217 Today:  A conversation with Michelle Jett, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.

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Michelle Jett, one of two Democratic candidates for Champaign County Executive, visits the Illinois Public Media studio in Urbana for an interview on Jan. 27. Jett is the director of administration for current County Executive Steve Summers.
  • Photo: Layli Nazarova/Illinois Student Newsroom

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Today’s headlines: 

  • Early voting begins today for Illinois’ primary election on March 17th.
  • Last month, the U.S. officially withdrew from the World Health Organization.
  • A Republican running for Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat says he wants lawmakers to clearly outline what ICE agents can – and CANNOT – do in the field.
  • The U.S. Department of Education’s “History Rocks! Trail to Independence tour” is coming to Genoa-Kingston High School today.

In today’s deep dive, A conversation with Michelle Jett, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.

217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Layli Nazarova, Miriam Kramer, Christine Herman, and Peter Medlin.

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Giuliana Means