Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Awisi Bustos on her government experience, ‘militarization’ of ICE and AI policy
Illinois Public Media’s The 21st Show is interviewing the candidates and asking them about their views. This week, Brian Mackey sat down with Awisi Quartey Bustos, a Democrat with experience in nonprofits, the private sector and as a state of Illinois employee.
Election ’26: 4 Democrats seeking to replace Mendoza as Illinois comptroller
Democrats Margaret Croke, Karina Villa, Stephanie Kifowit and Holly Kim are competing in the primary to succeed outgoing Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
Pritzker gives $5 million to boost Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s Senate bid
The haul is much needed for Stratton to get her message out in TV ads, especially since her campaign took in about $1.1 million and spent $912,000 between October and December.
What to know about the partial government shutdown and its impact
The government funding process had been going smoothly, with key lawmakers in the House and Senate finding bipartisan agreement. But the shooting deaths this month of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renée Good, by federal agents in Minneapolis, changed the dynamic.
217 Today: Illinois Soul celebrates two years of amplifying Black voices
In today’s deep dive, A celebration of Illinois Soul’s second year on air.
‘Voices for Change: Youth Action Expo’ centers Danville youth’s ideas for gun violence prevention
Danville residents gathered to discuss gun violence in their community and initiatives to reduce it. It featured presentations from middle school through college-aged students.
Illinois basketball starts February with a win
Keaton Wagler scores 28, leading No. 9 Illinois to its 11th straight win, 78-69 over No. 5 Nebraska.
Hundreds of University of Illinois and Urbana High School students protest ICE, federal immigration operations
Students and community members across Champaign-Urbana stood in solidarity to protest the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign.
Lutheran Church leader arrested for producing child pornography
In a news release, U.S. Attorney Thomas Albus said a search of Mohr’s Springfield home uncovered storage devices containing videos of three juveniles in the bathroom.
Freshmen lead Illinois to victory against Washington
The Illini’s 10-game winning streak is the longest in Brad Underwood’s nine years as coach, and the longest for Illinois since it won 10 in a row to open the 2012-13 season.
217 Today: Maysa brings her dulcet voice to Champaign-Urbana to help Illinois Soul celebrate its anniversary
Friday, January 30, 2026 Today’s headlines: A former sheriff’s deputy in Sangamon County has been sentenced to 20 years in
Grammy-nominated artist MAYSA to perform for Illinois Soul’s second anniversary celebration
MAYSA will perform in the Tryon Festival Theatre at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts to help Illinois Soul celebrate its two year anniversary.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski discusses bringing ‘fiscal reality’ and ‘midwestern values’ to Illinois
Ted Dabrowski is a conservative researcher with a background in international banking. He told IPM’s The 21st Show his background and focus on cutting taxes and spending will earn him trust from voters across the state.
Group challenges Illinois’ restrictions on using ‘Democrat,’ ‘Republican’ in org names
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender, seeks to overturn an Illinois law that dates back to the 1980s, arguing that it violates the organization’s First Amendment rights.
A former Illinois deputy is sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing Sonya Massey
The white former deputy killed Massey, who was Black, on July 6, 2024. The 36-year-old single mother had called the police saying she feared there was a prowler outside her Springfield home. Grayson shot her in the face.
New SNAP work requirements go into effect Feb. 1, threatening recipient eligibility
The requirements change which recipients must work or volunteer and how often.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 29 – Feb. 1
Thursday, January 29, 2026 Today’s headlines: Multiple Champaign school board members want windows at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy to
Illinois Soul celebrates two years of amplifying Black voices
101.1 FM Illinois Soul is celebrating its two year anniversary next weekend.
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.
