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.
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Drought is shrinking Mississippi River levels — again. That’s a big problem for farmers
Farmers rely on the Mississippi River to ship grain and bring them imported fertilizer and other critical inputs. But another year of low river levels means barge travel will be more expensive.
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State-based health insurance marketplace opens amid federal budget stalemate
SPRINGFIELD – People in Illinois who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are likely to see big increases in the cost of their premiums next year, but state officials are encouraging them to reach out for help before they decide to drop their coverage. “We’re really encouraging people, don’t walk away. Come…
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Photo Gallery: Thousands of Illinoisans protest Trump at ‘No Kings’ rally in Urbana
An estimated 4,000 people rallied in front of the Champaign County Courthouse on Saturday to protest the administration and policies of President Donald Trump.
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Police: one person shot and injured after altercation in Champaign’s Campustown
Police found one person with two gunshot wounds near 5th and Green Streets late Friday night.
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Krishnamoorthi spends $450K per week on TV ads in Senate race
SPRINGFIELD — Since early July, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has been a familiar face on Illinois television screens, with the Schaumburg Democrat telling the state’s voters in a set of biographical ads to “just call me Raja” as he campaigns for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat. Krishnamoorthi’s campaign spent an average of more than $450,000 per…
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Former military leaders decry National Guard deployment in Illinois
Legal challenges to deployment, immigration enforcement continue in court.
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Dabrowski sets fundraising bar at $1.5M in GOP primary for governor
Bailey working to establish funding sources after late entry into race he won 4 years ago.
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217 Today: Drought across the county is taking a toll on trees across Illinois. What can you do?
In today’s deep dive, more than half of Champaign County is currently in extreme drought.
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NPR ‘founding mother’ Susan Stamberg has died
Susan Stamberg, an original National Public Radio staffer who went on to become the first U.S. woman to anchor a nightly national news program, died Thursday at the age of 87.
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Corn, but shorter: Why Midwest farmers are experimenting with smaller varieties
Scientists and seed companies are working on shrinking corn. The subtle difference in height has led to some big changes in how shorter corn can be planted and managed in the Corn Belt.
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New Illinois law looks to put guardrails on AI in mental health as researchers push for innovation
As the use of artificial intelligence continues to grow, the technology is increasingly being considered for use in mental health settings. Lawmakers, however, are concerned this could cause patients to receive underqualified mental health care in the place of support from licensed therapists.
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217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 16 – Oct. 19
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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Illinois lawmakers condemn ICE raids in Chicago, weigh state response
State leaders pledge to explore new protections for immigrants but say their power is limited.
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Pritzker tax summaries show more than $10M in 2024 income — not including trusts
Governor says ‘I like to play cards’ as returns show $1.4M in gambling income
