217 Today: Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. seeks reelection in April

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard expects heavy rainfall in the central Illinois area Thursday.
• An Illinois lawmaker is sponsoring a measure to look into a state program that was the subject of a recent investigation.
• Political hiring continues to be a focus in the bribery trial of four former ComEd executives and lobbyists.
• An annual program that helps Kindergarten and first-grade students with their math and reading skills is underway in the Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana School Districts.
• Both men’s and women’s Junior college basketball teams from Danville Area Community College are playing in national tournaments Thursday. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear a conversation between Illinois Newsroom’s Jim Meadows and Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr ahead of the April mayoral election.

Reporting today contributed by Kristen Schorsch, Dave McKinney, Luis Velasquez and Jim Meadows.

217 Today: Despite a critical deadline extension, Illinois craft cannabis businesses are worried

Friday, March 3, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• The state of Illinois has launched a website for residents to track the progress of a newly created Reparations Commission.
• Following a year of declines – the state’s economic growth rate increased slightly last month. 
• Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day, a University of Illinois tradition with a history of heavy drinking, is not expected to draw an increased police presence this weekend.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team defeated the Michigan Wolverines Thursday night in double overtime.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about an extension the State Department of Agriculture granted craft cannabis businesses in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Claudia Morrell, Jim Meadows, Elissa Eaton, Colin Hislope and Alex Degman.

217 Today: Illinois Arts Council Agency gathers community perspectives on listening tour

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• Illinois lawmakers are trying to hold rideshare companies to the same legal standard of care as more traditional modes of transportation.
• About two-thirds of all Illinois applicants in President Biden’s $400 billion debt forgiveness program were accepted.
• The largest nonprofit club at the University of Illinois says it’s set to raise more than $100,000 for St. John Children’s Hospital in Springfield by next month.
• The girls basketball team from the High School of St. Thomas More in Champaign plays in the Class 1A state semifinals this Thursday morning in Normal.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear a conversation with the executive director of the Illinois Arts Council Agency about the goals of their statewide listening tour.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Luis Velazquez, Julia Youman and Rich Egger.

217 Today: 217 Today host looks back on time at Illinois Public Media

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Caterpillar and the United Auto Workers have reached a new tentative six-year agreement, averting a strike.
• Dozens of Illinois prison inmates are seeking graduate degrees that they hope will help them chart a new path when they leave prison. 
• Plans for a carbon pipeline in Illinois are back on after a brief delay.
• Throughout the day Tuesday, more than 60 people at a time stood outside the new Raising Cane’s restaurant on Green Street in Champaign.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from 217 host Brian Moline about some changes coming to Illinois Public Media.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Tim Shelley, Eric Stock, Sarah Nardi, Sydney Wood and Jim Meadows.

217 Today: Former employee reflects on Chester Street Bar’s legacy in Champaign-Urbana

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Two measures in the General Assembly would ensure families of first responders killed in the line of duty get their benefits without delay.
• A pair of tornadoes touched down near Champaign-Urbana on Monday just before 9 a.m. 
• After Florida banned AP African American studies, Champaign Unit 4 is preparing to elect four school board members.
• A non-profit that helps children with disabilities is giving away free bicycles.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from former Chester Street Bar DJ Doug Barnes about the bar’s history and its role as a safe space for those who visited.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Camryn Cutinello, Emily Hays, Mae Antar and Sydney Wood.

217 Today: Northern Illinois University professors provide sports activities to incarcerated teens

Monday, February 27, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• State Representative Mike Marron is one of many Republicans critical of the spending proposals outlined in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget, but he has a plan of his own.
• Environmental groups in Illinois are hoping to limit microplastic waste, and they’re looking at washing machines.
• Twenty-five community organizations and government offices are expected to receive almost $10 million in federal pandemic relief money from the city of Urbana. 
• Around 30 Black senior citizens gathered at the Douglass Annex Friday afternoon for a soul food potluck to celebrate Black History Month.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about a project that aims to reduce recidivism among incarcerated juveniles in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Mawa Iqbal, Farrah Anderson, Lillie Salas and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Weather stations collect vital data, but their future is in doubt

Friday, February 24, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• More than 400 workers at Akorn Pharmaceuticals’ Decatur plant were laid off Thursday after the company filed for chapter seven bankruptcy after years of financial problems. 
• A play meant to teach kids about Black history is coming to the Krannert Center for Performing Arts this Saturday as it nears the end of a national tour.
• Spurlock Museum held a talk Thursday night about how dance can connect prisoners with the outside world.
• The Illinois men’s basketball team came roaring back from an 18-point halftime deficit to beat Northwestern Thursday night 66-62.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the weather stations that collect vital weather data and why their future is in doubt.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Owen Henderson, Piotr Fedczuk, Colin Hislope and Elizabeth Rembert.

217 Today: Schools invest more in mental health resources with pandemic-era federal funds

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• An asbestos problem at a local elementary school led the Urbana school board to vote Tuesday night to close it this summer.
• Illinois police recruits must now complete training on the importance of gathering and analyzing evidence to avoid wrongful convictions.
• The University of Illinois hosted a Mardi Gras celebration this week. 
• Students, parents and staff at Schlarman Academy’s north campus in Danville staged a walkout Wednesday morning after the abrupt departure of two administrators from the Catholic junior and senior High School. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a look at the present and future of mental health support in schools.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Luis Velazquez, Owen Henderson, Jim Meadows and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen is ‘optimistic’ Congress can pass a new farm bill

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Governor J.B. Pritzker is joining 19 other Democratic governors in launching what they say is a non-partisan coalition to protect and expand reproductive rights.
• Remote work may offer rural America an opportunity to draw new residents who otherwise might not consider living there.
• During his state of the state address, Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed $20 million to increase grocery store access. 
• New leadership is coming to Urbana High School.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from new Illinois congressman Eric Sorensen, who will talk about the chances of getting a new farm bill passed by September.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Camryn Cutinello, Tim Shelley, Sarah Nardi, Emily Hays and Eric Stock.

217 Today: State Senator Paul Faraci talks about his first month in office

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Students at Parkland College will pay more for their classes starting this summer.
• The Urbana Park District is commemorating Black History Month with an “I Have a Dream” quilt.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team topped Minnesota on Monday night in Champaign 78-69.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll talk with State Senator Paul Faraci about his reaction to the governor’s State of the State address and much more.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays and Nour Longi.

217 Today: Local physician writes children’s book on how to be a first responder

Monday, February 20, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker proposed a $20 million investment to help open independent grocery stores in food deserts across the state.
• A proposed bill could fine Illinois cat owners up to $2,500 for declawing their cats. 
• The spot where a local gay bar once stood may soon be Champaign’s first designated historical site.
• Local organizations are selling bricks to create a new park dedicated to African American history.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from local physician Breyanna Grays about her new children’s book.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Will Bauer, Piper Pascarella, Sydney Wood, Farrah Anderson and Emily Hays.

217 Today: Illinois lawmakers facing corruption charges still receive pensions

Friday, February 17, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• An East St. Louis’ early childhood education center could be a model for others across the state.
• Urbana school officials say they’re considering closing Wiley Elementary at the end of this school year to carry out renovations and address problems with asbestos.
• Three candidates are running in the Champaign mayoral election in April — one incumbent, one former mayor, and a challenger making his second bid for the office.
• A union representing graduate student employees at the University of Illinois held its 23rd bargaining session in nearly a year Thursday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a look at why and how former Illinois lawmakers in trouble with the law have kept their pensions.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Will Bauer, Mae Antar, Jim Meadows, Piotr Fedczuk and Dave McKinney. 

217 Today: Governor Pritzker unveils a new state budget

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• Education took center stage in the governor’s budget proposal.  
• Illinois higher education leaders are reacting favorably to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday. 
• The University of Illinois Police Department is reviewing Monday’s shooting at Michigan State University to see if changes need to be made to their response plans.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the governor’s budget proposals and the state’s reaction. 

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Susie An, Luis Velazquez and Alex Degman.  

217 Today: Rockford man steps up to help elementary students without a ride to school

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

217 Today: Parents struggle to find childcare in rural communities

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• A plan to move hundreds of migrants into a former K-Mart on Chicago’s Southwest Side is getting pushback from local officials.
• In February 2020, Visit Champaign County revealed Destination 2023 – a three-year plan to improve people’s experiences in Champaign County.
• Black male leaders visited Urbana classrooms on Monday to read to elementary students.
• Officials at the University of Illinois’ Krannert Art Museum said they are working to include a more diverse group of artists in their permanent exhibitions as many art institutes have done in recent years.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the problems families face finding childcare in rural areas.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Sydney Wood, Emily Hays, Owen Henderson and Xcaret Nunez.

217 Today: What Missouri’s new recreational marijuana sales mean for dispensaries across the river in Illinois

Monday, February 13, 2023

217 Today: One year after GMO food labels were required, critics say they’re easy to miss

Friday, February 10, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• An investigation by ProPublica found universities nationwide are decades behind on returning Native American ancestral remains as required by law.
• Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks on an H-Mart Korean grocery store in Urbana. 
• University of Illinois researchers have developed a new method of gathering biological information about elephants and their environment.
• The Illinois women’s basketball team won at Nebraska Thursday night 72 to 64.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll see how GMO food labels are working one year after the federal government began requiring them. 

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Lillie Salas, Piotr Fedczuk and Katie Peikes.

217 Today: Champaign teen founds non-profit offering free classes to local kids

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• A measure at the Illinois Statehouse would require kids under DCFS’s care to have a lawyer representing what the children want during abuse and neglect proceedings.
• The Champaign County Association of Realtors hosted a forum this week to inform landlords about the state’s new Source of Income Law which works to prevent discrimination in housing by adding protections to the state’s Human Rights Act. 
• One Champaign resident says she’s been looking for housing for five months after the city of Champaign condemned multiple units of an apartment complex late last year. 
• Officials at Willard Airport in Savoy say the airport will increase its number of commercial passenger flights, so fliers won’t have to drive to Chicago to start or continue their journeys.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll meet Sophia Libman, a high school junior who started her own non-profit to provide classes to local underserved youth three years ago.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Luis Velazquez, Sydney Wood, Elissa Eaton and Yvonne Boose. 

217 Today: Recess law boosts elementary students’ social-emotional learning

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Four defendants in an upcoming federal corruption trial want to limit evidence against them.
• Tuesday was National Black HIV-AIDS Awareness Day, and a coalition of Black health equity advocates is calling on the Illinois Department of Public Health to do more.
• Republican Illinois congresswoman Mary Miller wants to stop all foreign purchases of U.S. land. On Monday, she introduced the Saving American Farms from Adversaries Act.
• A proposal that would help the Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights has been filed in Springfield, but some lawmakers – including its own sponsor – have reservations.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a look at the impact of a 2021 Illinois law that requires at least 30 minutes of recess per day in elementary schools.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Dave McKinney, Mawa Iqbal, Sarah Nardi, Alex Degman and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Increasing evictions in Midwest threaten public health

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• The Illinois National Guard has a new major general…and one of his priorities is to foster diversity.
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is worried that education policies he opposes are trying to take root here.
• The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is designing a social media platform to connect high school students with tutors at the university.
• Champaign County recently held its annual Point-in-Time census to estimate how many homeless people live in the county. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how evictions are back on the rise in the Midwest, putting an increasing number of tenants at risk for housing insecurity.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman, Emily Hays, Mae Antar and Natalie Krebs.

217 Today: New Philadelphia designated as national park for being first town legally founded by an African American

Monday, February 6, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• With Medicaid pandemic protections ending March 31, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services predicts more than 300,000 residents could lose health insurance.
• Last year, a letter co-authored by a University of Illinois law professor was cited on the U.S. Senate floor during its debate on the Respect for Marriage Act.
• Central Illinois congressman Darin LaHood he’s willing to explore what he calls reasonable police reforms. 
•  The Illinois women’s basketball team won its 18th game of the season on Sunday, topping Minnesota 69-to-62.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from U of I professor Gerald McWhorter. His great-great grandfather was the first African American to start a town in the U.S., and he did it in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Camryn Cutinello, Piper Pascarella, Eric Stock and Farrah Anderson.

217 Today: Enter a classroom using virtual reality in higher education

Friday, February 2, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• The Illinois Attorney General’s office has filed a lawsuit against companies that make PFAS – a highly toxic group of chemicals.
• The Illinois Mental Health Task Force launched its action plan Thursday to help the large percentage of people in the court system who struggle with mental health.
• The Piatt County Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Thursday night against recommending a zoning permit for a wind turbine project. 
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team lost at Michigan last night 74 to 57.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take you inside a classroom at Northern Illinois University that’s using virtual reality.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Indi Khera, Camryn Cutinello, Jim Meadows and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Gas stoves are feeling the heat after study shows link to asthma

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is seeking more information about revisions to a national high school course on African American History that were released yesterday. 
• Governor Pritzker signed legislation last week setting new standards for wind and solar farms that county boards must follow.
• The University of Illinois opened a new international office in Mexico last September.
• A used bookstore in the Champaign Public Library basement is opening a new space to host after-school programming for teenagers.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the relationship between gas stoves and childhood asthma. 

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Jim Meadows, Luis Velazquez, Sydney Wood and Lyndsey Jones. 

217 Today: New reproductive health clinic to open in Champaign

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• An Illinois Appellate Court has narrowly upheld a decision that prevents the state’s assault weapons ban from taking effect in some places.
• The Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield is receiving a $15 million preservation investment.
• On Tuesday, the Illinois State Board of Education named Tony Sanders as its new school superintendent.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers Tuesday night 72-to-56.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new reproductive health clinic opening in Champaign this month

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Camryn Cutinello, Char Daston, Colin Hislope and Sarah Nardi.

217 Today: Supreme Court ruling could reduce wetland protections

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• A survey of public schools across Illinois found nearly 4 out of 5 districts reported a shortage of teachers this year.
• A group of Illinois lawmakers and representatives from business and local government will study warehouse safety over the next two years.
• This is the first year elementary and high schools in Illinois are required to teach a unit on Asian American history.
• The union representing Caterpillar employees at facilities in Illinois and Pennsylvania overwhelmingly authorized a strike on Friday as negotiations on a new contract continue.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a look at the state of wetlands in the Midwest now and in the future.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Char Daston, Will Bauer, Emily Hays, Tim Shelley and Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco.

217 Today: New Urbana bakery celebrates Mexican, Latin-American culture

Monday, January 30, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Demonstrations broke out across the country over the beating death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, including in Urbana.
• A bill sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker would lift restrictions on Illinois residents who can’t change their names because of past crimes.
• The University of Illinois Police Department has reported several financial scams targeting international students in recent months.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team bounced back from a loss on Thursday to top Michigan State on Sunday night 86-76 in Champaign.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new Urbana bakery that reflects Mexican and Latin-American culture.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Farrah Anderson and Luis Velazquez.

217 Today: A preview of Sinfonia da Camera’s Saturday night concert

Friday, January 27, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• A state government task force is recommending Illinois lawmakers create ways for people serving long prison terms to get resentenced.
• The Natural Land Institute is filing another federal lawsuit against Chicago Rockford International Airport because their planned expansion includes building a road through a prairie that’s home to an endangered species. 
• A proposed wind farm for northern Piatt County is generating some controversy. 
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team lost at home Thursday night to Purdue 62-to-52.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about tomorrow night’s concert from Sinfonia da Camera at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Champaign-Urbana. 

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Shannon Heffernan, Katie O’Connell and Jim Meadows.

217 Today: Illinois assault weapons ban faces legal challenges

Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of east central Illinois on Tuesday but canceled it by Wednesday afternoon. 
• Thirty-two-year-old Tyler Wayne Massengill of Chillicothe faces a federal arson charge in connection with the firebombing of the Peoria Planned Parenthood clinic earlier this month.
• The Illinois Department of Human Services announced SNAP will return to pre-pandemic levels beginning March 1, impacting more than two million people statewide.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the legal issues surrounding Illinois’ new assault weapons ban. 

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Luis Velazquez, Tim Shelley, Camryn Cutinello and The 21st Show.

217 Today: New sensors to track workplace injuries raise privacy concerns

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• We remain under a winter storm warning from the National Weather Service until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday in much of east central Illinois.
• Gun rights advocates have now filed four lawsuits over Illinois’ new law banning assault weapons
• Plans to construct a CO2 pipeline through 13 Illinois counties have been temporarily halted.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday night 69-60.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about research into workplace injuries, how it could help prevent them in the future, and possible privacy concerns.  

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Andrew Pritchard, Mawa Iqbal, Sarah Nardi, Colin Hislope and Eric Stock.

217 Today: Reproductive rights 50 years after Roe v. Wade

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• After months of pushback, the Champaign Unit 4 school board has scaled back changes to its school choice system. 
• A new bill in Springfield would improve pay and training for an estimated 650,000 temporary workers who get their jobs through staffing agencies.
• A central Illinois lawmaker plans to sue the state over its new assault weapons ban.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team will try to bounce back from Thursday’s loss to Indiana when they face Ohio State on Tuesday night in Champaign.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from a policy advocate at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region who will talk about the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the current state of reproductive rights. 

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Camryn Cutinello, Eric Stock and Melba Lara.

217 Today: Does public school desegregation help close achievement gaps?

Monday, January 23, 2023

Today’s headlines:

•  A judge in Effingham County has granted a pause on a new law that bans assault weapons in Illinois.
• Three candidates are on the April Fourth ballot for mayor of Champaign, including the current mayor, Deb Feinen.
• A new report from the Champaign Police Department says shooting incidents in 2022 were half of what they were in the previous year.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team edged Northwestern on Sunday in Evanston 67-64.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from four professors who answer the question: does desegregation work in public schools?

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Jim Meadows, Farrah Anderson and Emily Hays.

217 Today: Why violence is increasing in Illinois’ K-12 schools

Friday, January 20, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• The Illinois State Board of Education unanimously approved a budget advanced by outgoing state superintendent Carmen Ayala Wednesday.
• The family of a Springfield man who suffocated after being strapped face down to a stretcher has filed a civil lawsuit against the ambulance company and two EMT’s.
• The William M. Staerkel Planetarium is hosting two shows in Spanish this upcoming weekend.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team lost to the Indiana Hoosiers Thursday night 80-to-65 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the increase in violence in Illinois’ K-12 schools over the past few years.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Cianna Greaves, Sean Crawford, Luis Velazquez, Colin Hislope and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Why are University of Illinois Chicago faculty on strike?

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

• A judge in downstate Effingham County heard arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit challenging Illinois’ new assault weapons ban.
• The Illinois State Water Plan has been updated for the first time since 1984.
• Plans for a third cannabis dispensary in Danville have been scrapped after the Danville City Council on Tuesday voted to deny a special use zoning permit to Parkway Dispensary.
• The University of Illinois women’s basketball team lost 83-to-72 to 6th-ranked Indiana at home Wednesday night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about why University of Illinois Chicago faculty have walked out of classrooms during a strike. 

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Indi Khera, Sarah Nardi and Lisa Philip.

217 Today: What’s behind the huge cost increase for eggs?

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Sixteen Illinois state lawmakers are standing up for a new assault weapons ban that has received fierce opposition from sheriffs across the state.
• A state Senator in central Illinois plans to introduce a bill to require voters to provide ID at the ballot box.
• Gas stoves are known to release harmful emissions into the air, which has raised questions about their safety.  
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team will do something on Wednesday night that it hasn’t done in 23 years: host a game between two ranked teams.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the huge increase in the cost of eggs.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Eric Stock, Sarah Nardi and Kendall Crawford.

217 Today: Obstacles prevent many craft cannabis growers from opening

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the country is backsliding on voting rights 10 years after the Supreme Court decision to repeal parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Ten high schoolers from across Champaign County won scholarships on Monday in the name of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team won its fourth straight game beating Minnesota Monday night 78-60 in Minneapolis.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why craft cannabis growers in Illinois need to be ready to go by March 1, but most of them still can’t even get financing to start building facilities.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Tim Shelley, Emily Hays and Alex Degman.

217 Today: Penicillin shortage could endanger children with sickle cell disease

Monday, January 16, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois lawmakers were unable to pass a measure to limit how much interest pawn brokers can charge in this month’s lame-duck session.
• The candidates on the April 4 ballot for mayor of Champaign have all been on the ballot before, including former mayor Don Gerard.
• Champaign County’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration continues Monday morning with the annual Unity Breakfast.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team has won three straight Big Ten Conference games after defeating the Michigan State Spartans on Friday night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how a penicillin shortage could affect children with sickle cell disease.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Jim Meadows, Colin Hislope and Farah Yousry.

217 Today: Many Illinois sheriffs oppose new assault weapon ban

Friday, January 13, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• In their recent lame-duck session, Illinois lawmakers approved new spending including nearly $300 million to help asylum seekers.
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized several suburban and downstate sheriffs for their vows not to enforce the assault weapons ban he signed this week.
• There is a significant increase in food waste during the holiday season in the United States.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team will try to build on a two-game winning streak when the first-place Michigan State team comes to town on Friday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how the assault weapons ban signed into Illinois law this week has prompted many sheriffs in the state to issue statements saying they won’t enforce it.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Dave McKinney, Luis Velazquez, Rich Egger and Jane Carlson.

217 Today: Rural residents worry about potential effects of CAFOs

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• A measure guaranteeing 40 hours of paid leave every year for all Illinois employees is awaiting Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signature.
• The Illinois House’s new Republican leader is challenging Democrats to work with them more.
• A large fire engulfed the Carus chemical plant in LaSalle on Wednesday.
• Eggs are becoming increasingly harder to find with consumers across the country reporting fewer selections on shelves. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a look at the fight over CAFOs in some Midwestern states.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman, Peter Medlin, Sarah Nardi and Eva Tesfaye.

217 Today: 23-year-old Nabeela Syed will be one of the youngest ever members in the Illinois General Assembly

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois will soon be able to offer protections to healthcare providers and patients coming to the state for abortion and gender-affirming care.
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a statewide assault weapons ban into law, becoming the ninth state with such a measure.
• The first session of the new Illinois General Assembly begins on Wednesday, and lawmakers will start off the year with higher wages.
• A lawmaker appointed to a state senate seat in central Illinois calls himself a second amendment advocate and said he does not support the assault weapons ban that the governor just signed.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll meet the youngest member of the new Illinois General Assembly, 23-year-old Nabeela Syed.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman, Emily Hays and Eric Stock.

217 Today: Gov. J.B. Pritzker kicks off second term in office

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois may soon be the ninth state in the U.S. to enact legislation that generally bans the sale, manufacture and delivery of assault weapons.
• State Representative Tom Bennett is moving over to the Illinois Senate.
• The Unit 4 school board hired a consulting firm to figure out how to further desegregate its schools, but that firm is now recommending the district make only minor changes.
• States, local governments and internet providers have until Jan. 13 to challenge the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about J.B. Pritzker’s goals for his second term as governor.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Jim Meadows, Emily Hays, Katie Peikes and Eric Stock.

217 Today: Rural hospital closures hinder access to critical care

Monday, January 9, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Paul Faraci will be the next senator in Illinois’ 52nd District.
• Nikki Budzinski is starting her first term in Congress as a member of the minority party, but she said she still hopes to work with Republicans on legislation that helps working people.
• Illinois state senators passed a measure on Sunday giving themselves a nearly 20 percent pay raise.
• The Fighting Illini basketball team defeated the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday afternoon 79-to-69.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the consequences of rural hospital closures.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Jim Meadows, Colin Hislope and Sebastian Martinez Valdivia.

217 Today: Self-proclaimed guardians of English language release annual list of banished words

Friday, January 6, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• A statewide ban on the sale and manufacture of assault weapons in Illinois is closer to passage.
• Illinois state representatives advanced on Thursday night a proposal meant to protect patients who get abortions and their providers who are targeted by states that have banned abortions.
• It’s been two years since Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to overturn the presidential election. About 35 Illinoisans have been charged in connection with the riot.
• The University of Illinois is no longer requiring COVID-19 vaccines for students or employees.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear about a list of words that would-be guardians of the English language say should be banned for mis-use and over-use.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Emily Hays and Herb Trix.

217 Today: Rockford community protests police violence against students

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois’ local congressional delegation remains split on their choices for the U.S. House’s next Speaker. 
• An insurance analyst projects State Farm will soon fall behind GEICO and Progressive as the nation’s top auto insurer.
• Applicants seeking to fill the state Senate seat left vacant by the death last month of Scott Bennett appeared on an online forum on Wednesday night to make their case to local Democrats.
• Too many turnovers and too many fouls hindered the Illinois men’s basketball team in a 73-to-60 loss at Northwestern on Wednesday night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the reaction to school violence in Rockford.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Will Bauer, Eric Stock, Jim Meadows and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Meteorologist explains cause of January tornadoes

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois lawmakers are back in Springfield this week as they try to wrap things up before they adjourn for the last time.
• The Illinois Supreme Court has halted a law that would have eliminated cash bail Jan. 1.
• A University of Illinois agriculture professor says work and environmental conditions can be harmful to farmers’ mental health.
• Despite major damage caused by a water pipe break, nearly 600 students at Paris High School are scheduled to return to class as normal on Wednesday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the several tornado touchdowns down in Central Illinois on Tuesday and how they formed on a warm January day.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Mawa Iqbal, Luis Velazquez and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Decrease in agricultural research funding could affect food security

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Today’s headlines:

• The new year means many of Illinois’ minimum wage workers got a raise.
• The Illinois Supreme Court has halted the abolition of the cash bail system in the state.
• Before you get rid of your fresh-cut Christmas tree, you may want to donate it to a farm in White Heath.
• The Fighting Illini football team fell to Mississippi State on Monday in the ReliaQuest Bowl 19-10.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at the decline in funding for agricultural research and some possible consequences.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Katie O’Connell, Reginald Hardwick and Dana Cronin.

217 Today: Looking back on 100 years of WILL-AM’s agricultural programming

Friday, December 23, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois State Senator Scott Bennett’s widow will finish out the last three weeks of his term, ending Jan. 11.
• The temperature at Willard Airport fell more than 30 degrees in eight hours on Thursday as a winter storm brought snow, wind and sub-zero temperatures to central Illinois.
• Homeless shelters serving Champaign-Urbana are providing both shelter and services during the current snowstorm.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team was blown out by Missouri at Thursday night’s annual Braggin’ Rights game in St. Louis 93-71.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at the history of agricultural programming on WILL, which has been part of the station since our first broadcast 100 years ago.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Luis Velazquez and Jim Meadows.

217 Today: Andrew Pritchard discusses the impending winter storm

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• The state of Illinois is about to offer more cannabis dispensary licenses.
• Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger is on his way out of national politics after serving 12 years.
• With a severe snowstorm in the forecast, central Illinois families are being advised to plan ahead.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team won its final nonconference game of the season, topping Florida Atlantic 81-46 on Wednesday in Champaign.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Chambana weather meteorologist Andrew Pritchard about the impending winter storm.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Mawa Iqbal, Luis Velazquez and Andrew Pritchard.

217 Today: Remembering Jessie White’s trailblazing legacy as Illinois Secretary of State

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• States attorneys from around Illinois were in a Kankakee County courtroom on Tuesday to argue the SAFE-T Act violates the state constitution.
• Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart says it’s time for Illinois to ban the sale and manufacture of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
• Champaign mourned one of its local sports leaders this week.
• The incoming winter snowstorm looks a bit less ominous than it did on Monday, but expect travel to still be particularly dangerous on Thursday and Friday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at the life and legacy of outgoing Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman, Emily Hays, Tim Shelley and Dave McKinney.

217 Today: OSF Healthcare tests a new remote monitoring program to free up hospital beds

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• At a memorial service for State Senator Scott Bennett, those who knew him emphasized his ability to make friends in a field where lasting friendships are rare.
• Three major holidays – Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa – are overlapping at the end of this month, which could mean further spread of illness.
• A Kankakee County judge will hear oral arguments this Tuesday in a consolidated lawsuit against a provision in the so-called SAFE-T Act.
• A Black Illinois homeowner claims State Farm Insurance commits covert racial discrimination in the way it processes claims.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from OSF Healthcare about its new remote monitoring program that aims to keep kids out of the hospital.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Mawa Iqbal, Charlie Schlenker and Tim Shelley.

217 Today: Champaign County Sheriff predicts changes when cash bail ends next month

Monday, December 19, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• A memorial service for State Senator Scott Bennett will be held Monday morning at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana.
• Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth wants airlines to do more when it comes to evacuating an airplane in an emergency.
• The Fighting Illini basketball team defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Saturday 68-47. 
• The Illinois women’s basketball team improved to 10-2 this season with a 76-66 win at Missouri on Sunday in the annual Braggin’ Rights game between the two schools.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuermann about his thoughts on the end of cash bail in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Michael Puente, Colin Hislope and Jim Meadows.

217 Today: Restoring America’s Wildlife Act could accelerate nationwide conservation efforts

Friday, December 16, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois’ unemployment rate rose by a tenth of a percentage point to 4.7% in November, but the number of non-farm jobs also rose during that period by 17,500.
• Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker celebrated the passage of the Workers’ Rights Amendment on Thursday.
• Those looking for a Christmas tree for the holidays have options, but some trees are easier to find in Illinois than others.
• A Champaign man has been arraigned on five felony counts, including alleged burglary and arson at the Original Pancake House restaurant.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about landmark conservation legislation that is awaiting action in the U.S. Senate.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Mawa Iqbal, Luis Velazquez and Lyndsey Jones.

217 Today: Spanish-speaking families face language barriers within families

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois’ former public health director told federal lawmakers on Wednesday that required paid time off is a good policy, especially during a pandemic.
• The percentage of Asian-American lawmakers in the state legislature has increased sharply in recent years, but the rate still lags behind the general population.
• The Urbana school board will reconsider in January how to establish one fully dual-language elementary school for Spanish and English.
• People looking to buy a Christmas tree this year might notice they’re in tight supply, and it’s partly due to drought.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about language barriers within families in C-U’s Latinx community.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Eric Stock, Emily Hays, Xcaret Nunez and Jacqueline Barba.

217 Today: Students say Unit 4 schools fail to provide menstrual products

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• State Senator Scott Bennett’s funeral will be held Monday at the University of Illinois’ Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
• Illinois homeowners need to check their smoke alarms before a new law starts on Jan. 1.
• Illinois Public Media invited the community to the Pour Brothers Taproom in downtown Champaign on Monday night to talk about the impact of housing problems on gun violence.
• A recent report found that Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act has failed to meet many of its goals.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about continuing problems in one area school district with providing menstrual products to students as required by law.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Collin Schopp, Luis Velazquez, Katie O’Connell and Nour Longi.

217 Today: Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Today’s headlines: 

• Survivors of gun violence and those close to it are talking to Illinois lawmakers about a proposal to ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines. 
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun its latest Census of Agriculture. 
• Champaign Unit 4 families have a new option to consider as the school board tries to further desegregate its elementary schools. 
• A statewide student art contest is giving its participants a chance to interpret the meaning of “home” for themselves. 

In today’s deep dive, a closer look at Seasonal Affective Disorder, and how to combat it. 

Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Emily Hays, Yvonne Boose and Hannah Lonergan. 

217 Today: Remembering State Sen. Scott Bennett

Monday, December 12, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Governor JB Pritzker has directed public schools and state and local government facilities to lower flags to half-staff in memory of State Senator Scott Bennett.
• The Urbana Police Department is adopting a new program to train officers how to step in when they see officer misconduct.
• All last week, a helicopter hauling a huge antenna flew low over rural Champaign County.
• The Illinois women’s basketball team improved to 9-and-2 this season with a 65-to-63 win at Butler on Sunday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the life of State Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign, who died Friday at the age of 45.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Ariyelle Edwards and The 21st Show.

217 Today: Iranian American U of I grad student organizes demonstration to support overseas protests

Friday, December 9, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons joined U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and other health experts in Chicago Thursday to talk about youth mental health.
• Democratic Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is celebrating Thursday’s congressional passage of landmark legislation that enshrines gay marriage into federal law.
• Rates of suicidal ideation have increased among pregnant women over the past 10 years according to a University of Illinois study.
• Champaign city officials are discussing ways to build a permanent park in the Garden Hills neighborhood, an area of town where children have no park to visit without crossing a set of railroad tracks.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from an Iranian American graduate student who’s organizing protests in Champaign-Urbana in solidarity with those in his home country.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Dave McKinney, Luis Velazquez, Jacqueline Barba and Nour Longi.

217 Today: New Champaign County Public Defender discusses the end of cash bail and more

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois ranks 26th in an annual study of U.S. states’ health successes and challenges.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is defending how long it’s taking to expand Illinois’ cannabis industry.
• The Urbana school board has decided against merging its two Spanish dual-language programs into one school.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team bounced back from a loss at Indiana on Sunday to beat Rutgers at home Wednesday night 80-62.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Champaign County’s new public defender, Elisabeth Pollock, who will tell us about the end of cash bail, jail capacity issues and more.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman and Emily Hays.

217 Today: End of Roe v. Wade increases out-of-state abortion patients in Illinois

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• On Tuesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed changes to the SAFE-T Act into law.
• The Urbana school board has decided not to merge its two Spanish dual-language programs into one school.
• The University of Illinois’ McKinley Health Center is partnering with Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to combat opioid overdose deaths in the community.
• The Illinois men’s basketball team knocked off No. 2 Texas Tuesday night at the Jimmy V Classic in New York City 85-78 in overtime.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a look at how the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision has affected abortion access in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Emily Hays, Luis Velazquez and Madison Holcomb.

217 Today: As Champaign prepares to open new homeless shelter, officials ask what else can be done

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• A report from the State Executive Inspector General shows a climate of hazing and sexual discrimination created a hostile work environment at the state prison in Pontiac.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health will begin offering a new HIV treatment in January. 
• Come January, Nabeela Syed will be the second-youngest representative in the Illinois General Assembly.
• Newly sworn-in Champaign County Board members held their organizational meeting last night — with the smallest Republican minority since Democrats gained majority status in 2000.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a new shelter for people dealing with homelessness in Champaign-Urbana.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Charlie Schlenker, Mawa Iqbal, Emily Hays, Jim Meadows and Sydney Wood.

217 Today: As days get shorter, Seasonal Affective Disorder worsens in Northern states

Monday, December 5, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois’ economic growth rate held steady in November.
• People detained in Illinois state correctional facilities could soon have access to free menstrual hygiene products and underwear.
• The Fighting Illini football team announced Sunday that they will play in the Reliaquest Bowl against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
• Despite a heroic effort from point guard Makira Cook, the Illinois women’s basketball team lost 65-61 Sunday at fifth-ranked Indiana.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can impact many people as the days get shorter each year.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Mawa Iqbal, Colin Hislope and Hannah Lonergan.

217 Today: Illinois General Assembly approves changes to SAFE-T Act

Friday, December 2, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Lawyers on both sides of the criminal justice system in one central Illinois county say they are ready to meet the potential challenges in the courtroom when cash bail ends in January.
• Police have arrested a minor suspected of sending violent threats to Urbana High School. 
• This weekend is your last chance to see an exhibit on quinceañeras at the Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois.
• More than one in every five rural residents in the U.S. is over the age of 65.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at changes to the SAFE-T Act that the Illinois General Assembly approved Thursday.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Eric Stock, Emily Hays, Luis Velazquez, Jonathan Ahl, Alex Degman and Mawa Iqbal.

217 Today: States differ in how they’ll use more than $50 billion from opioid settlements

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Thursday is the last day of the so-called veto session. And Illinois Lawmakers are expected to consider changes to the controversial law that is set to eliminate cash bail next year.
• Governor JB Pritzker has dedicated a new Springfield memorial to highlight former President Barack Obama’s rise to power.
• University of Illinois professors have published a study diving into the experiences of pregnant women of color during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Chinese students at the University of Illinois say they’re proud of protesters in their home country, where the government is cracking down on public demonstrations against COVID-19 lockdowns.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at how states will spend billions of dollars coming to them from recent settlements with opioid drug manufacturers.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Shannon Heffernan, Dave McKinney, Luis Velazquez, Jeremy Lin and Dan Gorenstein.

217 Today: Incoming Parkland College president discusses goals for the community college

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois lawmakers and business leaders have struck a deal to pay back the remaining debt in the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund.
• Judges in one central Illinois county say they want to be consistent in how they hold bond hearings when cash bail ends in January.
• The Fighting Illini basketball team won its game in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge last night by beating the Syracuse Orange 73-44.
• After several extensions, you’ll need to get your expired Illinois driver’s license, learner’s permit or state ID renewed starting Thursday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Pamela Lau, who will be taking over as president of Parkland College in Champaign in January.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Eric Stock, Colin Hislope and Emily Hays.

217 Today: Loyola researcher clears up misinformation about the SAFE-T Act

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• It’s still unclear what – if any – changes will be made to Illinois’ so-called “SAFE-T Act” before one of its major components takes effect.
• The Illinois Department of Transportation has designated Interstate 74 as one of the state’s “alternative fuel corridors” to help people traveling with electric vehicles.
• Danville High School was ready to open a family health clinic in its basement last spring, but that was delayed by almost a year.
• The Urbana City Council gave their final approval last night to an eight-month delay in the opening deadline for the Hotel Royer.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from a Loyola University researcher about the  SAFE-T Act, which will give judges more discretion about which people to keep in jail before their trials and eliminate cash bail in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Michelle O’Neill, Emily Hays, Jim Meadows and Shannon Heffernan.

217 Today: Midterm election results could affect Farm Bill renewal next year

Monday, November 28, 2022

217 Today: Carle Foundation Hospital copes with children with RSV filling its hospital beds

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois State Police have adopted changes they say will help keep guns away from people who should not have them.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health has some tips to help prevent viruses like COVID, RSV and the flu from spreading this Thanksgiving holiday.
• The new Champaign County executive says he’s ready to work collaboratively with the county board.
• As the December holidays draw near, Illinois elected officials and advocates are warning families about recalled or potentially dangerous toys.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how Carle Hospital in Urbana is coping with the number of children with RSV filling the pediatric beds.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Jim Meadows, Mawa Iqbal, and Emily Hays.

217 Today: Urban farmers struggle to buy vacant lots to turn into greenspace

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• The nationwide shortage of a common antibiotic has hit local pharmacies.
• As Thanksgiving approaches, rising food prices could make it harder to prepare a healthy meal that’s also not overly expensive.
• The City of Urbana is offering a free leaf recycling program through the month of November.
• The Illinois women’s basketball team improved to 5-0 on the season with an 84-55 win over Oakland University Monday night in Champaign.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear how urban farms can take blighted vacant lots and turn them into green space that provides food for neighborhoods. But farmers often struggle to get the land they need.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Ryan Denham, Miranda Zanca, and Eva Tesfaye.

217 Today: Black Americans are less likely to receive palliative and hospice care than White Americans

Monday, November 21, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Some Illinois lawmakers are trying to close a loophole that allows pawn brokers to offer loans at triple-digit interest rates.
• The electric automaker Rivian’s move to force arbitration in a sexual harassment case is raising eyebrows among advocates who worked on a new federal law banning that practice.
• Illinois is channeling 25 percent of its cannabis taxes directly into communities harmed by past drug policy, including one in Decatur.
• The deadly mass shooting at a Colorado nightclub over the weekend was on the minds of local churchgoers Sunday night.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at reasons Black Americans don’t receive palliative and hospice care at the same level as white people.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Ryan Denham, Emily Hays, Reginald Hardwick and Dan Gorenstein. 

217 Today: 3M manufacturing plant causes widespread drinking water contamination along the Mississippi River

Friday, November 18, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Local healthcare providers are dealing with a big surge in severe childhood respiratory infections.
• Urbana High School students are learning remotely again Friday as part of a continued investigation into threats made against the school on Wednesday.
• Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is still a fundraising force even while facing federal corruption charges.
• The University of Illinois Pakistani Student Association is encouraging fellow students to donate to relief efforts in Pakistan, where flooding has put nearly one-third of the country underwater.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the widespread drinking water contamination caused by a 3M manufacturing plant along the Mississippi River.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Ariceli Gomez-Aldana, Emily Hays, Dave McKinney, Hannah Lonergan and Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco.

217 Today: U of I program helps Indigenous tribes take possession of human remains

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• In a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate this week, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois praised a University of Illinois student for standing up for abortion rights by casting her vote last week.
• The Illinois House Republicans’ newly elected leader has ideas on how to win more races.
• Illinois’ major rivers play a crucial role in transporting crops and other commodities. But right now, rivers across the state are facing a drought that is hampering barge traffic.
• Carbon is the key to life on Earth. But too many carbon emissions have put our planet on the path to unprecedented heat and storms in human history.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about a program at the University of Illinois that helps indigenous tribes take possession of human remains currently stored by the university.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Lillie Salas, Alex Degman, Luis Velazquez, Reginald Hardwick and Madison Holcomb.

217 Today: Percussionist Zakir Hussain discusses his musical influences ahead of Krannert concert

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

217 Today: Tightening abortion laws prompt conversations about making the Child Tax Credit permanent

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

217 Today: Expert says not all policies to erase medical debt are equally effective

Monday, November 14, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• We could see the first snow accumulation of the season starting tonight.
• Last summer’s demolition of the Cannon school building in Danville destroyed a notable reminder of Joe Cannon, the longtime Danville congressman and House Speaker. Now there’s a campaign to name another Danville building after him.
• The Fighting Illini football team lost to the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday afternoon 31-to-24.
• The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team used the three-point shot to blow out Alcorn State 90-to-59 on Sunday in Champaign. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at healthcare debt and some different policies that aim to fight it.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Andrew Pritchard, Jim Meadows, Colin Hislope and Dan Gorenstein.

217 Today: Illinois Democrats sweep statewide races in midterm elections

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Fresh off his reelection win, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is still facing multiple questions about whether he’ll run for president.
• With the election cycle drawing to a close, the Illinois General Assembly soon will consider more revisions to the state’s criminal justice reform law during the fall veto session.
• Champaign-Urbana transit officials are making a plan to spend nearly $4 million in federal funding for electric buses.
• Researchers at the University of Illinois said they’ve developed a new test that can check for the presence of three viruses causing concern this year: COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at Tuesday’s election results in Illinois with statehouse reporter Alex Degman. 

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Joe Deacon, Miranda Zanca, Emily Richie and Tim Shelley.

217 Today: Cybersecurity expert questions Champaign County’s claims of a cyberattack at voting polls

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has won another four-year term.
• Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois recalled her poor childhood after she won reelection yesterday.
• Illinois’ 13th congressional district became one of the hottest races in the state.
• Chicago Democrat Alexi Giannoulias will be the next Illinois Secretary of State, replacing longtime incumbent Jesse White.
• If Champaign County election tallies from late last night hold up, Democrats won every county office they ran for.
• Election officials in Vermilion County say they believe this year’s voter turnout was higher than in previous midterm elections.
• As expected, Republican Mary Miller won re-election to represent Illinois’ 15th Congressional District.
• Illinois’ 17th Congressional District is the last one in the state to be officially decided.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear about claims of a cyberattack on Champaign County election systems, plus election results from the county and across the state. 

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Dan Mihalopoulos, Mawa Iqbal, Harrison Malkin, Lillie Salas, Stephanie Wayda and Jim Meadows.

217 Today: A Supreme Court case from Indiana could prevent Americans from suing state agencies

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Urbana School District 116 canceled classes at its high school and middle school on Monday in response to a shooting threat. No one was hurt, according to district officials.
• In Illinois, Election Day is a state holiday to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot, and state officials said people should be able to do it safely.
• The Champaign County Clerk’s office will have a full staff for Election Day after reaching an agreement with a county board member who had sought to keep an election worker off the job.
• The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team won its season opener against Eastern Illinois on Monday night 87-57.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how millions of Americans could lose the right to sue when state agencies don’t provide services people are entitled to.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Emily Hays, Reginald Hardwick, Colin Hislope and Farah Yousry.

217 Today: New law may lower prescription drug prices for seniors

Monday, November 7, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• A lawsuit filed Friday by a Republican Champaign County board member temporarily sidelined a top county election official just days before the November election.
• Illinois’ economy is growing at an increasingly slower rate.
• The Illinois Film Office is offering free trainings in seven locations across the state.
• The Fighting Illini football team lost to the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday afternoon 23-15.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at a change to Medicare that could help seniors facing high drug prices.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Yvonne Boose, Jim Meadows, Colin Hislope and Dan Gorenstein.

217 Today: Music director of the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana previews their upcoming concert

Friday, November 4, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• U.S. Senator Dick Durbin warns of increased conflict between Russia, Ukraine and members of NATO.
• When immigrants arrive in Urbana-Champaign, local organizations ensure those without resources receive beds, baby clothes and diapers.
• Many Central Illinois residents found political ads that look like newspapers in their mailboxes this week.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from the music director of the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, Sarah Riskind, about the choir’s upcoming concert this Sunday. 

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Lyndsey Jones, Luis Velazquez and Reginald Hardwick.

217 Today: Educators find new ways to teach reading amid a statewide decline in reading scores

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• A recent report from two environmental justice groups found most Illinois coal-fired plants are not complying with a federal rule to curb groundwater contamination.
• Governor J.B. Pritzker says the state will be able to afford his plan to make college free for low and middle-income students.
• On Tuesday, Champaign-Urbana celebrated the memories of those who have passed away for the Day of the Dead.
• Spurlock Museum in Urbana is highlighting the Hispanic tradition of the Quinceanera, a celebration of a girl’s coming of age on her 15 birthday.  

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how educators are working to raise reading scores for schoolchildren in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Ryan Denham, Luis Velazquez, Jacqueline Barba and Peter Medlin.

217 Today: Pregnant immigrants struggle to find prenatal care amid restrictive federal laws

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• A long legal battle between inmates and the Illinois Department of Corrections over mental health care has taken another turn.
• Carle Health in Urbana will take over management of several hospitals in central Illinois from UnityPoint Health.
• The Village of Savoy voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend the Champaign Unit 4 school district reinstate neighborhood schools.
• Local interpreter Mateo Sebastian has been awarded the Immigrant Leadership Award by the city of Champaign.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how pregnant immigrants in some states are barred from public assistance if they’ve been in the U.S. less than five years, which leaves them with few options for affordable prenatal care.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Eric Stock, Tim Shelley, Emily Hays, Jacqueline Barba and Natalie Krebs.

217 Today: Changing demographics and political power in one rural Douglas County town

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinoisans have so far requested far fewer mail-in ballots for the Nov. 8 general election than they did in 2020.
• The company that owns the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant says it wants to keep the generating station open for another 20 years.
• An old virus is getting young children sick and filling hospital beds.
• Carle Health and Aetna have reached a tentative agreement on a preferred provider contract covering Medicare patients, effective Jan. 1.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take you south from Champaign-Urbana to the Douglas County town of Arcola, where Latinos are increasing in population and in power

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Charlie Schlenker, Emily Hays, Kimberly Schofield and Luis Velazquez.

217 Today: Career advancement opportunities may solve shortage of long-term care workers

Monday, October 31, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• A lawsuit that seeks to stop mail-in ballot counting after Election Day in Illinois is still pending even though the election is less than two weeks away.
• New legislation will provide a financial boost to Illinois Agritourism businesses.
• Researchers at the University of Illinois said patients with neurological ailments could get a faster diagnosis thanks to new technology.
• The Illinois football team is up to number 14 in the latest Associated Press top 25 poll released Sunday.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll look at whether career advancement opportunities could help with the shortage of long-term care workers.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Colin Schopp, Luis Velazquez and Dan Gorenstein.

217 Today: 3 Secretary of State candidates campaign to replace retiring Democrat Jesse White

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Two of those candidates for Illinois Secretary of State are split on how involved the office should be in elections.
• Faith leaders from across the St. Louis region are asking to be included in the community response to the fatal shootings this week at a south Saint Louis high school.
• Public health officials say another Champaign County resident has died from COVID-19. He was a man in his 60s. This marks the 308 death from COVID-19 in the county.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the Illinois Secretary of State race, where three candidates are vying to replace retiring Democrat Jesse White.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Brian Munoz, Emily Hays and Eric Stock.

217 Today: John Deere’s plans to create an autonomous tractor evoke mixed reactions from farmers

217 Today: Democrat Paul Lange talks gun control and abortion rights in campaign against incumbent Republican Mary Miller

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• St. Louis Police have identified a suspect in Monday’s shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School that left two people dead and seven others injured.
• As Election Day draws near, spending on political ads on TV, the web and other media has hit an all-time high nationwide, and some of that big spending is in Illinois.
• The Champaign Unit 4 school district has heard parent feedback and is working on less disruptive ways to desegregate schools.
• The city of Champaign is stepping up its support of a local YMCA to help kids and decrease gun violence.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Paul Lange, a Democrat running against incumbent Republican Mary Miller in the 15th congressional district.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Eric Schmid, Mawa Iqbal, Emily Hays, Hannah Lonergan and Harrison Malkin.

217 Today: Victims of Highland Park shooting file a set of lawsuits in an effort to end mass shootings

Monday, October 24, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Illinois Congressman Sean Casten hosted a roundtable Friday on protecting abortion access.
• Speaker Chris Welch said it’s likely the Illinois House will be sent and vote on proposed changes to the SAFE-T Act during the fall veto session regardless of the outcome of the Nov. 8 election.
• One prominent, local chef said he thinks wine can bring people of different political stripes together.
• The former president of AT&T Illinois has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how dozens of victims of the Highland Park shooting have signed onto a set of lawsuits, fueled by a desire to end mass shootings. 

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Ryan Denham, Harrison Malkin, Katie O’Connell and Anna Savchenko.

217 Today: The pandemic has reignited turf wars among health professions

217 Today: C-U Folk and Roots Festival headliner Don Flemons discusses his move to the Chicago area

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• With only three weeks before the November election, Illinois Democrats in several statewide races are out-raising their Republican opponents.
• Student test scores in Illinois on state reading and math exams plummeted last year during the pandemic and are rebounding slowly.
• Both congressional candidates in Illinois’ 13th district say they support lowering prescription prices and capping the cost of insulin. But they disagree on a new federal law meant to achieve those goals.
• Champaign-Urbana’s latest queer publication, The Lavender Newsletter, released its first edition this month.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Don Flemons, who is one of the headline performers at this year’s C-U Folk and Roots Festival.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Kate Grossman, Harrison Malkin and Sydney Wood.

217 Today: Metro East abortion clinics struggle to serve increasing number of patients

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• The two major candidates for Illinois governor met for their last public debate before the November 8th election.
• A native of Central Illinois will launch a live call-in talk show on nearly 500 public radio stations Wednesday night.
• Two open houses at Champaign Unit 4 schools this week yielded the same message – parents don’t want their children to change elementary schools next year.
• Flu season has begun, and health officials say this year’s strain could be especially bad.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the surge in patients to the St. Louis Metro East from states with new abortion bans.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Dave McKinney, Reginald Hardwick, Emily Hays, Miranda Zanca and Sarah Fentem.

217 Today: Congresswoman Robin Kelly discusses gun violence, Green New Deal in campaign for re-election

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• The two major party candidates for Illinois governor debate one more time tonight.
• A committee of Urbana parents, teachers and administrators is proposing District 116 combine Spanish dual language programs from two different schools into just one school – Leal Elementary.
• The Attorney General race in Illinois could have a big impact on abortion access for people across the Midwest.
• Nearly 100 people voiced their concerns yesterday about proposed changes to the Champaign Unit 4 elementary school selection process at an open house listening session at Carrie Busey Elementary School in Savoy.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Congresswoman Robin Kelly who is up for re-election in Illinois’ 2nd congressional district. She’s running against Republican challenger Thomas Lynch.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Emily Hays, Shannon Heffernan and Harrison Malkin.

217 Today: Democrat Tammy Duckworth seeks second term in Illinois Senate race against Republican challenger Kathy Salvi

Monday, October 17, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has a commanding lead over Republican Darren Bailey in a new WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times poll.
• Despite county clerks being swamped with Freedom of Information requests about election security, no one from the public showed up to a Q&A and voting machine demo over the weekend in Bloomington.
• The fall harvest continues in Illinois, but the USDA is preparing for smaller crops because of drought.
• The Fighting Illini football team defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers Saturday afternoon 26-14.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the race for U.S. Senate in Illinois, where Democrat Tammy Duckworth is seeking a second term against Republican challenger Kathy Salvi.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Dave McKinney, Colleen Reynolds, Harrison Malkin, Colin Hislope and Dan Mihalopoulos.

217 Today: Susannah Scaroni discusses winning the Chicago Marathon after recovering from a car accident

Friday, October 14, 2022

217 Today: Incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul faces Republican challenger Tom DeVore in IL Attorney General race

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger is endorsing Democrats in several major races across the country.
• The head of a major business lobbying group in Illinois says the Workers’ Rights Amendment is a political ploy by Democrats to get the unions to vote on election day.
• Organizations and events that support the LGBTQ community in Illinois have been targets of hatred and harassment.
• According to the Illinois Association of Superintendents, 90 percent of schools in our state are experiencing staff shortages. Three area superintendents say it’s a problem for their districts as well. 

In today’s deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the race for Illinois Attorney General, where incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul faces Republican challenger Tom DeVore.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Eric Stock, Luis Velazquez, Reginald Hardwick and Shannon Heffernan.

217 Today: Illinois Treasurer candidates discuss taxes and the potential merger of the treasurer and comptroller offices

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

217 Today: 2nd District Republican candidate Thomas Lynch talks gun control and abortion ahead of the midterm election

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• Conservative mega-donor Richard Uihlien has thrown another $13.9 million into the Illinois governor’s race.
• COVID-19 is spreading in Illinois at its lowest rate in months. But state public health officials are preparing for a possible surge in cases this fall and winter.
• Parents rallied at a Unit 4 Board of Education meeting in Champaign on Monday to oppose changes in the elementary school selection process.
• Last week, OSF Healthcare employees and religious leaders celebrated the Heart of Mary Medical Center’s 100-year anniversary.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from Republican Thomas Lynch, who is attempting to unseat incumbent Democrat Robin Kelly in Illinois’ second congressional district.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Jim Meadows, Emily Hays, Nour Longi and Harrison Malkin.

217 Today: Pandemic learning places a greater strain on students with disabilities

Monday, October 10, 2022

217 Today: Jupiter String Quartet prepares for their first performance of the academic year

Friday, October 7, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• The first televised debate for the 2022 Illinois governor’s race took place last night.
• Education was one of many topics that the 13th Congressional District candidates disagreed on during last night’s debate.
• An ongoing study done by University of Illinois faculty has found a new and improved COVID-19 test that detects the virus faster.
• Next Monday, the Allerton Park and Retreat Center will host an informational session for anyone who would like to become a tour guide at the park near Monticello.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from violinist Nelson Lee from the Jupiter String Quartet. The group’s first performance this academic year is tomorrow night at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Reginald Hardwick, Luis Velazquez and Ariyelle Edwards.

217 Today: Changing landscape for abortion services leads to confusion among Midwest providers and patients

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• The two major party candidates for Illinois governor face off in front of a live audience tonight.
• Local homeless shelter C-U at Home has rejected an offer from the City of Champaign Township to buy its building near downtown Champaign.
• According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 500 mass shootings so far this year.
• Urbana resident John Patterson’s JA Patt Sauces and Rubs started as part of his restaurant. But after it closed, he began selling his seasonings on their own.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear about the ever-changing landscape of abortion access in the Midwest.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Sydney Wood, Harrison Malkin, Jacqueline Barba and Aprile Rickert.

217 Today: Illinois voters will decide whether to enshrine workers’ right to collectively bargain in the state constitution

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Today’s headlines:

• The Illinois State Board of Education is taking suggestions from the public as it puts together a budget plan for the next school year.
• The Champaign group “Party for Socialism and Liberation” held a rally last Tuesday night to protest a regional pregnancy center they say pressures people not to get abortions.
• Families are beginning to weigh in on plans from the Champaign Unit 4 School District to change how it assigns students to elementary schools next year.
• A group of defectors from North Korea shared their stories over the weekend on the University of Illinois’ Urbana campus.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the Workers’ Rights Amendment voters will weigh in on this November.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Susie An, Hannah Lonergan, Emily Hays, Madison Holcomb and Alex Degman.