217 Today: Next U of I chancellor talks AI, responding to Trump policies and comic book

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From left: University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen, U of I Chancellor Designate Charles Isbell and Board of Trustees Chair Jesse Ruiz walk out of the board meeting after a unanimous vote on Monday, June 9, 2025 establishing Isbell as the next chancellor.
  • Photo: Emily Hays / Illinois Public Media

Friday, June 13, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • Sparks flew frequently at a congressional hearing Thursday where JB Pritzker and two other Democratic governors were questioned about their immigration policies.
  • The City of Champaign is receiving a state grant to develop a countywide plan supporting residents with limited English proficiency. 
  • The House of Representatives voted Thursday to rescind funding for public broadcasting.
  • The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday night to celebrate the Grand Opening of Hotel Royer. 

In today’s deep dive, we talked with the next chancellor of the University of Illinois about how he plans to respond to pressures from the Trump administration and his favorite comic book.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Stephanie Mosqueda, Arjun Thakkar, Anna Koh and Emily Hays.

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Stephanie Orellana