217 Today: “Pride of the Illini” showcases LGBTQ+ stories and art at UIUC

A composite image shows 7 headshots, some photos and some drawings, as well as one drawing of a blaster, representing some of the contributors to the "Pride of the Illini" project.
"Pride of the Illini" is a student project by graduate Lindsay Peters which compiles an anthology of recorded poems, short stories and songs from members of the LGBTQ+ community on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. While not all contributors were comfortable using their names or likenesses in the published project, some chose to share a photo or art to be the cover image of their piece.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Today’s headlines:

  • A working group dedicated to preserving and enhancing local news in Illinois is out with its recommendations.
  • The Illinois State Board of Elections is now reviewing objections to President Biden and former President Trump appearing on the state ballot.
  • In the first year of Illinois’ new early childhood initiative, the state enrolled more new preschoolers than anticipated.
  • Jewish community members say they feel unheard after a ceasefire in Gaza resolution was proposed to Urbana’s city council.
  • The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with “Pride of the Illini” creator Lindsay Peters.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting contributed by Alex Degman, Mae Antar, Mawa Iqbal, Will Bauer, Colin Hislope and Owen Henderson. 

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.