217 Today:  Illinois residents soon have a big choice to make: who should represent them in the U.S. Senate for the next six years

Tiktok Instagram Facebook-f
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative Raaj Krishnamoorthi and Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Juliana Stratton await a question during a Feb. 15, 2026 forum for U.S. Senate Candidates hosted by the NAACP at Love Corner Church in Champaign. The three candidates are looking to take the seat currently held by Senator Dick Durbin, and are competing in the March 17, 2026 Primary Elections for a spot on the official ballot.
  • Photo: Cooper O'Kelly/Illinois Student Newsroom

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Today’s headlines: 

  • The death of the Reverend Jesse Jackson on Tuesday brings new attention to his presence across downstate Illinois.
  • The NAACP Illinois chapter hosted a forum Sunday in Champaign for three Illinois Democrats running for U.S. Senate.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is unveiling his eighth state budget plan today… and one of his proposals is to ban so-called junk fees.
  • The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team got back on track after beating Rutgers 76 to 56 last night.

In today’s deep dive, Illinois residents soon have a big choice to make: who should represent them in the U.S. Senate for the next six years?

217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Cooper O’Kelly, Arjun Thakkar, Jonathan Mathew, and Mawa Iqbal.

WILL and the Illinois Newsroom are committed to bringing you in-depth, relevant coverage that keeps you informed and engages you with our community and state. Join with thousands of others to keep this important public media-based resource available to all. Donate today >>

Giuliana Means