Justice Department begins releasing long-awaited files tied to Epstein sex trafficking investigation
Trump had long opposed the files’ release but did a U-turn after political pressure from fellow Republicans.
Illinois Education officials brace for lean fiscal year ahead
For the current fiscal year, spending on elementary and secondary education is expected to total just under $11.2 billion, or about 20% of the state’s entire $55.1 billion General Revenue Fund Budget.
RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz announce moves to ban gender-affirming care for young people
The pivot to the topic of transgender minors comes one day after Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a package of health care bills that do not extend subsidies for people who buy health insurance in Affordable Care Act plans.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 18 – Dec. 21
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.
Trump gives a partisan prime-time address insisting the economy is stronger than many voters feel
The remarks came as the nation is preparing to settle down to celebrate the holidays, yet Trump was focused more on divisions within the country than a sense of unity.
Illinois vaccine committee votes to keep recommending hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
Since at least 2018, the state has logged only one confirmed case of a newborn infected with hepatitis B.
Pritzker signs $1.5B plan to overhaul public transportation, avoid service cuts
Law raises money to allow Chicago-area transit agencies to avert financial disaster.
Republicans defy Speaker Johnson to force House vote on extending ACA subsidies
Four centrist Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.
Investigators release additional video of possible Brown gunman as search continues
Investigators provided no indication Tuesday that they were any closer to zeroing in on his identity.
217 Today: New Illinois Farm Bureau president wants to restore communication and credibility for the venerable organization
In today’s deep dive, the Illinois Farm Bureau is ushering in a new leadership, we’ll hear more from Philip Nelson who won the election.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 18 – Dec. 21
Winter lights, solstice celebrations, plays and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Rivian ups its game on hands-free driving and AI
Electric automaker Rivian has unveiled new technology it says will put it at the forefront of autonomous vehicles.
New Illinois Farm Bureau president wants to restore communication and credibility for the venerable organization
New Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson said one reason he unseated previous organization head Brian Duncan was a legal dispute with the American Farm Bureau Federation
What to know about the search for the Brown University shooting suspect
With the Brown University shooter still on the loose Tuesday, police fanned out to Providence schools to reassure parents, kids and teachers as investigators pushed for new evidence that might help them crack the case.
Illinois leaders ‘won’t back down’ following Trump’s order limiting AI regulation
Trump’s order targets state regulations, including several in Illinois, that he said are inconsistent with national policy on AI. Critics said Illinois will not be swayed by the influence of “Big Tech.”
217 Today: With a federal tax credit ending early, installing home solar is about to get more expensive
In today’s deep dive, a federal incentive for homeowner solar is rapidly expiring. Congress voted this summer to eliminate the tax credit at the end of this year. But people in the solar industry remain optimistic.
With a federal tax credit ending early, installing home solar is about to get more expensive
The massive tax and spending law signed in July halts a federal incentive for residential solar, and homeowners and installers are hurrying to complete projects before the end of the year. Industry experts say there are other ways to cut costs like “group buys.”
Mike White, former Cal, Illinois and Raiders coach, dies at 89
White had a successful career coaching the Illini to the Rose Bowl following the 1983 season.
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