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.
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.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 26 – Mar. 1
A celebration of Hip Hop, a Black History gala, the Insect Fear Film Festival, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
WATCH LIVE: President Trump delivers 2026 State of the Union Address
The prime-time address comes at a moment when the president has seen his agenda complicated on multiple fronts.
GOP Senate candidate Jeannie Evans talks Christian values, antitrust laws, and AI
Antitrust enforcement lawyer Jeannie Evans is vying for the GOP nomination in the U.S. Senate race. She discusses AI and jobs, her views on immigration, and companies engaging in price fixing on the 21st Show.
Illinois legislators introduce bills to regulate pricing based on personal data
Two bills would require companies to disclose the use of private data in price setting .
USDA lost 24,000 workers under Trump, hurting critical resources for farmers
The Trump administration’s federal workforce cuts shrunk U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies that inspect produce, provide conservation resources and collect data on crops and livestock.
Springfield high schoolers honor Black History Month with competitive quiz bowl
SPRINGFIELD — As three teams of students sat on stage in the auditorium of Springfield Southeast High School Sunday, tensions
217 Today: Rev. Jesse Jackson looks back at some of his famous speeches
We’ll hear archival audio of Reverend Jesse Jackson looking back at some of his famous speeches.
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.
