Trump’s swearing-in will move inside the Capitol Rotunda because of intense cold weather
The swearing-in was last moved indoors in 1985, when President Ronald Reagan began his second term. Monday’s forecast calls for the lowest inauguration day temperatures since that day.
New Decatur school preparing to welcome students in August
Officials with Decatur Public Schools District 61 announced Tuesday that construction is wrapping up for the building, which is set to replace the American Dreamer STEM Academy.
The soybean is poised to become Illinois’ official state bean
Lawmakers have put the soybean on track to become Illinois’s official state bean. The Prarie State is the top producer of soybeans in the U.S., with about a quarter of its land used for growing the crop.
COVID-era public health chief fined $150K for ethics violation
Former Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health Dr. Ngozi Ezike will pay a $150,000 fine for violating a state anti-corruption law.
Prosecutor goes after final defense witness as Madigan prepares to rest case
As the defense prepares to rest its case Thursday morning, the only thing separating the jury from the deliberation room will be three days of closing arguments scheduled for next week.
Netanyahu says ‘last-minute crisis’ with Hamas holding up approval of Gaza truce and hostage deal
A statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office signaled complications with the ceasefire deal shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden and key mediator Qatar announced it was complete.
217 Today: There’s a new Piano Man in town
In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to Andrew Simek discuss his take on his new position and music’s role in his life.
There’s a new Piano Man in town
Andrew Simek is taking over the role of the Piano Man at the Canopy Club in Urbana.
Biden warns in farewell address that an ‘oligarchy’ of ultrarich in US threatens future of democracy
President Joe Biden has used his farewell address to the nation to warn of an “oligarchy” of the ultra-wealthy taking root in the country and of a “tech-industrial complex” that is infringing on Americans’ rights and the future of democracy.
VIDEO: Biden to give farewell address
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office on Monday, President Joe Biden gives a farewell address-wrapping up a career in politics spanning five decades.
Illinois bill could raise age for mandatory license renewal driving test for seniors
Older drivers in Illinois could face fewer barriers to renew their driver’s licenses next year as part of a bill that would raise the age for the state-mandated annual driver’s test from 79 to 87.
University of Illinois System expands transfer guarantee to all state high school graduates
On Wednesday, the U of I System announced it will expand that its Transfer Guarantee to any Illinois high school graduate who meets the grade and credit requirements.
Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire deal to pause Gaza war and release some hostages, mediators say
Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal, mediators announced Wednesday, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip.
Madigan leaves witness stand expressing regret for ‘any time spent with Danny Solis’
The former Illinois House speaker on Tuesday made a rare candid remark about the yearslong investigation that landed him on the witness stand.
ACLU urges University of Illinois to roll back protest regulations
U of I said the summer update just clarified existing policies, but the ACLU said in a letter Wednesday it has led to new punishments for student speech.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Jan. 16 – Jan. 20
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 –
217 Today: The state of Illinois may soon get a new flag
In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with commissioner Will Stephens to learn more about what went into the process of selecting a new Illinois state flag.
Divided Champaign Unit 4 school board works together to fill vacancy for now
As the Champaign Unit 4 board is confronting another vacancy, the group is working through lingering tensions. The divisions aren’t fully resolved, but during a meeting Monday night, the members did agree to seek applicants to fill that spot.
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
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