217 Today: Mass layoffs at USDA leave an uncertain future for researchers and rural areas

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The National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, also known as the Ag Lab, in Peoria, Illinois. The USDA facility is home to a branch of the federal agency's research division. It is the largest federal employer in the Greater Peoria area.
  • Photo: Collin Schopp / WCBU

Friday, March 7, 2025

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Today’s headlines:

  • Students in Champaign got a visit from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker yesterday as he continues to promote a plan to limit cell phone use in K-12 schools.
  • The CU Stand Up for Science rally kicks off today at Noon at the University of Illinois’ alma mater statue.
  • The two men running for Savoy village president say they’re committed to creating a new downtown and improving transportation infrastructure.
  • The results of a contest to pick the new Illinois state flag are in and voters want to keep the current one.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture leave an uncertain future for researchers and rural areas.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Today’s report was contributed by Emily Hays, Mary Piacente, Mawa Iqbal, Stephanie Orellana and Collin Schopp.

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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.