217 Today: International student enrollment increases at University of Illinois despite Trump policies

More international students enrolled in the University of Illinois System this fall than in previous years.

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The Trump administration wants to limit how long visas can last for international  students.
  • Thanks to donations to the Robin Hall Fund for Public Art the Urbana Park District has purchased more sculptures for its permanent collection in recent years.
  • Illinois based McDonald’s is making an investment to help accelerate regenerative grazing and water on ranches in up to 38 states.
  • Rivian has begun construction on a long-delayed electric vehicle plant in Georgia. The automaker currently has one sole manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois.

In today’s deep dive, enrollment is up a bit this fall at Northern Illinois University.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Oishii Basu, Lisa Dwyer, Ben Thomas and Peter Medlin.

Stephanie Orellana