217 Today: Economics and energy take center stage in this year’s 13th congressional district campaigns

L to R: 13th congressional district candidates Dylan Blaha, Rep. Nikki Budzinski (incumbent), Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson.

Monday, February 9, 2026

Today’s headlines: 

  • Congressman Darin LaHood says he does have concerns about a memo from the head of ICE saying agents don’t need a warrant to enter homes.
  • Illinois U-S Senator Dick Durbin says federal immigration enforcement must change before the Department of Homeland Security can receive extended funding.
  • Friday evening, community members gathered in downtown Champaign… for C-U At Home’s annual One Winter Night Event. 
  • No. 5-ranked Illinois Men’s basketball winning streak has come to an end, losing 85-to-82 against Michigan State last night.

In today’s deep dive, economics and energy take center stage in this year’s 13th congressional district campaigns

217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Jonathan Mathew, Charlie Schlenker, Annisyn Krebs-Carr, Minju Park, and David Pierce.

Giuliana Means