
War with Iran disrupts fertilizer supply for Kansas farmers, right as planting season begins
Gulf states are major fertilizer producers, and the war with Iran has triggered a 25% price hike just as struggling U.S. farmers are planting corn.

Immigrants lose access to food aid in more states, as federal restrictions take effect
Last year, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the eligibility changes aim to reduce “fraud and waste” in the program.

‘Cow vision’ goggles let farmers see the world on four hooves – and may improve animal welfare
A Wisconsin university is using augmented reality to show staff from meat processing plants and farmers what it’s like to look through the eyes of livestock.

Gallery: No Kings protest in Urbana
People joined “No Kings” protested President Donald Trump’s actions. They demonstrated in Urbana as well as across the U.S. and in Europe.

The Final Four is set as UConn stuns Duke to join Illinois, Arizona and Michigan
The Final Four is set. Illinois will face UConn and Michigan will take on Arizona next Saturday, with the winners squaring off two nights later for the national title.

Illinois advances to Final Four after 21 years
For the first time in 21 years, Illinois is en route to the Final Four after beating the Iowa Hawkeyes 71 – 59.

Photo Gallery: celebrations after Illini beat Iowa
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students erupt with enthusiasm after the Men’s Basketball team defeats Iowa to go to the NCAA Final Four.

Buzzer sounds nonstop for about 7 minutes, causing delay in Iowa-Illinois March Madness game
Players stood on the court ready to play for a couple of minutes before both teams started to warm up as the buzzer continued to sound. It was finally silenced, but then the main scoreboard and video screen that hangs over the middle of the court went dark.

MTD property annexations bring the agency a step closer to expanding bus service
The MTD moved to add properties onto its tax rolls, a move that could allow the agency to expand bus routes and increase access to the Carle health facility along Curtis Road and Mattis Avenue.

Blues icon Robert Cray coming to the Virginia Theatre
Robert Cray has been a staple in blues and the music industry for over five decades. Cray spoke with IPM Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield about his career and upcoming performance in Champaign at the Virginia Theatre.

Junk fees, child torture, tipped wage proposals among bills to clear committee
More than 150 measures have moved thus far as House deadline approaches.

Illini Students Supporting Israel hosts speaker from the Israel Defense Forces
URBANA — A member of the Israel Defense Forces visited the Illini Union Monday night to share his experience living

Following Shahid Khan’s honorary degree rejection, U of I System is reexamining the process
The University Senate has rejected both of U of I billionaire and alum Shahid Khan’s honorary degree nominations. Now, for privacy concerns and other reasons, the U of I system universities are taking a closer look at their processes for awarding honorary degrees.

University funding overhaul bill advances in House despite U of I opposition
Legislation would create a need-based formula for universities similar to one used for K-12 schools.

Illinois clamps down on Houston for a 65-55 March Madness win to reach Elite Eight
Next up is a meeting Saturday with ninth-seeded Iowa to see which Big Ten team will advance to the Final Four. It will be the 11th Elite Eight appearance for Illinois and its second in three seasons under Brad Underwood.

Strong to severe storms produce hail and high winds in central Illinois
Hail fell in parts of Champaign and Vermilion Counties on Thursday night.

Central Illinois Regional Airport seeks community donations to support unpaid TSA officers
On day 39 of the partial government shutdown, TSA officers across the country missed at least one full paycheck.

Lawmakers advance Pritzker’s cell phone ban, social media regulations
A bill expanding 4-year degrees at community colleges progresses after facing opposition last year.
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.


