217 Today: Drought is shrinking Mississippi River levels — again. That’s a big problem for farmers

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The Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri, last fall. The river is experiencing low levels for the fourth year in a row, which likely will increase the cost of shipping grain and fertilizer for farmers.
  • Photo: Sophie Proe/St. Louis Public Radio

Monday, October 20, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  •  Police say a person was shot during an altercation in Campustown this past weekend.
  • Thousands gathered in front of the Champaign County Courthouse Saturday for the second “No Kings” protest this year.
  • It’s harvest season. And, Governor J-B Pritzker worries about Illinois soybean farmers because of President Trump’s tariff-driven trade war with China.
  • Open enrollment is right around the corner. This year Illinoisans getting their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act will use a new system.

In today’s deep dive, the Mississippi River is running low south of Illinois. And that means shipping products like fertilizer will cost more.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Sam Rink, Mawa Iqbal, Capitol News Illinois and Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval. 

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Stephanie Orellana