
Krannert Art Museum’s SPEAK Cafe inspires creativity in high school students through ArtSPEAK program
For the last twenty years, SPEAK Cafe has partnered with Rantoul Township High School to give students an opportunity for artistic expression. The partnership, known as ArtSPEAK, aims to amplify students’ voices, according to local poet and event organizer Shaya Robinson.

217 Today: Mosses are the underdogs of the plant world. These scientists are trying to protect them
Mosses are the underdogs of the plant world. Now a group of scientists is coming together to protect them.

IPM News Voter Guide: Who is on the ballot for Illinois’ March 17 primary?
From Champaign County Executive to U.S. Senate and congressional races, several local and statewide competitions are on the March 17 ballot for voters in Central Illinois.

No. 11 Illinois Men’s basketball ends regular season with a win against Maryland
Illinois secured a spot in the quarter finals of the Big Ten Tournament, becoming one of the top 4 teams in the conference.

On 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday, worries about the future of voting rights and calls to action
The annual commemoration pays homage to those who fought to secure voting rights for Black Americans.

Illinois women’s basketball gets eliminated by Iowa from the Big Ten Tournament
The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team will wait to see if it is selected to play in the NCAA March Madness Tournament later this month.

Illinois universities adjust to reduced state funding as lawmakers consider new formula
The proposed bill would calculate how much money each university needs based on factors like student enrollment and academic support.

Former Democratic presidents remember the late Rev. Jesse Jackson during final public tribute
From former presidents to an NBA Hall of Famer to prominent church pastors, stories of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s influence on politics, corporate boardrooms and picket lines loomed large at a celebration honoring the late civil rights leader.

Former Sangamon County deputy who killed unarmed woman undergoing cancer treatment
Sean Grayson’s medical needs prompt request to delay hearing.

WATCH LIVE: Celebration of life for Rev. Jesse Jackson
Three former U.S. presidents, Grammy-winning artists, clergy and elected officials are expected to attend a Chicago celebration of life Friday for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. starting at 11:00 a.m. CT.

217 Today: After one of the driest years on record, we’re finally seeing rain in Central Illinois
Since Monday, we’ve seen a LOT of rain in central Illinois … but is it enough to end the drought? The state climatologist tells us why we have a long way to go.

Celebration of life for Jesse Jackson to draw former presidents and Grammy-winning artists
Listen to a stream of the service on Illinois Soul FM 101.1 starting Friday at 11am.

Parchment scores 15, Illinois women win 71-69 over No. 18 Michigan State in Big Ten Tournament
Illinois held off Michigan State, 71-69 in the Big Ten Tournament and moves on to the quarterfinals.

Illinois mayors call on Pritzker to rethink flat local government funding
Pritzker’s budget, introduced last month, calls for reducing the share of income tax revenues that is divided among counties and other municipalities via the Local Government Distributive Fund.

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem after building criticism over immigration enforcement
Trump says he’ll make Noem a “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative that he said would focus on the Western Hemisphere.

Bill expanding access to discounted drugs awaits House action
Advocates for health care providers that treat low-income and uninsured patients are pressuring state lawmakers to pass legislation they say would prevent drug manufacturers from restricting access to medications that are discounted through a federal pharmacy program.

Iran is pummeled by airstrikes as it launches a new wave of attacks against Israel and US bases
The war has escalated each day, affecting an additional 14 countries across the Middle East and beyond.

217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Mar. 5 – Mar. 8
A screening of an Oscar-nominated film, opening nights of two plays, a tournament for a Quidditch-inspired sport, a cat show, and, of course, live music.
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.


