Gov. Pritzker visits Urbana as part of statewide tour focused on Trump administration’s impact in Illinois
Governor Pritzker urged Illinoisans to participate in “mass activism” and let Congress know they oppose the Trump administration’s cuts to food and agriculture programs.
Local activists march in downtown Champaign after Israel breaks Gaza ceasefire
Nearly 200 people marched from West Side Park to downtown Champaign and back Tuesday evening after Israel resumed air strikes in Gaza, breaking a temporary ceasefire.
Updated: Storms moving east; Snow by morning
Rain showers this evening will mix with and change to snow overnight.
217 Today: Northwestern faculty and students say efforts to appease Trump chill free speech
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why some Northwestern University faculty and students say a new required antisemitism training will chill free speech.
Champaign County has been affected by bird flu, even without any farm outbreaks
The disease has infected several wild animals in the county, some of which have been brought to the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic. Public health officials advise against handling wild birds showing signs of illness.
‘Mission Accomplished’ for Rantoul air force base, yet $76 million of environmental clean-up remains
Most of the Chanute Air Force base transferred to the village of Rantoul in 2023. At the time, the Air Force declared “Mission Accomplished” in a press release — but it acknowledged there’s still at least $76 million more toxic clean-up to do. Today, it is unclear what the plan is for the many abandoned and deteriorating buildings.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Mar. 20 – Mar. 23
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 –
Jazz Composer, Terence Blanchard, talks elevating Black Culture via opera, Super Bowl 2025, and African Americans’ impact on society
In films, such as Spike Lee’s Malcolm X or Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, music is used as an underlying tool
217 Today: Who is running in the April 1 Champaign Unit 4 school board race?
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn who is running in the April 1 Champaign Unit 4 school board race.
Hundreds protest Trump policies and congresswoman in Mahomet; Other Reps. quiet on town hall planning
Protestors gathered along East Main Street to condemn Rep. Miller for her lack of engagement with voters in the state’s largest congressional district.
At least 39 dead after tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms wreak havoc across multiple US states
Residents are surveying damage from unusually vicious weather in multiple U.S. states where violent twisters, blinding dust storms and fast-moving wildfires decimated entire neighborhoods.
217 Today: U of I students call for better housing and meal options over breaks
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how some students at the University of Illinois want the campus to provide better housing and meal options over breaks.
PHOTOS: Dozens protest Trump policies and Illinois congresswoman in Mahomet
Miller was uncontested in her 2024 race, with more than 308,000 people voting for her in November 2024.
A Dialogue with Terence Blanchard
In this segment of Dialogue, Illinois Public Media’s David Pierce sits down with Terence Blanchard to discuss “Fire Shut Up
Tornado Watch until Saturday 3am CDT
A dangerous line of thunderstorms is forecast to move through central Illinois between 8 pm and 1 am tonight. Potential hazards include 75+ mph straight-line winds, EF-2+ tornadoes, and 2″+ diameter hail.
Rice, Queen help No. 11 Maryland rout No. 24 Illinois 88-65 in Big Ten quarterfinals
INDIANAPOLIS — Rodney Rice scored 26 points, Derik Queen had 19 points and 10 rebounds and No. 11 Maryland routed
Lunar eclipse draws late-night crowds to University of Illinois Observatory
Around 100 people turned up to enjoy a clear view of the lunar eclipse, which reached totality minutes before 2 a.m., as the moon passed through Earth’s shadow. During totality, the moon appears reddish in color, giving it the nickname “blood moon.”
217 Today: How could cuts to the U.S. Department of Education impact Illinois schools?
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the local impact of cuts to the Department of Education.
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
Reporter
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
