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

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The Trump administration is asking colleges to make policy changes in exchange for special federal funding opportunities.
  • Immigrant rights advocates are in Springfield pushing for legislation to protect Chicagoans from federal agents.
  • Many Illinois shoppers will still be paying a 1 percent grocery tax in 2026.
  • Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is suing State Farm Insurance.

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 Emily Hays, Charles Ledford, Mawa Iqbal, Capitol News Illinois, Alex Degman and Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval.

 

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Stephanie Orellana