Panel looking at murder of Sonya Massey by sheriff’s deputy recommends police reforms
Sontae Massey, Sonya’s cousin, served on the commission and told the Sangamon County Board this week that the steps laid out in their report aren’t just recommendations.
Advocates for Aging Care pushes for solutions as Champaign County faces skilled nursing bed shortage
217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 11 – Dec. 14
In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear what’s coming to the central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture, and entertainment.
Youth substance abuse prevention program looks to athletes to spread the word
A youth substance misuse prevention program from the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health [IABH] has partnered with the Illinois High School Association [IHSA] and IESA to expand outreach efforts.
Improved natural gas storage fields will save customers money, Ameren Illinois says
Buried in the rate request that Illinois regulators cut last month from nearly $129 million to $73 million is the final phase of Ameren’s modernization efforts for its natural gas storage field just south of Freeburg.
University of Illinois student officials worry about losing self-governing power
Student officials at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign say administrators have changed their election rules without their input.
Strong winds expected today in Central Illinois, snow to return later in the week
Gusts of 40-50 mph can be expected through midday, according to the National Weather Service.
217 Today: Improved natural gas storage fields will save customers money, Ameren Illinois says
In today’s deep dive, Cold temperatures have already hit the St. Louis region. With that will come increased use of natural gas to heat homes. Ameren Illinois says changes to their local gas storage fields will help save customers money.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 11 – Dec. 14
Plays, book signings with authors, winter lights and more are all happening in Central Illinois this week.
Pritzker signs bill enacting immigrant protections in courthouses
The law allows residents to sue immigration agents for violating constitutional rights.
Illinois Supreme Court in ‘wait and see’ posture as new public defense policy takes shape
During a recent visit to McLean County, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary K. O’Brien said there are geographic disparities in public defense, in addition to equity gaps between prosecutors and public defenders.
Urbana City Council appoints interim fire chief
Tal Prendergast has served the Urbana Fire Department for 17 years and the Danville Fire Department for five years.
Illinois Farm Bureau delegates reject president’s bid for 2nd term
At the IFB annual meeting in Chicago, nearly 57% of the delegates chose Philip Nelson from Seneca, a former IFB president and state agriculture director, as the organization’s 17th president.
217 Today: Cottonseeds are loaded with protein. Could these seeds become a new food source?
In today’s deep dive, cottonseeds could help reduce hunger and add new revenue for farmers. One researcher has been working for decades to make edible seeds a reality.
Cottonseeds are loaded with protein. Could these seeds become a new food source?
Cottonseeds could help reduce hunger and add new revenue for farmers. One researcher has been working for decades to make edible seeds a reality.
Trump administration will send $12 billion in bailout money to farmers hurt by trade war
Most of the package is earmarked for row-crop producers. It aims to help farmers – especially those who grow soybeans – balance out losses from high costs and a trade war with China.
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.
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.
