Friday, February 13, 2026
Today’s headlines:
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The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District recently appointed a new Administrator and Executive Director.
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Proposed legislation at the statehouse aims to put guardrails on data centers. The POWER Act would make data centers pay their own costs and protect water, including in Champaign-Urbana.
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The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans endorses whole-fat dairy products, ending a longstanding recommendation that consumers should opt for low- and nonfat alternatives.
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A new documentary from a former Trump campaign advisor calls for zeroing out the population of Chinese international students at the University of Illinois and other public universities in the U.S.
In today’s deep dive, Visa delays, rising costs, tightening restrictions and fear are keeping international artists from visiting the Midwest.
217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Knox Mynatt, Hope Kirwan, Abisola Dehunsi, Josie Fischels, and Emily Hays.