217 Today: U of I satellite was delivered to space. It will study space weather and how it affects us on Earth

Tiktok Instagram Facebook-f
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) as it's primary payload, lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.
  • Photo: AP Photo/John Raoux

Friday, October 24, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • A forensic scientist testified yesterday in the murder trial of Sean Grayson.
  • Danville’s school board voted unanimously earlier this week to fire its finance director.
  • Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is mourning the loss of one of his sons and multiple family members.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says abuse is continuing in and around Chicago at the hands of federal immigration agents. 

In today’s deep dive, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign designed satellite was delivered to Earth’s outer atmosphere. We’ll learn more about how it will make a difference for technology on Earth.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Emily Hays, Alex Degman and Reginald Hardwick.

WILL and the Illinois Newsroom are committed to bringing you in-depth, relevant coverage that keeps you informed and engages you with our community and state. Join with thousands of others to keep this important public media-based resource available to all. Donate today >>

Stephanie Orellana