217 Today: WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 15 – Jan. 18
A look at the arts, culture, and entertainment coming to the central Illinois area this weekend.
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Here are the books Illinois students loved the most in 2025
Every year, Illinois students vote on the Readers’ Choice Awards for the books they loved the most. WNIJ education reporter Peter Medlin spoke with English teacher and award chair Nichole Folkman about the books that won in 2025.
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Democratic candidate for Illinois Senate seat Kevin Ryan talks economy, military background, ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Gaza on 21st Show
Kevin Ryan is a former teacher and United States marine, who is vying for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois. He shares his views on the affordability crisis Americans are facing, border control, and his experience serving in Afghanistan.
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Local film competition challenges participants to make a movie in 48 hours
Filmmakers and creatives can participate in Champaign Movie Maker’s 48 Hour Film Competition this weekend.
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Supreme Court revives GOP congressman’s challenge to late-arriving mail ballot law
The Trump administration weighed in to support Bost. The Republican president has asserted that late-arriving ballots and drawn-out electoral counts undermine confidence in elections.
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From Illini Hillel to a national movement: the Abram Sachar story
At the corner of John St. and Fifth in Champaign, an Honorary Street is designated to Abram Sachar, who established a Hillel movement at universities across the country.
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217 Today: Local film competition challenges participants to make a movie in 48 hours
Champaign Movie Makers is hosting their annual 48 Hour Film Competition this weekend, where participants have just two days to make a movie.
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WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 15 – Jan. 18
A puzzle competition, celebrations of movies, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.
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Labor, voting rights groups intervene in Illinois voter data lawsuit
Illinois is one of 23 states and Washington, D.C., that are being sued by the Trump administration for access to their unredacted voter rolls.
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Trump freezes $10B in social service, child care funding for Illinois, 4 other blue states
Other states whose funds are being frozen include California, Colorado, Minnesota and New York.
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Psychologist discusses the impact of Native American mascots in schools and universities
Joseph Gone, a member of the Aaniiih-Gros Ventre Tribal Nation and a psychologist and professor at Harvard University, told IPM’s The 21st Show that Native American mascots can spread negative stereotypes and limit outcomes for Native students.
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217 Today: Judge grants temporary restraining order to block the Trump Administration’s freeze on federal funding
Illinois and four other Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to block a freeze on federal funding for childcare and family services. A judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking immediate implementation of the freeze.
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Honorary Alison Krauss Way recognizes renowned bluegrass fiddle-player and vocalist
Alison Krauss, the 27-time Grammy-Award-winning vocalist and fiddle player who grew up in Champaign, played the hallowed Grand Ole Opry at the age of 17.
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Kinzinger and Raoul emphasize importance of the Jan. 6 insurrection anniversary
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul testified a reason Jan. 6 remains important is to protect the rule of law.
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Lawsuit puts Illinois on offensive against ‘menacing’ immigration raids
State claims federal agents used military-style tactics in attempt to coerce Illinois into changing its immigration policies
