinois Public Media launches weekly show on weather and climate

Friday, August 1, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • An Air Pollution Action Day is in effect through tonight because of wildfire smoke from Canada.
  • A third teenager has been arrested in the shooting of another teen on July 15.
  • The next chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign starts today.
  • Governor JB Pritzker signed into law yesterday a bill that will expand mental health support for grade school students across Illinois.

In today’s deep dive, Illinois Public Media is teaming up with Illinois’ top scientists to talk about climate and weather in a new podcast called “Weather Realness.”

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Emily Hays, Mawa Iqbal, Maddie Stover and Steve Nesbitt.

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jul. 31 – Aug. 03

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research assistants have taken the next step toward union representation under the Graduate Employees’ Organization.
  • Harmful algae blooms can become more frequent as temperatures rise. 
  • Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’s new campaign, “Driving Change”, aims to make car insurance rates based on one’s driving record – not their age or credit score.  
  • The One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Trump earlier this month cut Medicaid spending by one trillion dollars.

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. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Stephanie Mosqueda, Lexi Woodcock, Stephanie Orellana, Brian Sapp, Kimberly Schofield and Patricia Bradford.

217 Today: After husband was deported, a mother alone with three children turns to Trump’s voluntary self-deportation program

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The Trump administration is asking the Illinois State Board of Elections to hand over the state’s entire voter registration database, including sensitive information such as voters’ Social Security numbers and dates of birth.
  • Urbana has selected a new city administrator to oversee staffing and municipal operations.
  • Illinois officials say they don’t want Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to be caught off guard by new eligibility requirements next year. 
  • After months of planning and discussion, the city of Urbana has finalized its comprehensive plan to guide future development.

In today’s deep dive, a Chicago migrant woman struggles to get by with her three children after her husband was arrested and deported.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Capitol News Illinois, Arjun Thakkar, Alex Degman and Adriana Cardona Maguidad.

217 Today: A family came to Chicago seeking asylum. Dad was deported. Now, Mom wants to leave.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The Champaign County Fair Queen Pageant isn’t just a beauty competition.
  • The rise of artificial intelligence is driving demand for data centers in states like Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin.
  • Doctors and nurse practitioners across Illinois are stepping up to provide gender affirming care for minors as hospitals scale back. 
  • Hospitals across the Midwest are bracing for cuts to services and staff in the wake of President Donald Trump’s budget bill.

In today’s deep dive, a Chicago migrant recently deported to Venezuela says conditions in detention are inhumane.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Sam Rink, Joe Schulz, Kristen Schorsch, Ben Thorp and Adriana Cardona Maguigad.

217 Today: Consumer advocate pushes for legislative action regarding State Farm rate spike

Monday, July 28, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The Illinois Department of Transportation will begin collecting feedback today on the decades-long effort to create a rural expressway from St. Louis to deep southern Illinois.
  • The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act increases safety nets for farmers who grow commodities, like corn or wheat.
  • Governor JB Pritzker is signaling that Illinois Democrats will fight back against an attempt by Texas lawmakers to add more Republican seats in the U.S. House.
  • Advocates are helping trans youth find doctors across the state as hospitals in Chicago scale back care.

In today’s deep dive, State Farm’s recent 27% rate hike for Illinois homeowners has prompted calls for regulations in the state. A consumer advocate is supporting state oversight over excessive insurance prices.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Will Bauer, Rachel Cramer, Mawa Iqbal, Kristen Schorsch and Vivi Hughes.

217 Today: University of Illinois dance camp teaches a contemporary African dance rooted in identity and culture

Friday, July 25, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Authorities say a body found in the Mississippi River more than three decades ago has been identified as a man from Edwardsville, Illinois.
  • A downtown Chicago skyscraper has been renamed after Illinois’ longest serving Secretary of State.
  • Federal prosecutors in St. Louis wants the star of HBO’s documentary series “Chimp Crazy” to spend more than four years in prison for lying about the whereabouts of a chimpanzee named Tonka who was featured on her show. 
  • Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth says she’s skeptical about the future of bipartisan spending agreements.

In today’s deep dive, we bring you a closer look at a high school dance camp on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by the Associated Press, Alex Degman, Rachel Lippmann, Stephanie Orellana and Kennedy Vincent.

217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jul. 24 – Jul. 27

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Stateville Correctional Center shut down close to one year ago. 
  • One-time associate of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will learn today if he’s going to prison for a ComEd influence-peddling conspiracy.
  • A funding increase for a federal tax credit could lead to more affordable housing for Illinois renters.
  • The new Illinois Quantum and Microelectrics Park on Chicago’s south side has secured another tenant.

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. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Dave McKinney, Capitol News Illinois, Alex Degman, Kimberly Schofield and Patricia Bradford.

217 Today: What’s next for Illinois’ public media stations as Congress approves withdrawal of $1.1 billion in federal funding?

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Officials in Urbana have approved a new vision to guide future planning and development in the city.   
  • Crime free housing ordinances in the state are coming under scrutiny. 
  • Illinois State Police have determined the identity of three unknown victims of an infamous St. Louis serial killer. 
  • A plan aimed at reforming Illinois’ tort laws awaits Governor JB Pritzker’s signature.

In today’s deep dive, Republicans in Congress approved President Trump’s request to cut two year’s worth of funding for public radio and television. We talk about how this will impact Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Stephanie Orellana, Will Bauer, Mawa Iqbal and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Chancellor Robert Jones reflects on U of I tenure as he prepares for new role at University of Washington

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Traffic deaths are on the rise in Champaign County this year. That’s according to a review of news reports from the county’s Regional Planning Commission.
  • Chicago summers are hot. A new report found that they’ll get even hotter due to climate change. And that’s not the only change coming to the region.
  • Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen is pushing bipartisan legislation to fix the country’s immigration system as the Trump Administration aggressively pursues more deportations.
  • A new Illinois law will make it easier for police to remove squatters from someone’s home. 

In today’s deep dive, we talk to Chancellor Robert Jones who tells us why leaving the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the toughest decision he had to make in 46-years of higher education.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Brady Johnson, Joe Leahy, Mawa Iqbal and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Drought means ‘drier than normal.’ How will climatologists define drought if the new normal is dry?

Monday, July 21, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • A children’s camp at Allerton Park in Monticello celebrated its 75th anniversary this weekend.
  • A conservation program that works with farmers in almost every U.S. county is facing major budget cuts in Illinois.
  • An educational tango music and dance group is kicking off its first week-long workshop.
  • The Illinois Department of Human Services says they will continue providing specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth through the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

In today’s deep dive, in the midst of climate change, figuring out what’s drought or just the new normal can be difficult. Climatologists are working to define what makes a drought.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Stephanie Mosqueda, Lauren Warnecke, Jess Savage and Harshawn Ratanpal.

217 Today: Potential NOAA weather research cuts could have consequences

Friday, July 18, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Federal policy changes are making some local school boards anxious.
  • Environmentalists say President Trump’s tax and spending package could harm Illinois’ goals for renewable energy.
  • The Illinois Department of Corrections is moving on from its private health care provider that has a history of supplying sub-standard care to incarcerated people.
  • Attorneys say more than 900 survivors have now come forward alleging they suffered child sexual abuse at juvenile detention centers in Illinois.

In today’s deep dive, meteorologists are expressing concerns about how the federal budget proposal could impact weather forecasting. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Arjun Thakkar, Katie O’Connell and Charlie Schlenker.

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

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The Illinois Department of Corrections has signed an emergency contract with a new health care provider.
  • A new musical coming to Champaign-Urbana aims to educate the community and raise awareness for autism.
  • The new home of several Champaign County offices was dedicated yesterday to the late Illinois State Sen. Scott M. Bennett.
  • A triathlon will debut in Champaign this weekend.

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.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Lauren Frost, Anna Koh, Sam Rink, Colin Hislope, Kimberly Schofield and Patricia Bradford.

217 Today: Millions of acres of Midwest forest were left vulnerable by a storm. What’s being done to protect it?

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois is one of 24 states suing the federal government over its decision to withhold nearly $7 billion dollars in education funding.
  • Emergency hospital visits for tick bites are on the rise nationwide this year.
  • Federal banking regulators voted yesterday to start the process of rolling back a law that requires banks and other lending institutions to provide loans to low and moderate income communities.
  • Starting next month, The Urbana Free Library will be adjusting its hours to undergo renovations.

In today’s deep dive, much of Michigan’s forests were damaged by a massive ice storm in March. Now officials are scrambling to clean up thousands of acres of broken trees and dead limbs.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Katie O’Connell, Stephanie Mosqueda, Tanya Ott, Anna Koh and AJ Jones.

217 Today: Rep. LaHood supports Medicaid cuts and SNAP reductions in the GOP megabill

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois is now one of a handful of states taking executive action to evaluate the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on the state’s economy.
  • Homeowners in Illinois covered by State Farm could see a large rate increase.
  • Tucked into President Trump’s big beautiful bill making 2017 tax cuts permanent is an affordable housing tax credit.
  • A former Commonwealth Edison executive convicted of falsifying business records and conspiracy is going to prison for a corruption scheme involving one-time House Speaker Michael Madigan. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll bring you a conversation with Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood and he explains his support for President Trump’s tax and spending package.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Charlie Schlenker and Dave Mckinney.

217 Today: Some farmers are using this new, experimental practice to help prevent flooding

Monday, July 14, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The U.S. Senate could vote on a package this week that would slash billions of dollars to foreign aid programs and public media outlets.
  • Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood says cuts to the supplemental nutrition assistance program or SNAP and work requirements for Medicaid eligibility are reasonable starts to paring down deficit spending.
  • Introducing babies to peanuts can help prevent them from becoming allergic. But that message isn’t reaching all parents whose kids are most at risk. 
  • One of the “Chapitos” or sons of notorious Mexican drug kingpin “El Chapo” has pleaded guilty in Chicago to U.S. drug trafficking charges.

In today’s deep dive, with climate change, the Midwest is expected to have shorter, heavier bursts of rain in the winter and spring, which could lead to more flooding. An experimental farming practice could help.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Charlie Schlenker, Kristen Schorsch, Christine Fernando and Rachel Cramer.

217 Today: Scientists are debating the risks of carbon sequestration under sole-source aquifers

Friday, July 11, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Residents of Mattoon are being told not to drink or cook with their tap water until further notice. The reason is a harmful algal bloom spreading toxins in the water supply.
  • People lined the streets of Champaign and Urbana yesterday night to show support for those hurt by federal policies under the Trump administration. 
  • A 15-year-old is in serious condition after being injured in a shooting incident in Danville.
  •  Chicago immigrant rights advocates say they’re worried about federal authorities casing the area around the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.

In today’s deep dive, state lawmakers are calling for a partial ban on carbon sequestration over concerns that it could contaminate drinking water in important resources like the Mahomet Aquifer. But some scientists say those risks are minimal.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Stephanie Mosqueda, Arjun Thakkar, Mawa Iqbal and Sam Rink.

217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jul. 10 – Jul. 13

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Champaign County workers are celebrating a tentative deal with officials on a new contract.
  • The Mahomet Public Library is asking voters to support a construction project that would make the building double in size.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County has opened its 2025 homebuyer application. 
  • The Fischer Theatre in Danville is holding a film festival next month in honor of Danville native Gene Hackman, who died earlier this year.

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. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Emily Hays, Anna Koh, Sam Rink, Kimberly Schofield and Patricia Bradford.

217 Today: ‘The stress starts to leave the body.’ Meet Galesburg’s roving therapy dogs

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Champaign County has reached a tentative agreement with its employees on a new contract. That means workers have called off a strike that was being planned for today.
  • Public schools in Champaign are revising their approach to Special Education programs.
  • Federal lawmakers from Illinois are trying to raise awareness of what they’re calling the disastrous effects of President Trump’s new tax law.
  • The number of unhoused people in Urbana continues to go up.

In today’s deep dive, a unique breed of mental health professionals are traveling across Illinois to provide emotional support therapy dogs.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Emily Hays, Mawa Iqbal, Mae Antar and Jane Carlson.

217 Today: HIV community faces a double whammy: Medicaid reductions and CDC funding cuts

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Champaign County employees say they will go on strike tomorrow if they aren’t able to reach a new contract agreement with administrators before then.
  • Champaign Unit 4 is set to reveal the results of an outside investigation into its Special Education services tonight.
  • Environmental groups in Illinois are renewing their calls to state lawmakers to pass clean energy legislation.
  • In court documents filed yesterday, federal prosecutors say they’re seeking a nearly six-year prison term and a big fine for the convicted former CEO of Commonwealth Edison. 

In today’s deep dive, medicaid cuts and potential reductions to HIV prevention and testing dollars could both hit patients living with the disease.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Arjun Thakkar, Mawa Iqbal, Dave McKinney and Benjamin Thorp.

217 Today: US ginseng growers and animal breeders rely on exports to China. Now they wait on a trade deal.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Several local roads will be temporarily closed this week.
  • Enrollment is down at half of the state’s universities. Eastern Illinois University has a strategy to fix that.
  • Some hotels in Illinois will no longer provide single-serve plastic personal care products, like shampoo bottles.
  • The annual Champaign County Freedom Celebration parade returned Friday with a new route and a later start time. 

In today’s deep dive, China is a major buyer of U.S. agricultural goods including specialty products that have few alternative markets. Some producers worry the on-and-off tariffs with the country could hurt America’s reputation as a reliable seller.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Arjun Thakkar, Kaitlyn Devitt, Stephanie Mosqueda and Hope Kirwan.

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

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen says he’s furious over cuts to Medicaid and food assistance included in the current reconciliation bill.
  • Champaign County employees intend to strike over stalled contract negotiations.
  • Illinois’ top attorney is once again joining a lawsuit against the Trump administration, this time it’s over the sharing of Medicaid data.
  • The village government in Pope Leo XIV’s hometown is poised to acquire his childhood home.

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. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Eric Stock, Arjun Thakkar, Mawa Iqbal, Christine Fernando, Kimberly Schofield and Patricia Bradford.

217 Today: A trans migrant came to Chicago to escape violence. Now she’s afraid of deportation.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois environmental advocates are working on building relationships with policymakers while the state legislature is in recess.
  • The U.S. has seen the second-highest number of tornadoes for this time of year in the last 15 years.
  • A new president started working yesterday at Millikin University in Decatur.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a measure he says will reign in so-called pharmacy “middle men.”

In today’s deep dive, a transgender migrant woman in Chicago talks about her journey trying to find a place to live where human rights are protected.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Stephanie Mosqueda, Kate Grumke, Jim Meadows, Alex Degman and Adriana Cardona Maguigad.

217 Today: Illinois immigrant advocate responds to birthright citizenship ruling and increased immigration enforcement around the state

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is keeping mum about his running mate next year.
  • An Illinois law aimed at protecting workers’ rights from federal actions is now in effect after Governor JB Pritzker signed it.
  • During this past spring session, Illinois lawmakers left a bill in committee that would allow bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs.
  • Experts say a lawsuit targeting the farming machinery company, John Deere, could make it easier for farmers to fix their own equipment.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll bring you a conversation about responses to federal immigration enforcement in Illinois including the recent Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Arjun Thakkar, Stephanie Orellana and Stephanie Mosqueda.

217 Today: Champaign substitute teacher among those joining “March to Gaza” protest in Egypt

Monday, June 30, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • An immigration attorney says there’s a lot of uncertainty about how the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on birthright citizenship will impact Illinois.
  • Thousands of Americans including a local Champaign substitute teacher are back from their journey to Egypt to try and bring humanitarian aid into Gaza.
  • As high temperatures create dangerous conditions across Illinois, pet owners should keep an eye on their dogs and cats to make sure they stay safe in the warm weather.
  • A global movement to try and bring humanitarian aid into Gaza has come to an end.

In today’s deep dive, a woman from Central Illinois just returned from a trip to Egypt. Her journey was part of a campaign to bring food and relief supplies into Gaza. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Kaitlyn Devitt, Erick Stock and Arjun Thakkar.

217 Today: Illinois just passed a ‘direct admissions’ bill to simplify the college application process

Friday, June 27, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • With heat waves blazing across Illinois this week, researchers have been checking in with farm workers managing crops in the high temperatures. 
  • The city of Urbana is moving to hire more police officers despite pushback from some community members.
  • Unemployment was down in Illinois’ major metro areas in May compared to a year ago.
  • Organizers with Champaign County’s Fourth of July parade are still looking for volunteers to help run the event.

In today’s deep dive, Illinois lawmakers just passed a bill creating a “direct admission” program to simplify the college application process.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Stephanie Mosqueda, Mae Antar, Jim Meadows, Anna Koh and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jun. 26 – Jun. 29

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin says Democrats have been able to make some changes to the Senate’s version of President Trump’s tax and spending bill.
  • Public transit agencies are watching as Illinois lawmakers try to find one-and-a-half-billion dollars to stave off a fiscal cliff and improve service.
  • Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined another multistate lawsuit challenging actions of the Trump administration.
  • Federal lawmakers from Illinois are urging health officials in Washington to protect non-citizen Medicaid data.

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. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Linda Kenyon, Alex Degman, Mawa Iqbal, Peter Hancock, Patricia Bradford and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: The US sold this tribe’s land illegally. It’s now the latest Native group to get its home back.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Public Health officials have confirmed Illinois’ first human case of West Nile virus this year.
  • Champaign County employees are threatening to strike if county officials don’t negotiate in good faith on a new contract.
  • The City of Champaign is appointing an interim fire chief.
  • Illinois has been home to the highest percentage of out-of-state abortion seekers in the country three years after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

In today’s deep dive, Native Americans in the U.S. lost much of their land by the 20th century with even portions of their reservations sold. But in the Midwest more tribes are reclaiming their ancestral lands.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Mae Antar, Kulsoom Khan, Isabela Nieto, Peter Medlin and Héctor Alejandro Arzate.

217 Today: Before Robert F. Prevost was the Pope, he thanked Gov. Pat Quinn for ending the death penalty

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined three other attorneys general at a congressional forum yesterday to discuss their efforts to combat unlawful executive orders.
  • A national soccer festival is coming to the Rantoul Sports Complex next month.
  • The budget state lawmakers approved last month includes funding to support construction of a recreational trail in East Central Illinois.  
  • The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has named the winners of its Freshman Athletes of the Year awards.

In today’s deep dive, before Robert Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, he wrote a note commenting on an Illinois law passed nearly 15 years ago.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Stephanie Orellana, Kaitlyn Devitt, Isabela Nieto, Colin Hislope, Mawa Iqbal and Melba Lara.

217 Today: Trump’s new travel ban raises fears for thousands of Congolese residents in Central Illinois

Monday, June 23, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • A Heat Advisory has been extended for central and southeast Illinois until Thursday evening.
  • President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. has bombed nuclear sites in Iran earned support from Illinois Republican congress members and sharp criticism from a Democratic member.
  • Sen. Tammy Duckworth called President Trump’s bombing of Iranian nuclear sites an illegal action that threatens to draw the U.S. into another Middle East war without Congressional approval.
  • A coalition of universities are responding to the Trump administration’s efforts to cut research overhead costs by working with the administration.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll bring you a conversation about how East Central Illinois’ Congolese community is reacting to President Trump’s travel ban.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Jim Meadows, Emily Hays, Mae Antar and Arjun Thakkar.

217 Today: Illinois lawmakers strengthen law requiring hospital care for sexual assault survivors

Friday, June 20, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Central Illinois could see some dangerously high temperatures starting this weekend.
  • The National Weather Service confirms ten tornadoes touched down in Central Illinois on Wednesday.
  • Celebrations were held around the country yesterday to commemorate Juneteenth.
  • Local advocates for the LGBTQ community are reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll bring you a look at how the Illinois General Assembly passed a measure to strengthen protections for survivors of sexual abuse.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Stephanie Mosqueda, Anna Koh and Kate Martin.

217 Today: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts announces its 2025-2026 season

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • A downstate Illinois congresswoman says her name was on the hit list of the suspected killer of a Minnesota state lawmaker.
  • Thousands of people from around the world are confronting a crackdown from Egyptian authorities as the government there is suppressing a planned protest to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. 
  • Middle school and high school students in Danville will have to lock up their cell phones all day when classes return in the fall.
  • Friday is the first Day of summer. It’s also the summer solstice — the longest day of the year.

In today’s deep dive, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2025-2026 performance season, which officially starts this September.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Will Bauer, Mae Antar, Emily Hays, Anna Koh and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: ‘I just was scared to feel judged’: Young women reflect on their experiences with menstrual shaming

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • President Trump’s new national security directive banning travelers from 12 foreign countries is hitting close to home for African communities in East Central Illinois.
  • Federal funding for nearly all Feed the Future Innovation Lab programs ended this spring when the Trump administration shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development.
  • Champaign County is asking residents to submit photos of streets, roads and sidewalks that they consider to be dangerous.
  • More of us are active in the summer and that means two things. Trauma related injuries increase and so does the need for blood donations.

In today’s deep dive, shame tied to menstruation is more common than you might expect. We hear from young women in Illinois about their experiences.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Jim Meadows, Arjun Thakkar, Kaitlyn Devitt, Sam Rink and Giuliana Means.

217 Today: Thousands join in Urbana’s ‘No Kings’ protest amid nationwide rallies

Monday, June 16, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Several thousand people peacefully rallied in Urbana on Saturday as part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations.
  • Illinois lawmakers could revive Governor JB Pritzker’s push to ban cell phones in classrooms when they return to Springfield this fall.
  • Summertime often brings more people outside to get active in the warm weather. While trauma injuries increase, blood donations decrease. 
  • Illinois politicians are responding to deadly attacks on two Democratic state lawmakers.

In today’s deep dive, period poverty isn’t just about products. It’s also about stigma and the barrier it creates to education, for girls across the globe.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Sam Rink, Mae Antar, Emily Hays and Nour Longi.

217 Today: Next U of I chancellor talks AI, responding to Trump policies and comic book

Friday, June 13, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Sparks flew frequently at a congressional hearing Thursday where JB Pritzker and two other Democratic governors were questioned about their immigration policies.
  • The City of Champaign is receiving a state grant to develop a countywide plan supporting residents with limited English proficiency. 
  • The House of Representatives voted Thursday to rescind funding for public broadcasting.
  • The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday night to celebrate the Grand Opening of Hotel Royer. 

In today’s deep dive, we talked with the next chancellor of the University of Illinois about how he plans to respond to pressures from the Trump administration and his favorite comic book.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Stephanie Mosqueda, Arjun Thakkar, Anna Koh and Emily Hays.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jun. 12 – Jun. 15

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Today, Governor JB Pritzker will be questioned by a U.S. House Committee about Illinois being a so-called sanctuary state.
  • The Spurlock Museum’s first-ever Pride month exhibit is on display.
  • Downstate transit agencies in Illinois say they may have to scale back their service plans if the state lawmakers don’t come up with a proposal for transportation funding.
  •  Central Illinoisans are among the over four thousand people from the United States heading to Egypt as part of a peaceful march to the border with Gaza.

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. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Sam Rink, Stephanie Mosqueda, Mae Antar, Patricia Bradford and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: Trump’s on a pardon spree, prison looms for Madigan, and Blago wouldn’t wish sentencing on his ‘worst enemy’

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • President Trump’s budget proposal to be considered today could shutter the U.S. Department of Agriculture lab located on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
  • A central Illinois lawmaker says a gun safety measure in Illinois will likely face legal challenges.
  • A federal judge is ordering details about the vast wealth of convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan be removed from the public court record. 
  • Illinois’ most populous county has declared maternal mortality a public health crisis county-wide.

In today’s deep dive, after former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is sentenced this week, could his next move be to seek President Trump’s intervention?

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Todd Gleason, Erick Stock, Dave McKinney, Isabela Nieto and Jon Seidel.

217 Today: Ranchers may have to relearn how to fight an old enemy — the New World screwworm

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Charles Isbell will become the next chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
  • Convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s net worth is emerging as an issue ahead of his Friday sentencing.
  • Immigration and labor organizers rallied in downtown Chicago yesterday to protest the Trump administration travel ban.
  • A major healthcare provider is restructuring its facilities in Champaign and Vermilion counties.

In today’s deep dive, a parasite has cattle ranchers worried. New World Screwworms were pushed south of the U.S. border for decades but they’re on their way back. Ranchers recall what it was like to fight screwworms and the efforts they’d like to see to keep them out of the U.S.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Dave McKinney, Isabela Nieto, Patricia Bradford and Michael Marks.

217 Today: Former staff attorney releases ‘The Velvet Hammer,’ a song reflecting on Michael Madigan’s legacy

Monday, June 9, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois teachers are getting new guidelines on how to use artificial intelligence in the classroom.
  • Earlier this month, the Trump Administration rescinded guidance directing hospitals to provide emergency abortions to women when necessary to stabilize their medical condition.
  • Convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan could get more than a dozen years in prison this week.
  • Advocates for a bill to wipe the slate clean for those with non-violent convictions on their record plan to try again in the fall.

In today’s deep dive, a new song explores former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s grip on power as he awaits sentencing.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Ben Thorp, Dave McKinney, Erick Stock and Alex Degman.

217 Today: How will this spring’s General Assembly session affect education in Illinois?

Friday, June 6, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is hiring another Big Ten campus administrator to lead the state’s flagship public university.
  • More than 600 workers will lose their jobs as Champaign-based Health Alliance plans to cease operations by the end of the year.
  • After two years, an exhibit showcasing artists’ work from central Illinois is returning to the Giertz Gallery at Parkland College.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says the Chicago Police Department acted appropriately during a SouthSide immigration raid on Wednesday.

In today’s deep dive, the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session has come to an end. State lawmakers passed dozens of education bills, but they also left hundreds more on the table when they wrapped up this past weekend.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Stephanie Mosqueda, Alex Degman and Eric Stock. 

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jun. 05 – Jun. 08

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is speaking out against a proposal to  pull back federal funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting.
  • It’s been more than five years since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic. And while public health officials say the emergency threat is over, its impacts are still being felt today.
  • A new federal bill would give farmers more options to protect their livestock from black vultures. 
  • Experts say the Trump administration’s policy approach to international students could slow economic growth in the U.S.

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. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Anna Koh, Jess Savage and Stephanie Orellana.

217 Today: South Asian grocery store offers comfort, feeling of home to various immigrant communities

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • A fifth child has died following a deadly crash at a daycare in central Illinois earlier this spring.
  • Republican lawmakers in Springfield are criticizing the General Assembly’s newly passed state budget for including nearly $250 million in what they call  “pork” spending.
  • Illinois lawmakers have approved measures that will let the state regulate cryptocurrency for the first time.
  • Facebook owner Meta says it has signed an agreement with Constellation Energy to buy electricity from the Clinton nuclear power plant.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll bring you the story behind a South Asian grocery store in Champaign and why the owner offers a free cup of tea to his customers at no cost.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Arjun Thakkar, Alex Degman, Eric Stock and Nidhi Shastri.

217 today: Farmers are taking on more debt. Some worry more financial stress could be ahead

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • A local organization is holding a town hall this week to explore what reparations could look like in Champaign-Urbana.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court will hear an appeal to a challenge over Illinois’ election law filed by a southern Illinois Congressman.
  • On the last day of their legislative session, Democrats in Springfield passed a measure aimed at protecting immigrant students. 
  • Illinois’ economy fell slightly from April to May. The Illinois Flash Index in May stood at 102 down slightly from its April reading.

In today’s deep dive, a look at why farmers are taking on more debt and why some agricultural economists believe it could be a sign of better things to come.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Patricia Bradford, Will Bauer, Mawa Iqbal and Jim Meadows.

217 Today: How Illinois researchers are turning prairie grass into sustainable fuel

Monday, June 2, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Illinois lawmakers approved a 55 billion dollar state budget for next year that needs nearly a billion dollars through tax and fee hikes to balance.
  • The Consul General of Guatemala in Chicago made a stop in Urbana this weekend.
  •  Nine Illini women from the track and field team are headed to the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
  • Lawmakers in Springfield approve a plan they hope will bring over 1 billion dollars in revenue to Illinois 15 minutes shy of a key deadline to pass it.

In today’s deep dive, researchers at the University of Illinois are investigating how to turn prairie grass into sustainable aviation fuel.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Stephanie Mosqueda, Colin Hislope, Mawa Iqbal and Isabela Nieto.

217 Today: Former U of I professor discusses Chinese and American history, how it connects with his own story

Friday, May 30, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Many scholars at the University of Illinois are anxious after hearing the U.S. State Department will begin revoking the visas of some Chinese students.
  • The Champaign Unit 4 school board has voted to remove the district’s superintendent.
  • A bill to let terminally ill people medically end their own lives has cleared the Illinois House.
  • Champaign County workers represented by the Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees have voted to authorize a strike.

In today’s deep dive, we bring you a conversation with a former professor at the U of I about his experiences in North America as what he calls “an accidental immigrant” from China.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Penny Bradford, Emily Hays, Alex Degman, Jim Meadows and Nidhi Shastri.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 29 – June 1

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. will begin revoking the visas of some Chinese students.
  • A new independent film festival kicks off today at the Savoy 16 theater.
  • Up to 257 thousand low income and disabled people in Illinois could lose their Medicaid health insurance coverage. 
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says he will not approve a budget that increases taxes.

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.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Sagar Meghani, Sam Rink, Ben Thorp, Isabela Nieto and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: U of I professor discusses mission to include Asian-American history in Illinois schools

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • A report from the Congressional Budget office shows the so-called Big Beautiful Bill in Congress will hurt low-income families.
  • Illinois lawmakers want to commemorate the world’s first ever Illinois-born Pope with license plates and a statue.
  • The Champaign Unit 4 school board plans to finalize Superintendent Shelia Boozer’s departure this week.
  • Summer is a time for students to be free from academic stressors. But excessive rest can be counterproductive.

In today’s deep dive, a profile of the Korean American professor who helped create the Asian American history curriculum taught in Illinois public schools.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Eric Stock, Emily Hays, Alex Degman, Anna Koh, and Nidhi Shastri.

217 Today: Japan House keeps traditional Japanese arts alive on U of I campus

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs held a Memorial Day ceremony at Danville National Cemetery yesterday.
  • A measure requiring stricter safety standards for warehouses has cleared the Illinois House.
  • Breastfeeding mothers would receive more workplace protections under a bill just approved by Illinois lawmakers.
  • Illinois lawmakers have passed a measure to crack down on so-called “rogue” tow truck drivers.

In today’s deep dive, we take you to a place in Central Illinois featuring peace and exposure to the Japanese culture for nearly 50 years. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Sam Rink, Alex Degman and Nidhi Shastri.

217 Today: Far East Grocery owners share stories of hardship and success while catering to southeast Asian communities

Friday, May 23, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • A Chicago man is suspected of killing two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. Wednesday night.
  • People walking and biking in East Central Illinois could see the remaining portion of the Kickapoo Rail Trail constructed by the end of the year.
  • After almost a decade as chancellor of the University of Illinois, Robert Jones believes he has taken more selfies than any previous leader of the Urbana-Champaign school.
  • Some Democratic lawmakers in Springfield are pushing for progressive revenue structures.

In today’s deep dive, we take you into an international grocery store in Champaign and explore how the family running the shop journeyed from Vietnam to Central Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Emily Hayes, Patrick Smith, Mawa Iqbal and Nidhi Shastri.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 22 – May 25

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • May is National Bike Month, and as the summer weather approaches, cyclists recommend giving your bike a closer look before heading out for a ride.
  • An issue that started as a student election referendum at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is now a bill moving through Springfield.
  • Seat belts could be required in new school buses in Illinois starting in 2031.
  • With the demolition of Bresee Tower in downtown Danville now in progress, many  community members are reflecting on what the city’s tallest building meant for them.

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.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman, Jim Meadows, Steve Morck and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: Writer Hua Hsu shares his perspective on Asian-American history

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Cleanup is underway in central Illinois after possible tornadoes passed through the region yesterday afternoon.
  • An auction today of nearly 150 precious Lincoln artifacts is drawing bitter criticism from the relics’ former owner.
  • Illinois lawmakers have passed a plan aimed at reforming a state board that handles parole release decisions.
  • The non-profit Heartstrong Grocery will receive a $2.4 million state grant to create a new food store in northwest Urbana.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with writer and journalist Hua Hsu about how he understands Asian American history.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Reginald Hardwick, Dave McKinney, Mawa Iqbal and Nidhi Shastri.

217 Today: As Illinois lawmakers weigh artificial intelligence rules for schools, here’s how Rockford teachers are using AI

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Urbana is one step closer to eliminating a food desert in the city’s Northwest end.
  • Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are expected to assess the tornado damage in St. Louis in the next 48 hours
  • A chaotic semester has ended for international students who had their immigration statuses temporarily revoked by the Trump administration.
  • Advocates are concerned about how cuts to Medicaid could impact services for autistic individuals.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why Illinois lawmakers are considering a measure that would create an advisory board to give schools guidance on how to use artificial intelligence.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Will Bauer, Emily Hays, Kulsoom Khan and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Ceduxion Carrington reflects on nearly 30 years in drag

Monday, May 19, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign celebrated its largest graduating class this past weekend.
  • Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator is open to discussing Medicaid cuts, but not work requirements.
  • A measure in Springfield aimed at preempting President Trump’s actions on abortion is one vote away from heading to the Governor.
  • The Fighting Illini baseball team won their final series of the regular season on the road, beating Ohio State in two out of three games last week.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how local drag performers are helping to inspire hope during difficult times.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Mawa Iqbal, Arjun Thakkar, Colin Hislope and A. Oishii Basu.

217 Today: McLean County immigrants fear dire consequences as Illinois ends medical coverage

Friday, May 16, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • The Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center has new art on the walls of its facility. 
  • Next school year, students at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy in Champaign will have a new principal.
  • A law enforcement accountability measure inspired by the death of Sonya Massey has cleared the Illinois legislature.
  • Consumer advocates are pushing back against Ameren Illinois’ $134 million rate hike request before state regulators.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear how changes to a state health program are affecting immigrant families in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by A. Oishii Basu, Alex Degman, Emily Hays, Arjun Thakker, Will Bauer and Cindy Alcazar.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 15 – May 18

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • A national Muslim Civil Rights and advocacy group is designating the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign a Hostile Campus to advocates for Palestinians.
  • Shozo Sato was a master of traditional Japanese arts, and the founder of the Japan House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He died last week at the age of 91.
  • A recent executive order will mandate all commercial truck drivers to be proficient in English.

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

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, A. Oishii Basu, Alejandro Arzate, Adelyn Mui and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: America’s favorite pollinator species is experiencing its biggest loss in history. What’s the buzz?

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Illinois preschool providers say they’re struggling to deal with federal office closures for the early childhood education program Head Start.
  • Illinois plans to once again sue the Trump administration.
  • An Illinois legislative committee is green-lighting the end of a program that provides healthcare coverage for immigrant adults without legal status.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn what’s causing bees across the country to die at record-high rates.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman and Kaitlyn Devitt.

217 Today: Chancellor Robert Jones reflects on U of I tenure as he prepares for new role at University of Washington

Friday, May 9, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • A Catholic high school chaplain in Central Illinois says his students are excited that the new pope is from the Chicago area.
  • Demolition begins in earnest today on the Bresee Tower in downtown Danville. 
  • The Champaign-Urbana metro area ranked roughly middle of the pack for air quality measures out of 208 metro areas nationwide.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones, who explains why leaving the university was the toughest choice he had to make in higher education.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Jim Meadows, Ben Thorp and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 08 – May 11

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Over 30 community members told the Champaign City Council they’re frustrated that officials haven’t called for an end to the war in Gaza.
  • A measure to restrict cell phone usage in Illinois classrooms continues to advance through the state legislature.
  • Numerous Illinois Democrats are speaking out against U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield yesterday.
  • New research shows an Illinois health insurance program for immigrants that’s set to end has given a boost to hospitals.

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

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Alex Degman, Isabela Nieto, Kristen Schorsch, Adelyn Mui and Kimberly Schofield.

 

 

 

 

217 Today: Chancellor Robert Jones reflects on leading U of I through growth and crisis

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Sam Hall III  was sworn in as Rantoul’s Village President last night.
  • What looks like a garden nestled between two University of Illinois residence halls is actually a key piece of campus infrastructure.
  • Latino Democrats in the Illinois statehouse are hoping to pass protections for immigrant students.
  • Some policy analysts say a new Illinois higher education funding plan would help the state’s public universities better address their needs.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones, who explains what he learned from navigating crises during his tenure at the university.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mary Piacente, Adelyn Mui, Mawa Iqbal, Kulsoom Khan and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Chancellor Robert Jones addresses equity gaps on campus

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • For one year now, activists have been urging the City of Champaign to pull back investments connected to the state of Israel. 
  • The race to replace U.S. Senator Dick Durbin gets larger this morning.
  • A month after the Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs on imports to the U.S., the pork and soybean industries are closely watching how countries respond.
  • Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says people should make sure they need a REAL ID before trying to get one.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones, who shares his thoughts on the challenge of attracting more Black students to the U of I.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by  Mae Antar, Alex Degman, Rachel Cramer, Isabela Nieto and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Chancellor Robert Jones addresses departure from U of I, Trump targeting higher ed

Monday, March 5, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Urbana’s new mayor, DeShawn Williams, was inaugurated this weekend. 
  • When astronomers observe the night sky with high-definition telescopes, they collect massive amounts of data and artificial intelligence can help sort through it all.
  • A judge has sentenced a Will County landlord for a brutal hate crime.
  • The Fighting Illini baseball team lost all three games to Rutgers over the weekend. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert J. Jones as he reflects on leading the university for the past nine years.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mary Piacente, Adrien Reetz, Donna Warder, Colin Hislope and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Incoming Urbana mayor DeShawn Williams hopes to unite the city

Friday, May 2, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • President Donald Trump has signed an executive order slashing subsidies to public media.
  • The Trump administration has restored visas for all University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students who previously had their legal immigration status terminated.
  • The latest congressional budget plan proposes a federal work requirement for Medicaid recipients, and some Midwesterners could lose access to Medicaid if it passes.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Diane Marlin as she wraps up her time in office, and from mayor-elect DeShawn Williams as he prepares to become Urbana’s new mayor.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Daniel Wheaton, Kimberly Schofield and Jim Meadows.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 01 – May 04

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • University of Illinois faculty are urging the school to join an effort to protect Big Ten universities from being targeted by the Trump administration.
  • More states are eliminating sales taxes on groceries.
  • The Trump administration recently closed the Department of Education’s regional Office for Civil Rights in Chicago.
  • The Fighting Illini softball team lost in extra innings against Eastern Illinois University Wednesday evening.
  • In three months, Robert Jones will begin his new position as president of the University of Washington in Seattle.

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

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Jonathan Mathew, Peter Medlin, Adelyn Mui and Kimberly Schofield.

217 Today: The federal library department has put almost all of its staff on leave. What does that mean for your town’s library?

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Authorities say they believe a crash through a Sangamon County after-school building that killed three children and one teenager was not targeted.
  • April is Arab American Heritage Month, and students at the University of Illinois are celebrating.
  • The University of Illinois’ Soybean Innovation Lab has resumed its work developing soybean production for developing countries.
  • The Fighting Illini baseball team defeated the Bradley Braves in Peoria last night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how the Trump administration’s recent cuts could jeopardize services offered by local libraries. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Haya Panjwani, Layli Nazarova, Jim Meadows, Colin Hislope and Emily Hays.

217 Today: University of Illinois pro-Palestinian protests one year later

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Four young girls were killed Monday when a vehicle struck an after-school child care building south of Springfield.
  • Runners of the Cheer for Palestine section of this weekend’s Christie Clinic Marathon raised thousands of dollars for local activists facing legal charges.
  • The Illinois State Board of Education announced it’s developing a statewide “numeracy” initiative to improve math performance.
  • A new Northwestern University study credits singing for improving some older adults’ mental and physical health.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at how student activism at the University of Illinois has changed one year after a pro-Palestinian encampment was formed on campus and how the administration has responded.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Sean Crawford, Mae Antar, Peter Medlin, Clare Lane and Emily Hays.

217 Today: LabEscape in Urbana celebrates the International Year of Quantum with a blend of science and fun

Monday, April 28, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Classes at Illinois State University will resume today, but the Bone Student Center remains closed as police investigate a shooting that injured one person last night.
  • Proper nutrition helps support the immune system, which is important for people living with HIV/AIDS. It’s why the Greater Community AIDS Project in Champaign offers free cooking classes.
  • Over 10,000 people took part in the 2025 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend.
  • The Fighting Illini baseball team won two out of three games this weekend at home against Purdue. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a science-based escape room in Urbana that challenges participants to harness the power of curiosity and collaboration.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Charlie Schlenker, Lauren Warnecke, Sam Rink, Mary Piacente, Colin Hislope and Brittany Prempin.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Apr. 24 – Apr. 27

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Democratic Illinois Senator Dick Durbin says that he will not seek reelection in 2026.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is congratulating U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on his upcoming retirement.
  • Illinois is reporting its first confirmed measles case of this year.
  • Scientists and their supporters gathered at the University of Illinois on Earth Day, calling for an end to research funding cuts.

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

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Dave McKinney, Alex Degman, Reginald Hardwick, Stephanie Orellana, Adelyn Mui and Kimberly Schofield.



 

217 Today: Armadillos aren’t just in Texas anymore, they are expanding territory in Illinois

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Champaign County administrators are moving into their new office in downtown Urbana.
  • Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias kicked off a campaign on Tuesday to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.
  • The Fighting Illini baseball team defeated Indiana State on the road last night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how armadillos are expanding their territory in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Nathan Gonzalez, Isabela Nieto, Colin Hislope and Tinisha Spain.

217 Today: U.S. farmers were already struggling to turn a profit. Trump’s trade war will make that harder

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • A local Catholic educator says the late Pope Francis inspired students in Champaign to serve their community.
  • Hundreds of people came together at the Urbana courthouse this weekend to protest the Trump administration.
  • Illinois lawmakers and human services advocates kicked off a week-long campaign to increase funding for the state Department of Human Services.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how tariffs are likely to make things more expensive for farmers. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Mae Antar, Isabela Nieto and Frank Morris.

217 Today: How jazz music helped bring unity to a South African university

Monday, April 21, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • A single-engine plane crash in Coles County has killed two women and two men from Wisconsin.
  • University of Illinois students gathered in Urbana on Friday to support the right to protest.
  • Some central Illinois schools have taken steps to ban phone use in school, even as the state considers wider restrictions.
  • A recent study from Northwestern University found that incarceration has long-lasting effects on young people as they grow into adults.
  • The Fighting Illini softball team lost all three games in its Easter weekend series against Purdue.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Darius and Catherine Brubeck about their book, which follows the path to establishing a jazz education program in apartheid-era South Africa.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Emily Hays, Braden Fogerson, Mawa Iqbal, Jim Meadows and Kimberly Schofield.

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.