Rep. Robin Kelly takes questions, addresses federal policies at Pontiac town hall
About 100 people gathered in Pontiac Wednesday evening to hear from Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly, with many residents asking what she’s doing to combat President Trump’s agenda.
217 Today: ‘Quantum Voyages’ comes back to life at the Krannert Center with a new musical twist
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the play “Quantum Voyages” and the new rendition that features a musical twist.
Hotel Royer reopens after years of delay. Lincoln Square Mall hopes to see a revival in business
On Wednesday, the former Urbana-Lincoln and Landmark Hotel reopened as Hotel Royer, after years of delay. This is good news for Lincoln Square Mall.
Though wary of FBI mole’s ‘used car salesman’ vibe, Sen. Emil Jones III testifies he felt obliged to work with him
Jones spends all day Wednesday on the witness stand in his federal bribery trial.
Federal funding cancellation threatens major diabetes study, researchers say
The American Diabetes Association said that eliminating funding for the program “means the loss of a decade’s worth of important findings and progress toward diabetes prevention and understanding Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementia in diabetes.”
New medical license pathway for international doctors could alleviate Illinois shortage
The state will likely be short 6,200 doctors by 2030. Meanwhile, over 12,000 state residents have an international medical degree they can’t use.
Lawmakers moving forward on public defender reform
With many county public defender offices pushed to the limits throughout Illinois, state lawmakers are moving forward on legislation to create a statewide public defender office.
Once prone to severe flooding, Boneyard Creek is on the path to greater safety and accessibility
After major flooding struck Champaign and Urbana in 1993, city officials created the Boneyard Creek Improvement Plan to address flooding and draining issues. The cities are now taking steps to improve the walking paths and bike trails, making the space safer and more accessible.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Apr. 17 – Apr. 20
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about what is coming to Central Illinois in the world of art, culture and entertainment.
Illinois grand slams its way to a win against Valparaiso
The Fighting Illini softball team protected its home field with a 5-1 win against Valparaiso University on Wednesday.
Abortion laws are all over the map. A new online tool from U of I researchers will help track them
Ever since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, abortion laws have been literally all over the map, and difficult to track. But Robin Fretwell Wilson, a professor at the University of Illinois College of Law, is working to make it easier to track abortion laws.
Visa terminations causing panic for Illinois students and educators
The Trump administration’s move to terminate the legal immigration status of hundreds of international students is leaving Illinois educators scrambling to find ways to help.
During Chicago visit, former President Biden unleashes on Trump and Musk over Social Security cuts
Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned that America is a country where “nobody’s king,” as he lambasted President Donald Trump’s early actions as destructive.
Sen. Emil Jones III takes witness stand in his own defense at federal corruption trial
After nearly five days of testimony, state Sen. Emil Jones III’s federal corruption trial appeared to be nearing its end Tuesday afternoon — until the senator unexpectedly took the witness stand.
217 Today: Many hospitals use AI but few are testing for accuracy and bias
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn that many hospitals use AI but few are testing for accuracy and bias.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Apr. 17 – Apr. 20
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 –
U of I takes legal action after Department of Energy announces cuts to research grants
The University of Illinois is suing the federal government over a cap on energy grants.
Investigative reporters discuss possible cancer cluster in Piatt County
Community members say state officials been slow to investigate the possible cancer cluster in Monticello. That’s led advocates to begin collecting data on their own.
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
