217 Today: New Philadelphia designated as national park for being first town legally founded by an African American

An aerial photograph of the New Philadelphia townsite in Pike County, Illinois.

Monday, February 6, 2023

Today’s headlines:

  • With Medicaid pandemic protections ending March 31, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services predicts more than 300,000 residents could lose health insurance.
  • Last year, a letter co-authored by a University of Illinois law professor was cited on the U.S. Senate floor during its debate on the Respect for Marriage Act.
  • Central Illinois congressman Darin LaHood he’s willing to explore what he calls reasonable police reforms. 
  •  The Illinois women’s basketball team won its 18th game of the season on Sunday, topping Minnesota 69-to-62.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear from U of I professor Gerald McWhorter. His great-great grandfather was the first African American to start a town in the U.S., and he did it in Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Camryn Cutinello, Piper Pascarella, Eric Stock and Farrah Anderson.

Sydney Wood