
217 Today: Armadillos aren’t just in Texas anymore, they are expanding territory in Illinois
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how armadillos are expanding their territory in Illinois.

Prosecutors say Sen. Emil Jones III’s alleged bribery was ‘crystal clear’ as the case goes to jury
State Sen. Emil Jones III’s federal corruption trial is nearing its end as the jury deliberated for two hours Monday after hearing closing arguments.

Champaign County administrators move into new Scott M. Bennett Administrative Building in Urbana
Champaign County administrators are finally beginning the process of moving into their new headquarters in downtown Urbana.

The Latest: Pope Francis lies in state ahead of his funeral, set for Saturday
Pope Francis’ funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, and a viewing of his body will begin on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, days after the popular pontiff died at age 88.

217 Today: U.S. farmers were already struggling to turn a profit. Trump’s trade war will make that harder
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how tariffs are likely to make things more expensive for farmers.

Armadillos aren’t just in Texas anymore, they are expanding territory in Illinois
Armadillos have little hair and cannot survive on ground that is frozen for more than a few days. But climate change means winter in much of Illinois is becoming more bearable.

U.S. farmers were already struggling to turn a profit. Trump’s trade war will make that harder
Recently implemented tariffs are likely to push crop prices further down, while increasing the costs for fertilizer and farm equipment.

Harvard sues Trump administration to stop its grants freeze
Harvard University announced Monday that it was suing to halt a federal freeze on more than $2.2 billion in grants after the institution said it would defy the Trump administration’s demands to limit activism on campus.

Exclusive: The White House is looking to replace Pete Hegseth as defense secretary
The White House has begun the process of looking for a new secretary of defense, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Illinoisans react to the passing of Pope Francis
Here is how officials from Illinois are responding to Pope Francis’ death.

The Latest: Pope Francis dies at age 88 after a stroke
Pope Francis has died at age 88. The first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor. But he alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

Playing the Changes: How jazz music helped unite a South African university
Darius and Catherine Brubeck visit CU this week to discuss their work creating a jazz program in apartheid-era South Africa.

With no staff left at LIHEAP, the federal utility assistance program, advocates worry about funding
A federal program that helped struggling customers pay their utility bills remains in limbo after the Trump administration fired its entire staff earlier this month.

217 Today: How jazz music helped bring unity to a South African university
In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Darius and Catherine Brubeck about their book, which follows the path to establishing a jazz education program in apartheid-era South Africa.

Small plane crash in Coles County kills all 4 on board
Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers said the victims were two women and two men.

Scientists near Peoria wake up early to catch invasive birds
Invasive birds cost the United States’ farming industry billions of dollars every year. But to find out which species are the biggest culprit, you have to get up way before the sun comes up.

Illinois goes winless in Easter Weekend series against Purdue
Illinois lost all three games to the Boilermakers, including a 3-7 defeat on Sunday that marks their 11th Big Ten conference loss.

PHOTOS: Hundreds demonstrate against the Trump administration in Urbana
An estimated 400 people marched and demonstrated against various policies and actions taken by President Donald Trump in his second term.
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
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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
