Protections from carbon sequestration and pipelines remain a key priority for Central Illinois advocates and policymakers
Alongside education funding, Faraci said he remains focused on environmental protections for the Mahomet Aquifer, the primary drinking water source for nearly one million people in Central Illinois.
Search warrant reveals FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief
The FBI is investigating Pingsterhaus, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, for possible wire fraud and theft of federal funds, according to the search warrant, obtained by Capitol News Illinois and the Illinois Answers Project.
Meet Sanford Hess, Democratic candidate for Champaign County Executive
Democrats in Champaign County will decide who will be the next County Executive in the primary election. Meet Sanford Hess.
Meet Michelle Jett, Democratic candidate for Champaign County Executive
Democrats in Champaign County will decide who will be the next County Executive in the primary election. Meet Michelle Jett.
More U.S. farmers would be eligible for federal loans under new bipartisan bill
A bipartisan bill would expand the eligibility requirements for applicants.
All this snow hasn’t done much to reduce drought in Central Illinois
The groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter. So does Illinois’ climatologist.
Filmed in Central Illinois, ‘Moses the Black’ brings new film opportunities to the area
The film premiere marked a turning point for Central Illinois’ growing film industry, as sources from local studios said productions like “Moses the Black” show the region can support large-scale projects once limited to major cities.
U of I students react to Illini Republicans controversial ICE social media post
An Instagram post made by the Illini Republicans depicting the recent federal agent shooting and killing of Alex Pretti has garnered negative feedback towards the group. U of I officials say the post has been reported to the Title IX Office.
217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 5 – Feb 8
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Today’s headlines: A controversial pro-ICE Instagram post by the Illini Republicans… has prompted backlash on the
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 5 – Feb. 8
An art reception, the CU Folk & Roots Winter Weekend Festival, Illinois Soul’s second anniversary celebration and more are all happening in central Illinois this week.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Awisi Bustos on her government experience, ‘militarization’ of ICE and AI policy
Illinois Public Media’s The 21st Show is interviewing the candidates and asking them about their views. This week, Brian Mackey sat down with Awisi Quartey Bustos, a Democrat with experience in nonprofits, the private sector and as a state of Illinois employee.
A tick bite made this rancher allergic to her own cattle. It’s a worsening issue for farmers
Alpha-gal syndrome, a tickborne allergy to red meat and dairy, has become more common in the last few years.
217 Today: A tick bite made this rancher allergic to her own cattle. It’s a worsening issue for farmers
In today’s deep dive, An allergy to red meat spread by tick bites affects nearly half a million Americans.
Nonprofits sign letter asking Illinois government to resist Trump’s policies
Over 100 organizations across Illinois signed the letter, including LGBTQ+ advocacy group Peoria Proud and JOLT.
Election ’26: 4 Democrats seeking to replace Mendoza as Illinois comptroller
Democrats Margaret Croke, Karina Villa, Stephanie Kifowit and Holly Kim are competing in the primary to succeed outgoing Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
Pritzker gives $5 million to boost Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s Senate bid
The haul is much needed for Stratton to get her message out in TV ads, especially since her campaign took in about $1.1 million and spent $912,000 between October and December.
What to know about the partial government shutdown and its impact
The government funding process had been going smoothly, with key lawmakers in the House and Senate finding bipartisan agreement. But the shooting deaths this month of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renée Good, by federal agents in Minneapolis, changed the dynamic.
217 Today: Illinois Soul celebrates two years of amplifying Black voices
In today’s deep dive, A celebration of Illinois Soul’s second year on air.
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.
