Immigrant health care programs boosted hospital bottom lines, study suggests
Two state-run health care programs that extend Medicaid-like coverage to non-citizens may have provided significant financial benefits for Illinois hospitals.
217 Today: Incoming Urbana mayor DeShawn Williams hopes to unite the city
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.
Trump signs executive order directing federal funding cuts to PBS and NPR
The order instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies “to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS” and further requires that that they work to root out indirect sources of public financing for the news organizations.
Incoming Urbana mayor DeShawn Williams hopes to unite the city
Williams will be sworn in on May 3. IPM’s Kimberly Schofield asked him what it means for him to be Urbana’s first Black mayor, how he hopes to bring the city together and why he plans to spend a lot of time with youth.
‘This is like leaving home for us’: Chancellor Robert Jones on departure from U of I, Trump targeting higher ed, and leading through COVID
Jones will soon head to the University of Washington in Seattle. He starts on August 1, 2025.
Four children still hospitalized while Chatham mourns four who died in crash
As a central Illinois community mourns the deaths of three children and a teen counselor killed Monday when a vehicle crashed into the building that housed their after-school program, it has rallied around survivors.
2025 Market at the Square in Urbana to feature 150 vendors
Urbana’s Market at the Square’s 2025 season will get underway Saturday.
More states are moving to scrap sales tax at the grocery store
With high prices at the grocery store, legislators across the middle of the country have moved away from sales taxes on food purchases.
Outgoing Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin reflects on city finances, public safety
Marlin said she hopes the city’s next mayor will “make decisions based on what is best for the community as a whole.”
Stratton’s top priority in Senate campaign: Fighting back against Trump
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has one priority if she is elected to the U.S. Senate in 2026: fighting back against President Donald Trump’s policies.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 01 – May 04
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to Central Illinois in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.
Illinois crumbles in extra innings, losing to Eastern Illinois University
The Fighting Illini softball team was unable to complete a come-from-behind victory against Eastern Illinois University Wednesday evening, losing 4-3 in extra innings.
Faculty members urge University of Illinois to join Big Ten mutual defense compact
Under the “mutual academic defense compact,” participating schools would share financial and legal resources in the face of any challenges from the federal government.
‘Celebrating Africa’ event highlights North African and Arab belonging at the University of Illinois
Attendees of the “Celebrating Africa” event on on April 25 were transported to Africa with Zimbabwean music, dances and the aromas of authentic dishes like Senegalese jollof, Egyptian koshari, Ethiopian injera, Moroccan mint tea, and South African specialties. Each plate told a story of migration and shared history.
Chatham Strong: A community deals with tragedy
Chatham residents experience grief and shock in the aftermath of an accident that killed four young people after a driver slammed into an after school childcare center.
Got your Real ID? Millions of Midwesterners still don’t have the new, more secure cards
After May 7, people age 18 and older who want to travel domestically by air and enter certain federal buildings will need to present a Real ID or a valid passport.
217 Today: The federal library department has put almost all of its staff on leave. What does that mean for your town’s library?
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how the Trump administration’s recent cuts could jeopardize services offered by local libraries.
Driver of deadly crash at after-school camp is a former State Police employee
Four children were killed and six injured, with one in critical condition.
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.
Meet the team
Reginald Hardwick
News & Public Affairs Director
Jim Meadows
All Things Considered Host & Harvest Public Media reporter
Arjun Thakkar
Senior Editor
Kimberly Schofield
Morning Edition Host & Arts reporter
Mae Antar
Weekend Edition Host & reporter
David Pierce
Reporter
Kennedy Vincent
Black & Immigrant Communities Reporter & Dialogue Host
Emily Hays
Reporter
Steve Morck
Senior Digital Media Producer
Stephanie Mosqueda
Producer
Brian Mackey
Host of The 21st
Jose Zepeda
Producer on The 21st
Christine Hatfield
Producer on The 21st
