
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.

The Trump administration tried to freeze federal child care funding for Illinois. How would it impact families using the state’s Child Care Assistance Program?
CCAP subsidizes childcare for around 100,000 low-income families in Illinois across thousands of childcare facilities.

Wallace, Jackson help Illinois women beat Wisconsin 82-70 at Big Ten Tournament
Berry Wallace scored 22 points, Destiny Jackson added 21, and Illinois beat Wisconsin 82-70 in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.

University of Illinois to ‘blend’ students from inside and outside prison in fall course
For the Urbana-Champaign students, the course offers a chance to distinguish myth and reality in information about prisons and prisoners.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Steve Botsford discusses affordable housing, ICE reform, and foreign affairs
Democratic Senate candidate Steve Botsford has a background in government and finance. He shared his views on reforming ICE, creating more affordable housing and war with Iran on the 21st show.

Lockdown lifted at Parkland College following a reported shooting nearby
Parkland College said in a social media post a reported shooting occurred at Mattis Avenue and Parkland Way. Community members are being urged to avoid the area.

The U.S. sinks Iran’s ships and slams its missile launchers as the war enters Day 5
The war with Iran stretched into a fifth day Wednesday, with Israel launching a new wave of strikes in Tehran and the U.S. saying it torpedoed an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka.

217 Today: Illinois schools counted on federal grants to ease a shortage of school psychologists. After cancelation and a year of court battles, the future’s uncertain
Illinois schools counted on federal grants to ease a shortage of school psychologists. After cancelation and a year of court battles, the future’s uncertain.

WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Mar. 5 – Mar. 8
The first show of Champaign Park District’s Youth Theatre season, a quadball tournament, a choir performance, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.

No. 11 Illinois Men’s basketball ends its last home game with a win against Oregon
The Illini beat the Ducks 80 to 54 and honored senior players, AJ Redd, Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for parts of Central Illinois
Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard said that hail up to an inch in diameter is a possibility.

Pritzker denies traveling on Epstein’s plane after Bill Clinton’s since-recanted testimony
Clinton spokesperson says president was referring to a foundation trip to Africa.

A proposed Clean Water Act change could remove protections from 80% of American wetlands
Environmental advocates say the outlined revision ignores science and threatens water quality, while farm groups argue it offers landowners needed clarity about which parts of their land count as federally protected.

U.S. evacuates diplomats, shuts down some embassies as war enters fourth day
The U.S. and Israel kept up their attacks in Iran. Explosions were heard in the Iran’s capital and other parts of the country.

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.

217 Today: State Farm reports strong growth — and shares some of it with policyholders
State Farm is sharing some of its profits with policyholders after having success last year.

State Farm reports strong growth — and shares some of it with policyholders
The net worth of State Farm ended 2025 at $170 billion, compared to $145.2 billion at the end of 2024. The increase came from improved operations and growth in investments.

C-U community groups gather to discuss breaking the cycle of youth relationship violence
Breaking the Cycle, an event to start a dialogue around teen dating violence and interventions for affected youth, was held Wednesday. Panelists emphasized the importance of inviting young people to lead the conversation about solutions.
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