217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 4 – Sep. 7

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The 54th Annual Broomcorn Festival in Arcola features a National Broom Sweeping Contest, parade, and more.
  • Photo: Courtesy of Arcola Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • In his first 100 days as mayor of Rantoul, Samuel Hall says he’s been focused on creating a foundation for future development in the village. 
  • Illinois Democrats in Washington are condemning President Trump’s plans to deploy federal immigration agents and the National Guard to Chicago.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is saying – once again – that he won’t call President Trump asking for military intervention in Chicago.
  • The Illinois State Board of Elections will not give the Trump administration the personal data it’s looking for.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Mawa Iqbal, Alex Degman, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui.

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Stephanie Orellana