217 Today: The University of Illinois will build a smaller, safer and smarter nuclear reactor. Here’s what’s next

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A prototype of a small modular reactor
This prototype design shows a small modular reactor that the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s nuclear engineering department plans to build in collaboration with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
  • Photo: University of Illinois Nuclear, Plasma and Radiological Engineering website

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • University of Illinois researchers have developed a new approach to capturing and destroying harmful synthetic chemicals known as PFAS.
  • Victory for the Fighting Illini football team at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
  • The Citrus Bowl win was just part of a memorable season for Illinois football fans—the plays on the field were just as part of a historic run.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the U of I’s Microreactor Demonstration Project.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Adelyn Mui, Jakob Stutz and Elissa Eaton.

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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.