217 Today: ‘There’s a softness that starts to settle in’, peer educators incarcerated at Danville Correctional Center describe their teaching journey

Larry McCaskill has learned to embrace the less tough, softer sides of his personality.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  •  Police are looking for a suspect who shot and killed a 24-year old man in west Champaign on Sunday.
  • If you’re planning to drive through University Avenue in downtown Champaign during the day this week you may want to consider an alternate route.
  • When defendants facing criminal charges are found unfit for trial due to mental health concerns, Illinois law requires them to be transferred to receive treatment at a state hospital.
  • More than 50 youth football teams will converge on Rantoul this weekend for the regional football championships.

In today’s deep dive, Danville Correctional Center has led the state in experimenting with a different kind of education — led by peers.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Arjun Thakkar and Emily Hays.

Stephanie Orellana