217 Today: ‘Predictor’ brings the story of Meg Crane, inventor of the home pregnancy test, to Station Theatre in Urbana

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Meg's character examines vials of blood samples in the Station Theatre production of "Predictor," a production about the inventor of the home pregnancy test.
  • Photo: Zoie Peters/Station Theatre

Friday, September 19, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Police have arrested a 17-year-old student who threatened to “shoot up” Urbana High School.
  • Portions of streets near Urbana High School will be briefly closed this afternoon for the school’s Homecoming Parade.
  • Illinois has joined a growing list of states that are issuing their own vaccination guidelines.
  •  Illinois football is taking the field tomorrow against its first Big 10 opponent this season. 

In today’s deep dive, “Predictor” is a play based on the real life story of Margaret Crane, who hasn’t always received credit for inventing the home pregnancy test.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Capitol News Illinois, Jonathan Matthew and Adelyn Mui. 

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Stephanie Orellana