217 Today: A conversation with Sanford Hess, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.
In today’s deep dive, a conversation with Sanford Hess, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.
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Illinois attorney general wins state’s first civil hate crime lawsuit
The win came among dozens of lawsuits the state has filed against the Trump administration in the past year.
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GOP U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek, Polish immigrant, talks immigration reform, taxes, ‘cultural Marxism’
A Polish immigrant to the U.S., GOP U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek discusses his views on immigration and ICE with the 21st show.
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Protections from carbon sequestration and pipelines remain a key priority for Central Illinois advocates and policymakers
Alongside education funding, Faraci said he remains focused on environmental protections for the Mahomet Aquifer, the primary drinking water source for nearly one million people in Central Illinois.
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How to vote in Illinois in 2026: Early voting begins this week for most of the state
Capitol News Illinois has launched its revamped 2026 Election Guide to coincide with the opening of early voting throughout much of the state.
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Illinois basketball teams split the day
No. 5 Illinois makes 17 3-pointers, beats Northwestern 84-44 for 12th straight win
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217 Today: A conversation with Michelle Jett, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.
In today’s deep dive, A conversation with Michelle Jett, who’s running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.
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Search warrant reveals FBI is investigating former Carlyle police chief
The FBI is investigating Pingsterhaus, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, for possible wire fraud and theft of federal funds, according to the search warrant, obtained by Capitol News Illinois and the Illinois Answers Project.
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Meet Michelle Jett, Democratic candidate for Champaign County Executive
Democrats in Champaign County will decide who will be the next County Executive in the primary election. Meet Michelle Jett.
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Meet Sanford Hess, Democratic candidate for Champaign County Executive
Democrats in Champaign County will decide who will be the next County Executive in the primary election. Meet Sanford Hess.
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More U.S. farmers would be eligible for federal loans under new bipartisan bill
A bipartisan bill would expand the eligibility requirements for applicants.
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All this snow hasn’t done much to reduce drought in Central Illinois
The groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter. So does Illinois’ climatologist.
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Filmed in Central Illinois, ‘Moses the Black’ brings new film opportunities to the area
The film premiere marked a turning point for Central Illinois’ growing film industry, as sources from local studios said productions like “Moses the Black” show the region can support large-scale projects once limited to major cities.
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U of I students react to Illini Republicans controversial ICE social media post
An Instagram post made by the Illini Republicans depicting the recent federal agent shooting and killing of Alex Pretti has garnered negative feedback towards the group. U of I officials say the post has been reported to the Title IX Office.
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217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 5 – Feb 8
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Today’s headlines: A controversial pro-ICE Instagram post by the Illini Republicans… has prompted backlash on the University of Illinois campus. Governor JB Pritzer is sticking with a pension plan he proposed two years ago. The Chicago woman who border patrol agents shot five times last October called the incident an “execution”…
