Stanford returns to glory, wins the 2026 national title as State Farm Center hosts NCAA men’s gymnastics championships for the first time since 2019
Gymnasts from 12 teams contended for the national title at State Farm Center over the weekend. Stanford took home the first-place trophy.
House approves Pritzker initiative to regulate social media algorithms
A bill to regulate social media companies and the features they make available to minors is advancing in the Statehouse. Gov. JB Pritzker proposed the bill, which is designed to make social media scrolling less addictive for children.
Trump wants to slash $5 billion from USDA’s budget. That could hurt rural America, critics say
Some close watchers of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s budget aren’t thrilled with the Trump administration’s proposal — but they’re hopeful some of the suggested cuts won’t make it in the final spending plans passed by Congress.
Regardless of their stance on the war, Iranians in C-U feel silenced by those who disagree with them
Some Iranians in the U.S. say they support the war to get rid of the violent Iranian regime. Others are not as hopeful, citing numerous examples of failed external military interventions for democratization of the Middle East.
It’s been 20 years since the NCAA banned Chief Illiniwek from championship games. Some students want U of I to move on
The University of Illinois retired Chief Illiniwek in 2007, without picking a new mascot. Native American faculty say the inaction is damaging.
NPR receives $113 million in charitable gifts
The gifts arrive at a time of great financial strain for public media.
Champaign Public Library marks 150 years of growth, access and community impact
The library will celebrate its 150th anniversary all year. National Library Week will be one of the biggest celebrations, from April 19 through April 25.
State higher education budget chair calls the UIS faculty strike ‘unnecessary’
While almost daily bargaining sessions have taken place this month, UIS United Faculty President Dathan Powell said the administration is failing to negotiate in good faith.
Amid artificial intelligence explosion, lawmakers debate best path to regulate
Illinois lawmakers recognize the harms of AI while hearing testimony on dozens of bills.
CUrbanism Club uses data and art to draw attention to Champaign-Urbana’s housing needs
CUrbanism Club used data from the city of Champaign — plus photography, paintings and collages — to highlight steps toward meeting local housing needs. The interactive art exhibit highlighted policies that pose barriers and proposed solutions.
7th Circuit orders release, new trial for two ‘ComEd Four’ defendants
Two key figures in the federal corruption case against ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan were ordered released from prison Tuesday just hours after their lawyers argued for a new trial in front of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Severe thunderstorms possible Friday night
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue today. Temperatures are expected to dip this weekend.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 16 – Apr. 19
A Tango festival, the last Ebertfest, and an event honoring Earth Day are all happening this weekend in Central Illinois.
Illinois regulators have little power to stop hospital shutdowns. Lawmakers are stepping in.
Bills from state Sen. Laura Fine and state Rep. Robyn Gabel would require all hospitals to file plans with the state in case they close or scale back services to make sure patients don’t fall through the cracks.
Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Christian Mitchell on downstate Illinois, data centers, and future goals
Gov. JB Pritzker picked Christian Mitchell to serve as his running mate as he seeks a third term in office. Mitchell sat down with The 21st Show to discuss why he wants to be lieutenant governor.
Faculty strike at University of Illinois Springfield continues into second week
The two sides have been unable to reach an agreement over salary increases despite the help of a federal mediator and eight bargaining sessions having taken place between tenured and tenure-track faculty since the strike began on April 3.
South Mattis Avenue in Champaign to close through December for resurfacing, new bike lanes
South Mattis Avenue will be closed through December starting this week from Windsor to Curtis Road. Champaign officials say the new design will be easier to maintain and create new options for people who are not driving.
Trump’s foreign farm worker policy criticized by both unions and ‘America First’ groups
Guest farm workers holding H-2A visas are more important than ever for agriculture, especially after President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
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.
