A sign for the Meadowbrook Community Church that says "vote here" below next to a parking lot.
|

Champaign County Clerk discusses efforts to prevent voter intimidation

With one week until Election day, officials in Champaign County are urging the public to abide by voting rules after incidents where violence and unlawful political activity occurred at polling places.  County Clerk Aaron Ammons said there was a physical fight Saturday at the Meadowbrook Community Church voting center. He said an individual wore a…

Missouri farm

Some farmers left in limbo after Missouri’s state budget limits funding for a USDA grant

Missouri’s 2025 state budget includes less than a third of the federal funding the state received for Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program grants. More than a dozen producers with selected projects are without funding for now. The day Emily Wright expected to hear whether her vegetable and flower farm in mid-Missouri would receive grant funding…

Voice of the Voter: Local college students find convenience in early voting
|

Voice of the Voter: Local college students find convenience in early voting

Election season is causing anxiety for some college students who are casting their ballots for the first time. Many students are voting early and taking advantage of the service being offered on campuses across Champaign County. One of several polling locations include Parkland College.  Robin Fitzgerald, 19 was one of the first in line before…

ComEd manhole
|

Madigan co-defendant warned ComEd CEO not to ‘provoke a reaction from our Friend’

In ex-speaker’s trial, former utility exec calls Madigan’s apparent involvement in contract talks ‘unusual CHICAGO – Commonwealth Edison’s top attorney was busy preparing for the General Assembly to take up major legislation the utility had spent months negotiating when ComEd’s top in-house lobbyist stopped by his office in late October 2011. A little over 13…

217 Today: Champaign County Clerk discusses measures to combat election threats and ensure ballot security

217 Today: Champaign County Clerk discusses measures to combat election threats and ensure ballot security

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Today’s headlines: In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about how the county is keeping election ballots secure.  217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting contributed by Andrew Pritchard, Jiim Meadows, Kulsoom Khan and Arjun Thakkar.  

NPR kicks off its fourth annual College Podcast Challenge for student storytellers

NPR kicks off its fourth annual College Podcast Challenge for student storytellers

NPR is kicking off its fourth annual College Podcast Challenge. The contest gives students an opportunity to share their stories with the NPR audience and beyond, and compete for a $5,000 cash prize.  The NPR Student Podcast Challenge began six years ago, with submissions open to grades 4 through 12, and more recently, opened up…