Thursday, March 12, 2026
Today’s headlines:
- An ag tech company conducting research at the University of Illinois will be competing at a national competition later this year.
- Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski says the Trump administration’s war in Iran is hurting the pocketbooks of her constituents.
- A wide field of Republicans in next Tuesday’s primary election is looking to flip an Illinois U-S Senate seat to red.
- Ed Yohnka is with the ACLU of Illinois. He says polling places should be safe and free of intimidation, both from governmental actors and others.
In today’s deep dive, the Jupiter String Quartet, a pet supply sale, the Lucky Dog 5K, and of course, live music.
217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Abigail Bottar, Araceli Gomez-Aldana, Isabela Nieto, Kimberly Schofield, and Adelyn Mui.