Illinois politicians react as U.S. launches missile strikes in Iran
Politicians in Illinois are weighing in on President Trump’s decision to launch military operations in Iran.
U.S. military says three service members have been killed and five seriously wounded in the Iran operation
Israel has launched a new wave of strikes on Iran, while Tehran responded by firing drones and missiles at Israel and U.S. military installations. The attacks on Sunday came a day after the U.S. and Israel launched waves of strikes on Iran that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Illinois women’s basketball falls short in last game of the season against Minnesota
The Illinois women’s basketball team lost 78-73 to Minnesota on Sunday. Following the team’s 10th loss of the season, the Illini now prepare to head to the Big Ten Tournament in Indiana.
No. 10 Illinois men’s basketball loses to No. 3 Michigan for the first time since 2019
For the first time since 2006, Champaign hosted a matchup with two top ten teams, but as the final buzzer sounded, the No. 10 University of Illinois Fighting Illini (22-7, 13-5) could not get it done as they lost to the No. 3 University of Michigan Wolverines (27-2, 17-1) 84 to 70. This is Illinois’ first loss to Michigan since 2019 after winning their last nine meetings.
Capitol Briefs: U of I still concerned about higher ed funding overhaul proposal
The president of the University of Illinois System said Wednesday that negotiations are continuing over legislation to overhaul the way the state funds higher education, but the state’s flagship university remains opposed to the legislation in its current form.
217 Today: The 21st Show sought interviews with all 16 candidates for U.S. senator from Illinois. Listen to them here
There’s a crowded field of candidates running for Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat this year. Immigration enforcement has been a top issue in the race. We’ll hear from Democrats and Republicans vying to succeed outgoing U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
The 21st Show sought interviews with all 16 candidates for U.S. senator from Illinois. Listen to them here
The decision by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin not to seek reelection has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity in Illinois politics. Sixteen men and women are seeking their party nomination to succeed him: 10 Democrats and six Republicans.
New legislation could bring hourly train service to Champaign-Urbana
Advocates say Champaign-Urbana is especially well-positioned to benefit from more frequent rail service because of its growing role in research, higher education and advanced technology.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jonathan Dean discusses childhood trauma, solar energy, and raising minimum wage
Chicago-based lawyer and solar energy entrepreneur Jonathan Dean is a democrat running for the U.S. Senate. He shares his thoughts on policies involving raising the minimum wage, solar energy, and immigration on the 21st show.
Decatur Public Schools selects next superintendent
Moody will take over leadership of Decatur Public Schools in July after Superintendent Rochelle Clark retires. Her starting salary will be $237,500.
Meet Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson, the Republican candidates for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District
Republicans Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson are competing in this year’s primary election on March 17. They are seeking their party’s nomination for the IL-13 Congressional District, which spans from Champaign-Urbana to East St. Louis.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 26 – Mar. 1
The Hip Hop Convene, Romeo and Juliet, featuring IPM’s very own Morning Edition host, A Night at the Art Museum, A Black History Gala and of course…live music.
Renowned fiddler Natalie MacMaster carries on Celtic musical traditions
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and The Celtic All Stars perform at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, March 3.
Republican candidates for governor — minus Bailey — try to distance themselves
The candidates debated affordability, public safety, and campaign contributions.
Here’s how one Urbana High School teacher is using AI in the classroom
The Urbana School District released guidance for teachers in January on the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, ahead of published guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, which is expected this summer.
Takeaways from Trump’s address: Sales mode on economy, heavy on patriotism, dark turn on Democrats
President Donald Trump started in sales mode, using his State of the Union address to deliver an upbeat vision of the U.S. economy.
Mother of teenager killed by police files lawsuit against Village of Rantoul
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Amy Richardson claims that her son, 18-year-old Jordan Richardson, died due to excessive force in 2023 after he had already complied with an officer’s orders to drop his gun.
217 Today: Immigrants in McLean County seeking legal pathway face ‘a different kind of fear’
Immigrants with asylum cases are missing their court hearings in higher numbers – and that’s leading to MORE deportation orders.
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.
