217 Today: Central Illinois social service agencies outline struggle to combat rise in rural homelessness

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Caroline McLeese and Tina Hammer both work at the Salvation Army Pontiac 360 Life Center. They say the need for a homeless shelter in Livingston County is becoming more apparent as the number of people unsheltered and precariously housed reaches an unprecedented high. Other rural counties in central Illinois are encountering similar issues.
  • Photo: Melissa Ellin / WGLT

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Today’s headlines:

  • The Champaign Police Department is working to reduce speeding on the roads, as part of a statewide effort this month.
  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is renewing support for President Joe Biden’s re-election bid while not ruling out his own potential White House run.
  • Southern Illinois University scientists have created an edible cookie made out of plastic and food waste.
  • Corn farmers in Illinois are fighting new EPA rules on vehicle emissions.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how people in central Illinois are working to end homelessness.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Dave McKinney, Elissa Eaton, Eric Stock and Melissa Ellin.  

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Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda is a senior majoring in journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in Spanish and public relations. She is the 217 Today producer and a reporter for the Illinois Student Newsroom.