217 Today: Former employee reflects on Chester Street Bar’s legacy in Champaign-Urbana

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Firefighters responded to a partial building collapse at 63 Chester St in Champaign on June 26, 2021. That was the site of the Chester Street Bar for nearly 40 years before it closed in 2017.
  • Photo: Reginald Hardwick/Illinois Newsroom

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Today’s headlines:

  • Two measures in the General Assembly would ensure families of first responders killed in the line of duty get their benefits without delay.
  • A pair of tornadoes touched down near Champaign-Urbana on Monday just before 9 a.m. 
  • After Florida banned AP African American studies, Champaign Unit 4 is preparing to elect four school board members.
  • A non-profit that helps children with disabilities is giving away free bicycles.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from former Chester Street Bar DJ Doug Barnes about the bar’s history and its role as a safe space for those who visited.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Camryn Cutinello, Emily Hays, Mae Antar and Sydney Wood.

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Sydney Wood