New C-U Public Health director says he’ll focus on access to affordable health care in Champaign-Urbana
The new head of public health in Champaign County says he’s adamant about health equity and equal access to affordable health care. Dr. Mamadou Tounkara is stepping into the role following former administrator Julie Pryde’s retirement in January after 30 years of service.
Champaign Township’s new supervisor says she’s committed to keeping the Strides shelter open
Charlene Murray, who was sworn in as Champaign Township’s new supervisor Tuesday night, said she’s working to attract funding for Strides, the area’s only low-barrier shelter, which is at risk of closure.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 12 – Feb. 15
A screening of a French musical film, a tribute performance by a Chicago saxophonist, a musical dinner with a buffet of songs, and of course, live music.
Guyton’s record-breaking three-pointers help Illinois Women’s basketball bounce back with a 92-60 win against Wisconsin
Buoyed by sophomore guard Aaliyah Guyton’s three-point shots, the Illinois women’s basketball team rebounded after back-to-back losses with a dominant 92-60 win against the University of Wisconsin.
Urbana Park District planning new playground, skate park, walking paths for Prairie and Weaver parks
In the coming years, the Urbana Park District is planning to install new sports facilities, paved walking trails, and a spray ground among other amenities in Prairie Park and Weaver Park.
A free speech group came to the Illini Republicans’ defense in the wake of a Title VI review
After the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced it would review Title VI reports of a student organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression wrote a letter calling the review a violation of the First Amendment.
Trump administration again rejects Illinois’ request for disaster aid from August storm
The agency said supplemental assistance from the federal government wasn’t warranted.
217 Today: Meet some of the candidates from Illinois’ second congressional district
Illinois’ 2nd congressional district runs from the south side of Chicago to Champaign and Vermilion counties. Meet some the candidates, including one from a well-known political family.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 12 – Feb. 15
A dinner full of love and music, a health fair, English Country Dance and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
Wisconsin upsets shorthanded No. 8 Illinois in shocking comeback
The No. 8 University of Illinois men’s basketball team lost against the University of Wisconsin 92-90 in overtime after leading by 12 points in the second half.
‘More listening and less talking’: Darren Bailey insists results will be different in 2nd run for governor
Bailey leaning on running mate from Cook County to win over urban voters.
Crowded field of candidates hoping to represent district that stretches from Chicago to Danville
Rep. Robin Kelly (D) is the current officeholder in the 2nd congressional district. She is not seeking re-election as she is running to be a US Senator.
Economics and energy take center stage in this year’s 13th congressional district campaigns
Representative Nikki Budzinski (D) is seeking a third term in Illinois’ 13th congressional district, which stretches from Champaign-Urbana to East St. Louis. But she faces several challengers from the GOP as well as her own party.
217 Today: ‘BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions’ film creators discuss crafting a visual album to showcase a Black perspective
‘BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions’ shows at the Colwell Playhouse this Wednesday, February 11, at 5:00 P.M, followed by a Q & A with Joseph Hunt and other production team members.
UPDATE: Champaign Unit 4 Schools approves Geovanny Ponce as next superintendent
Geovanny Ponce is a top administrator in Fairfax County Public Schools. He grew up in Honduras and has a doctorate in education from Texas A&M University.
Former Montana coach Bobby Hauck ends brief retirement to become defensive coordinator at Illinois
The 61-year-old Hauck is the Big Sky Conference’s all-times wins leader with a 151-43 record, leading to Grizzlies to four national championship games in 13 playoff appearances over 14 seasons.
Illinois women’s basketball sells out State Farm Center, loses to USC 70-62
Illinois came up short after trying to rally from a 19-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter. For the first time under Head Coach Shauna Green, the team sold out State Farm Center.
217 Today: Economics and energy take center stage in this year’s 13th congressional district campaigns
Nikki Budzinski is seeking a third term representing central Illinois in Congress. But she has several Democratic and Republican challengers.
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.
