
Dangerously bitter cold temperatures arrive in central Illinois this weekend
Very, cold wind chills as low as 15 to 25 degrees below zero are expected Saturday night.

Advocates for Aging Care pushes for solutions as Champaign County faces skilled nursing bed shortage

How Illinois’ Democratic U.S. Senate candidates plan to address economic issues
How Illinois’ Democratic U.S. Senate candidates plan to address economic issues

Illinois educators hope to tackle thorny issue of math competence
Each year, the Illinois State Board of Education releases an annual report card with data showing how students are doing in the basic subjects of reading, writing and math.

Champaign’s only low-barrier shelter is at risk of closing. Some guests are worried
Strides first opened in 2022, with funding from the American Rescue Plan, a federal COVID-19 relief fund. But funding is set to run out as early as February.

Republican Senate Candidate Don Tracy on Israel, ICE, and the future of MAGA and the GOP
This episode of “Dialogue” features Republican Senate Candidate Don Tracy who is a candidate for the Illinois Senate race in 2026 on the 21st Show.

Illinois Senate Candidates Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and Congresswoman Robin Kelly discuss policies
This episode of “Dialogue” features a round-up of stories from candidates for the Illinois Senate race in 2026 who spoke on the 21st Show of the issues they aim to tackle if they get elected.

217 Today: Champaign’s only low-barrier shelter is at risk of closing. Some guests are worried
In today’s deep dive, the only low-barrier shelter in Champaign-Urbana is at risk of closing. Some guests worry they’ll end up on the streets.

No. 14 Illinois beats No. 13 Tennessee 75-62 in Music City Madness
Illinois snapped a five-game skid on neutral courts against ranked opponents and also gave coach Brad Underwood his first win in three tries against Tennessee.

3I/ATLAS is not alien spacecraft. But here’s how scientists actually look for aliens
3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system, is on its way out, yet speculation that it is alien technology persists.

Holiday cards to those in prison will be digitized this year. A local group points out the importance of physical copies
RIPPLE Effect brings together about two dozen strangers every holiday to write cards to incarcerated people from Champaign County.

Winter Weather Advisory for Champaign County now-Sunday 6am: winter mix possible
New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

217 Today: Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
In today’s deep dive, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch opened 30 years ago in Rantoul and today, 20 reindeer live at Hardy’s, which recently represented Illinois on Good Morning America’s “America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks.”

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, recently featured on Good Morning America, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Rep. Sorensen calls for Defense Secretary Hegseth to resign after Pentagon watchdog report
A summary of the inspector general’s report provided to NPR finds that had a foreign adversary intercepted the intelligence discussed in the chat, it would have endangered both U.S. servicemembers and the mission at large.

Massey Commission releases its final report
The report summarizes the Commission’s public hearings, listening sessions, and research.

Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois
Amid increasingly hostile laws and rhetoric targeting transgender people in the United States, many of them seek to move to places they feel safer. Aaron Slayton is one of many who have made a new home in central Illinois.

Illinois unveils plans to celebrate 250 years of American independence
The programs will seek to highlight local histories and celebrate Illinois’s achievements.

Champaign City Council rejects public encampment ban
The measure would’ve prohibited people from camping on public and city property while requiring city staff to make an effort to connect people with social services.
Keep up with news in Central Illinois every weekday with 217 Today. Hear the day's headlines, along with one deeper dive, in just ten minutes. Learn about the people and places that make Central Illinois unique with 217 Today.

