217 Today: Trumpeter James Vaughen spreads joy with music

Trumpeter James Vaughen debuted as assistant principal trumpet with the Grant Park Orchestra in Chicago.

August 24, 2023

Today’s headlines:

  • Champaign, Danville and Urbana Schools close Thursday due to heat.
  • The University of Illinois has conducted research on how the effects of heat could be lessened in the future.
  • University of Illinois graduate and actor Nick Offerman will return to campus this weekend to raise money for the U of I’s Japan House.
  • Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer was named starting quarterback by Head Illini Football Coach Bret Bielema at his press conference Monday.
  • The Biden Administration is awarding Illinois $1.3 million to help boost the number of women working in construction and green energy.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear a conversation with trumpeter James Vaughen about his path to becoming a professional musician.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting contributed by Mae Antar, Owen Henderson, Colin Hislope, Alex Degman and Kimberly Schofield.

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.