217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 23 – Oct. 26
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.
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Testimony begins Wednesday in the murder case against former Sangamon deputy
Sean Grayson is accused of unlawfully using deadly force in the shooting of Sonya Massey last year.
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Illinois teachers believe parents support teaching inclusive history, despite national divides
A new report from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows most educators in the state think parents support them teaching about race and gender.
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USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs.
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217 Today: A year after statewide picket, Galesburg prison still plagued by drugs, violence, understaffing
In today’s deep dive, Illinois prisons are scanning mail to keep drugs out but staff say violence and drugs are still a problem at Hill Correctional Center in Galesburg.
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WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 23 – Oct. 26
Opening night of a play, performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, CU Pride celebrations, and more are all happening in central Illinois this week.
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Opening statements Wednesday in trial of ex-Illinois officer who killed Sonya Massey
The trial was moved to Peoria because of publicity. Testimony likely will feature a competition of experts on police training and expected practices and justified use of force by police.
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What to know about the $250 million ballroom Trump is adding to the White House
The 90,000-square-foot ballroom will dwarf the main White House itself. Trump says it will accommodate 999 people, up from 650 guests.
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Illinois video gambling mogul to seek GOP gubernatorial nomination
Rick Heidner owns the third-largest video gaming terminal operator in Illinois.
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Trump agrees to extend judge’s block on deploying National Guard as Supreme Court weighs case
The Trump administration has agreed to extend a federal judge’s temporary block on deploying National Guard troops to Chicago while the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether to stay the judge’s order.
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Fewer international students studying at some Illinois universities
The Trump administration wants to reduce the number of foreign students on American campuses. Faculty say they are vital to research and teaching.
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217 Today: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Huff Hall celebrates 100th anniversary
In today’s deep dive, Huff Hall at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
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Jury chosen in murder trial of former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson
Grayson was charged with first-degree murder after shooting Sonya Massey, 36, in her kitchen after she called to report a prowler outside her home southeast of Springfield in 2024.
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Second ‘No Kings’ protest draws thousands to the streets in Urbana
Thousands of people gathered in downtown Urbana for the second “No Kings” protest of the year. The causes represented varied, but those in attendance had one thing in common: They aren’t happy with President Donald Trump.
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217 Today: Drought is shrinking Mississippi River levels — again. That’s a big problem for farmers
In today’s deep dive, the Mississippi River is running low south of Illinois. And that means shipping products like fertilizer will cost more.
