
C-U accountants have this advice for tax filers curious about AI tools
AI tax tools can be handy for summarizing dense tax language and can give people a general idea about how to approach their tax filings. But local accountants warn: Speed doesn’t always equal accuracy.

217 Today: Farmers may lose a USDA program that helps them adapt to climate change
The federal government created regional climate hubs more than a decade ago, to help producers adapt to climate change. But now funding for the climate hubs is uncertain.

At IPM News forum, Champaign County Executive candidates discuss data centers, ICE and local finances
Democrats Sanford Hess and Michelle Jett took part in an IPM News candidate forum ahead of the primary election for Champaign County Executive.. With no Republican in the race, whoever wins the race will be the one to take office.

As farmers face a changing climate, a USDA program designed to help is at risk
In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a network of “climate hubs” to understand how climate change affects agriculture and forestry and help farmers adapt to more extreme and unpredictable weather.

Longtime civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84
The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a lifelong civil rights advocate until his death Tuesday at the age of 84.

Jeff Wilson believes he’s the Republican to flip Illinois’ 13th Congressional District
As early voting gets underway on Thursday in Illinois, Republicans will need to decide if Wilson is the better candidate to represent their party in a seat that’s currently held by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski.

Penny shortage causes headaches for retailers in the Land of Lincoln
For many Illinoisans, it’s a sentimental ending to see “Honest Abe’s” coin disappear.

217 Today: Four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November
Four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor J-B Pritzker in November.

Illinois Mens basketball bounces back with a dominant win against Indiana
Illinois Mens basketball bounces back with a dominant win against Indiana.

Bill to regulate homeowners insurance rates could reemerge this session
Pritzker called for legislation following State Farm’s double-digit rate hike last year.

Rick Heidner casts himself as ‘Trump Republican’ in bid to unseat Pritzker
The Barrington Hills businessman has been criticized for past donations to Democrats.

Fear, visa delays and costs are keeping international artists from the Midwest
Performance venues and cultural organizations are seeing a spike in artists from abroad canceling performances and demonstrations — and rethinking U.S. tours.

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.

217 Today: Visa delays, rising costs, tightening restrictions and fear are keeping international artists from visiting the Midwest
Under the Trump administration, rising visa costs and fears at ports of entry are keeping more international artists and musicians away from the Midwest.

Former Trump campaign advisor publishes film criticizing University of Illinois’ Chinese international students
The documentary argues that Chinese students are taking Illinois student spots. Experts say that rhetoric is dangerous and wrong.

Despite concerns, LaHood doesn’t break with administration over vaccinations
Congressman Darin LaHood is not breaking entirely with the Trump administration on the vaccine question — even while acknowledging he now has more than just concerns.

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.
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.


