217 Today: Advocates for Aging Care pushes for solutions as Champaign County faces skilled nursing bed shortage

Cathy Emanuel is the committee chair of the grassroots organization Advocates for Aging Care. One of their missions is to build a new facility that will hold 120 skilled nursing beds.

Friday, December 12, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Central Illinois saw snow fall yesterday and earlier this morning and we could see some temperatures below zero starting tomorrow.
  • According to the Illinois State Board of Education, 25-percent of Illinois public school students are chronically absent. But one program is making a difference.
  • The Western Illinois University board has authorized the administration to borrow up to two-million dollars from the institution’s foundation.
  • Congressman Eric Sorensen may end up having no primary opponent in the March 2026 election.

In today’s deep dive, Champaign County has one of the worst skilled nursing care shortages in the state. It means sometimes, people have to drive hours to see their loved ones.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Andrew Pritchard, Elissa Eaton, Emily Hays, Rich Egger and Erick Stock.

Stephanie Orellana