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217 Today: Trans Americans are fleeing to Illinois. Here’s why

While Illinois has moved to protect access to gender-affirming care and enshrined civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community overall, four of the five states that border Illinois have all seen a massive rise in bills that target the queer community, especially transgender youth. According to the ACLU's anti-LGBTQ legislation tracker, Missouri's state legislature has considered 48 bills in 2023 alone that would negatively impact the queer community in areas ranging from healthcare to education to free speech and expression.

November 17, 2023

Today’s headlines:

  • Governor J.B. Pritzker is stepping in with new funding to help Chicago deal with its immigration crisis.
  • Even though it’s been unseasonably warm this week, Illinois Transportation officials say winter weather is coming and they want you to be ready.
  • The Urbana Police hired a consulting firm this year to evaluate the department. The firm is seeking input from Urbana residents on how — and if — officers should handle many types of calls for service.
  • The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team hosts the Valparaiso Beacons at State Farm Center tonight.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about Illinois’s efforts to protect trans rights.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting contributed by Dave McKinney, Mawa Iqbal, Farrah Anderson, Colin Hislope and Owen Henderson. 

Picture of Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda

More Stories From Illinois Public Media

Urbana Mayor Marlin confirms she won’t seek third term

Democrat Diane Marlin is confirming what she has been talking about for more than a year: she’ll step down as Urbana mayor when her current term ends next spring.

“After 8 years on City Council and 8 years as mayor, 16 in city government, is a good long run,” Marlin said in an interview with Illinois Public Media.