217 Today: State breaks up classes in Stateville prison closure

217 Today: State breaks up classes in Stateville prison closure

Monday, October 21, 2024 Today’s headlines: In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about men taking higher education courses at the Stateville Correctional Center. 217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Reginald Hardwick, Diana Zhang, Jakob Stutz and Emily Hays. 

Climate scientist Jim Angel on recent Illinois weather patterns — and what’s in store for winter
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Climate scientist Jim Angel on recent Illinois weather patterns — and what’s in store for winter

The climate in the Midwest is ever-changing — and that’s what makes it fascinating, says Jim Angel.  Angel is a climate scientist with the Illinois State Water Survey. He served as Illinois State Climatologist for more than two decades until 2018, and has been studying climate extremes in Illinois and the Midwest for almost 40…

Captain Rat & the Blind Rivets continue to find joy in touring: ‘You almost can’t stop playing live’
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Captain Rat & the Blind Rivets continue to find joy in touring: ‘You almost can’t stop playing live’

Local band Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets has been entertaining crowds for over four decades with their repertoire of 1950s and 1960s pop rock standards and zany on-stage props. This 40-plus year reality was thrown into question after both longtime drummer Jeff Evans and founding member Mark Rubel passed away within months of each…

217 Today: Freshman demographics at Northwestern and U of I show little change following ban on race-conscious admissions

217 Today: Freshman demographics at Northwestern and U of I show little change following ban on race-conscious admissions

Friday, October 18, 2024 Today’s headlines: In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn how the ban on race-conscious admissions has impacted college demographics. 217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Brendan Gallian, Nathan Gonzalez, Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, Mawa Iqbal, Kennedy Vincent and Lisa Kurian Philip.   

Sangamon County Sheriff says she will increase vetting for deputies after Sonya Massey killing

Sangamon County Sheriff says she will increase vetting for deputies after Sonya Massey killing

This story was originally published by Illinois Times The newly appointed Sangamon County sheriff plans to file records requests to obtain information from public agencies that have employed applicants for jobs as county deputies and correctional officers. Sheriff Paula Crouch also said she will mandate in-person visits to current and past employers, when possible, as…

Yahya Sinwar

Israel says it has killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli forces in Gaza killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of last year’s attack on Israel that sparked the war, the military said Thursday. Troops appeared to have run across him unknowingly in a battle, only to discover afterwards that a body in the rubble was Israel’s most wanted man. Israeli…

Mike Madigan
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Michael Madigan’s 12 jurors have finally been chosen — alternates still needed before openings begin

The 12 primary jurors include a nurse who enjoys Marvel movies, a woman who works for Aramark and another woman who has worked in catering, including for an event tied to the recent Democratic National Convention. It took seven days and dozens of interviews, but 12 jurors have finally been chosen to decide whether Michael J….

217 Today: Amid issues with the Champaign County auditor, voters will decide if the office should be eliminated

217 Today: Amid issues with the Champaign County auditor, voters will decide if the office should be eliminated

Thursday, October 17, 2024 Today’s headlines: In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about the Champaign County auditor’s race and the arguments for and against scrapping the position. 217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Kulsoom Khan, Mawa Iqbal and  Nathan Gonzalez.  

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Oct. 17 – Oct. 20

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Oct. 17 – Oct. 20

Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 – Wednesdays at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m., and Thursdays at 5:44 p.m. Thursday, October 17 Fall Carnival     Time: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.     Location: Savoy Recreation Center     Details: This free, all-ages event invites families to…

tree planting
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Danville gets $1 million to focus on tree planting program

  DANVILLE – The City of Danville has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. This grant will be used in launching a new program, Community Roots: Danville’s Urban Reforestation and Revitalization Plan. “This initiative is designed to enhance tree canopy…