
‘Uman Tok’ event at the University of Illinois will explore global efforts to address period poverty
Journalists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are working with student reporters in Sierra Leone to explore the issue of period poverty. The work will be presented in a documentary film titled, “Uman Tok: Tailoring Hope, Renewing Futures.”

Forecasters: Wintry mix in central Illinois Wednesday
Portions of central Illinois will experience a wintry mix Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Senate confirms Gabbard as Trump’s director of national intelligence after Republicans fall in line
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence after Republicans who had initially questioned her experience and judgment fell in line behind her nomination.

Michael Madigan guilty of bribery conspiracy, wire fraud
The decade-long FBI investigation that led to Madigan’s trial roiled local politics and changed the course of Illinois history.

Homeless residents in Midwest cities are increasingly hard to track — and to help
HUD requires designated organizations throughout the country to perform a count once a year on a single night in January to tally the number of people without safe, stable housing.

Decrease in funding for U of I’s African American Cultural Center sparks concern among students
University of Illinois students met with leaders of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center Monday to share their concerns about the reduction in hours of operation and the end of the center’s early arrival program for Black first-year and transfer students.

217 Today: Amid deportation fears, hundreds of patients skip appointments at one Chicago health clinic
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn that hundreds of immigrants have skipped appointments and left prescriptions at the pharmacy since Republican President Donald Trump returned to office.

February 12: School Closings, E-Learning Days and Early Dismissals
Many schools will have e-learning days, early dismissals, or closings on Wednesday, February 12, because of forecasted wintry weather in Central Illinois.

Illinois uses Jakucionis’ 24 points to help blunt UCLA comeback bid in 83-78 win
Kasparas Jakucionis scored 24 points and Illinois held off UCLA for an 83-78 win over UCLA to end the Bruins’ seven-game win streak.

Lawsuits with Trump administration stretching Illinois attorney general’s resources
Raoul admits the cost of these cases is stretching the resources of his office, but he said he is not yet ready to ask lawmakers for additional funding to cover those costs.

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Feb. 13 – Feb. 16
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 –

How Trump’s education plans might affect Illinois schools
So, what exactly is Trump planning to do, how would he do it and how would that affect local education in Illinois?

People were Strapped to Chairs for Hours, Days at Madison County Jail. Many were Mentally Ill or in Withdrawal.
Of all Illinois jails, Madison County has the most incidents of restraint lasting longer than 10 hours–the upper limit set by the chair manufacturer.

217 Today: What to expect on the ballot in Urbana’s upcoming election
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn what’s on the ballot and who’s running for city council in Urbana’s upcoming election.

Trump pardons ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich 5 years after commuting his sentence
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he’s “profoundly grateful” after President Donald Trump pardoned him on political corruption charges.

In Urbana mayoral primary, Annie Adams seeks ‘to create synergy’ and move the city forward
Adams describes herself as “a real systems person” who knows how to navigate city governance to get results.

In Urbana mayoral primary, DeShawn Williams sees ‘window of opportunity’
Williams says he will brings “proven leadership” to city governance.

C-U advocates respond to Trump executive orders that take aim at trans rights, bodily autonomy
Local advocates for reproductive justice gathered in Urbana Saturday, Feb. 8, to address growing concerns about the erosion of bodily autonomy in the current political climate.
Since President Trump took office, he’s signed numerous executive orders aimed at limiting the rights of transgender people and curbing access to abortion.
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
News & Public Affairs Director

Jim Meadows
All Things Considered Host & Harvest Public Media reporter

Arjun Thakkar
Senior Editor

Kimberly Schofield
Morning Edition Host & Arts reporter

Mae Antar
Weekend Edition Host & reporter

David Pierce
Reporter

Kennedy Vincent
Black & Immigrant Communities Reporter & Dialogue Host

Emily Hays
Reporter

Steve Morck
Senior Digital Media Producer

Stephanie Mosqueda
Producer

Brian Mackey
Host of The 21st

Jose Zepeda
Producer on The 21st

Christine Hatfield
Producer on The 21st
