217 Today: Far East Grocery owners share stories of hardship and success while catering to southeast Asian communities
In today’s deep dive, we take you into an international grocery store in Champaign and explore how the family running the shop journeyed from Vietnam to Central Illinois.
House Republicans pass Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and program cuts after all-night session
The Congressional Budget Office says the tax provisions would add $3.8 trillion to federal deficits.
2 staff members of Israeli Embassy killed in shooting near Jewish museum in DC
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office says he is “shocked” by the “horrific, antisemitic” shooting.
Trump ambushes South Africa’s president with false claims of ‘white genocide’
Trump repeated false claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa and then ordered the lights dimmed to play videos he said supported his allegation.
After DOGE gutted AmeriCorps, rural communities stand to lose education and preservation help
AmeriCorps members were working on environmental education and habitat restoration at parks and nature centers in rural areas across the country. Now federal cuts have eliminated many of those positions.
Abraham Lincoln artifacts that were once in a museum are going up for auction
On Wednesday, a Chicago auction house will be selling part of the Lincoln Presidential Foundation’s 1,540-piece collection of Lincolniana, which was purchased in 2007 from a West Coast collector.
217 Today: Writer Hua Hsu shares his perspective on Asian-American history
In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with writer and journalist Hua Hsu about how he understands Asian American history.
PHOTOS: Storm snaps trees and utility poles in Vermilion County
Tornado warnings were issued at different times Tuesday afternoon in Champaign, De Witt, Macon, Piatt and Vermilion counties.
Bill banning carbon sequestration near Mahomet Aquifer clears General Assembly
The bill comes after recent leaks at a carbon injection site in Decatur.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana May 22 – May 25
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Steve Morck talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 –
Making a comeback: The Fray’s guitarist discusses band’s music and current tour
The Fray is performing at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater this weekend as part of its 2025 tour.
Tornado Watch for Central Illinois until 8pm
Expected hazards: Wind gusts over 60 mph, hail 1 to 2 inch diameter, and isolated tornadoes possible.
‘Good choice’ — JD Vance brings Pope Leo XIV a Bears jersey
The navy jersey had his name “Pope Leo” on the back. His jersey number? XIV, of course.
In the fight for youth transgender health care, Illinois remains at the forefront
Indiana is among 26 states — many in the Midwest and South — that have outlawed youth gender-affirming care statewide since 2021. In Illinois, political leaders have moved in the opposite direction.
217 Today: As Illinois lawmakers weigh artificial intelligence rules for schools, here’s how Rockford teachers are using AI
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn why Illinois lawmakers are considering a measure that would create an advisory board to give schools guidance on how to use artificial intelligence.
Native ancestors’ return to rest: A paperwork-laden process underway in Illinois
Two of the country’s largest collections of Native American human remains are held by museums in Illinois.
PHOTOS: University of Illinois Class of 2025 celebrates graduation
Highlights from University of Illinois’ 2025 commencement program.
217 Today: Ceduxion Carrington reflects on nearly 30 years in drag
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how local drag performers are helping to inspire hope during difficult times.
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
