University of Illinois May Day rally focuses on immigrant student rights
Around one hundred people rallied for immigrant rights outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign administrative building on May Day.
A U of I student grapples with the fallout of recent ICE raids that led to her brother’s deportation
‘Engaging the community in learning has always been our mission’: Parkland College celebrates 60 years
Parkland College serves about 9,600 students and offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs. Parkland’s 60th anniversary celebrations began in March and will continue throughout the year, ending with the Diamond Jubilee Gala in November.
Urbana City Council member resigns, citing health issues
Chaundra Bishop, who represented northeast Urbana on the city council, said she is stepping down to to put more focus on her health. The city is expected to take applications from residents hoping to complete her term.
Bovine brouhaha at the U of I: campus cow caper ends calmly
A cow escaped onto U of I’s campus while being loaded onto a trailer on Wednesday afternoon. After charging at several people, the animal was tranquilized and safely recovered; no person was seriously injured.
Illinois farmers relieved as U.S. House passes Farm Bill, but still concerned about some provisions
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act, includes provisions impacting agriculture, including crop protection tools, livestock policy, and risk management programs.
Have a beef with sky-high meat prices? Some people find buying a whole cow saves a bit of money
Buying beef in bulk from a rancher has become comparatively affordable as retail prices rise.
Top Illinois Democrats call U.S. Supreme Court ruling on voting rights a ‘crushing blow to our democracy’
The ruling is likely to impact elections in 2028, since many filing deadlines for this year’s elections have passed, including in Illinois.
What to know about your county’s mental health court
Mental health courts have proliferated across Illinois in recent decades. Now, the state has 31 courts across 25 counties.
Striking Illinois State University staff frustrated over lack of negotiations
A group of striking workers traveled to the Capitol in Springfield Tuesday to call attention to their strike, which has become an issue in the governor’s race.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Apr. 30 – May 3
A Mario-themed race, flower and plant celebrations, a fundraiser for a local humane society, and more are all happening in central Illinois this week.
Springfield FBI starts sweep in Danville, says it is not immigration-related
The Springfield FBI office says it is launching a major sweep this morning in Danville and it is not immigration-related.
Scammers try to take advantage of tornado damage, Illinois lawmakers look to stop them
After natural disasters, scammers take the opportunity to pressure people who are devastated by the storm into paying for work that is not covered by insurance — or the scammers never return to start the repairs.
‘It’s not for her’: DHS dedicated Midway Blitz in her name. Her mother says she would have hated it
Katie Abraham’s mother said the administration never sought her permission to use her daughter’s name in furtherance of its political agenda, an association she says her daughter would not want.
Photography exhibit turns ‘The Black Gaze’ on Champaign-Urbana leaders
Photographer Dwayne Banks Jr. highlighted 30 local African American leaders in his exhibit at the University YMCA in Champaign.
Urbana officials seek input for Florida Avenue construction, aimed at improving road conditions
Local residents gathered for a public information meeting to discuss construction plans for a portion of Florida Avenue in Urbana. The plans focus on improving road conditions, but some residents want more emphasis on pedestrians and bikers.
Asking for help is a sign of strength: How one Urbana nursery is redefining family crisis
Hundreds of families are served each year at Crisis Nursery — the only 24-hour, 365-day emergency child care facility in Champaign County. The organization also runs programs aimed at supporting child and family well-being.
More rain expected tonight but rest of week looking dry after severe storms
Many places in Central Illinois are cleaning up after two rounds of severe storms Monday.
UPDATED: FBI confirms it’s in Champaign-Urbana, but ICE is not
Federal agents are planning to be in Champaign-Urbana this week — but not for immigration enforcement.
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.
