Crowded field of candidates hoping to represent district that stretches from Chicago to Danville
Rep. Robin Kelly (D) is the current officeholder in the 2nd congressional district. She is not seeking re-election as she is running to be a US Senator.
Former Montana coach Bobby Hauck ends brief retirement to become defensive coordinator at Illinois
The 61-year-old Hauck is the Big Sky Conference’s all-times wins leader with a 151-43 record, leading to Grizzlies to four national championship games in 13 playoff appearances over 14 seasons.
Illinois women’s basketball sells out State Farm Center, loses to USC 70-62
Illinois came up short after trying to rally from a 19-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter. For the first time under Head Coach Shauna Green, the team sold out State Farm Center.
217 Today: Economics and energy take center stage in this year’s 13th congressional district campaigns
Nikki Budzinski is seeking a third term representing central Illinois in Congress. But she has several Democratic and Republican challengers.
‘One Winter Night’ fundraiser aims to raise awareness and promote empathy for homeless people in C-U
The annual event put on by C-U At Home drew 89 participants who spent the night out in the cold to raise money and show their support for the homeless community in Champaign-Urbana.
‘BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions’ film creators discuss crafting a visual album to showcase a Black perspective
BLKNEWS: Terms & Conditions is a new film directed by Kahlil Joseph, with an exclusive premiere in Urbana this week.
Jeremy Fears’ 26 points and 15 assists help No. 10 Michigan State beat No. 5 Illinois 85-82 in OT
With a chance to send the game to a second overtime, Illinois center Zvonimir Ivisic missed a 3-point shot at the buzzer. Michigan State knocked the Fighting Illini out of first place in the Big Ten and ended their 12-game win streak.
Pritzker’s new budget report could set tone for conservative 2027 spending plan
Federal cuts and changes exacerbate tightening fiscal landscape
217 Today: A conversation with Sanford Hess, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.
In today’s deep dive, a conversation with Sanford Hess, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.
Illinois attorney general wins state’s first civil hate crime lawsuit
The win came among dozens of lawsuits the state has filed against the Trump administration in the past year.
GOP U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek, Polish immigrant, talks immigration reform, taxes, ‘cultural Marxism’
A Polish immigrant to the U.S., GOP U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek discusses his views on immigration and ICE with the 21st show.
Protections from carbon sequestration and pipelines remain a key priority for Central Illinois advocates and policymakers
Alongside education funding, Faraci said he remains focused on environmental protections for the Mahomet Aquifer, the primary drinking water source for nearly one million people in Central Illinois.
How to vote in Illinois in 2026: Early voting begins this week for most of the state
Capitol News Illinois has launched its revamped 2026 Election Guide to coincide with the opening of early voting throughout much of the state.
Illinois basketball teams split the day
No. 5 Illinois makes 17 3-pointers, beats Northwestern 84-44 for 12th straight win
217 Today: A conversation with Michelle Jett, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.
In today’s deep dive, A conversation with Michelle Jett, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.
Search warrant reveals FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief
The FBI is investigating Pingsterhaus, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, for possible wire fraud and theft of federal funds, according to the search warrant, obtained by Capitol News Illinois and the Illinois Answers Project.
Meet Sanford Hess, Democratic candidate for Champaign County Executive
Democrats in Champaign County will decide who will be the next County Executive in the primary election. Meet Sanford Hess.
Meet Michelle Jett, Democratic candidate for Champaign County Executive
Democrats in Champaign County will decide who will be the next County Executive in the primary election. Meet Michelle Jett.
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.
