The decades-long friendship that started in Urbana’s first integrated elementary class
In the 1960’s, a group of parents convinced Urbana to desegregate its elementary schools. Two students from that first class are still friends today.
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NPR to trim $5 million this year as public radio stations struggle to pay bills
At NPR and many member stations, listener contributions have spiked up significantly. They are helping to make up for the cuts, at least in the short term.
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217 Today: WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 18 – Sep. 21
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 House speaker says lawmakers are more aware of their surroundings
Since the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said his caucus has been briefed regularly by the Illinois State Police and other groups about potential threats.
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Lawsuit leads to release of federal funding for EV chargers in Illinois
Attorney general sued for release of grant funding allocated by Biden-era law
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Oversight panel objects to new Illinois prison mail policy
Lawmakers accuse DOC of moving too slowly, poor communications
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217 Today: International student enrollment increases at University of Illinois despite Trump policies
In today’s deep dive, enrollment is up a bit this fall at Northern Illinois University.
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WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 18 – Sep. 21
Riggs Oktoberfest, Pygmalion, fall festivals, and more are happening in central Illinois this week.
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McLean County Nursing Home ‘swiftly and severely’ addresses social media post about Charlie Kirk’s killing
The staffer joins dozens of people across the country whose social media posts about Kirk have put their jobs in jeopardy.
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Champaign’s El Grito festival kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with high energy — despite ICE fears
El Grito de Dolores was the call to arms marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Now El Grito is held every year in Mexico City and all over the world, bringing Mexicans together to commemorate their history.
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Suspect in Kirk killing charged with aggravated murder as prosecutor says DNA found on gun trigger
The charge means Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk last week at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
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Childhood games bridge cultures at Coffee Across Cultures Hour on U of I campus
At the latest Coffee Across Cultures Hour event, students gathered in the Siebel Center for Design in Champaign to enjoy coffee, tea and pastries while exploring this month’s theme: childhood games.
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Pritzker slams feds’ silence on fatal ICE shooting in Franklin Park
A witness told the Chicago Sun-Times that ICE has put out an inaccurate account of the shooting and questioned whether Villegas-Gonzalez’s death will be properly investigated.
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217 Today: Politicians across party lines pay tribute to former Governor Jim Edgar, who died Sunday
In today’s deep dive, we’re remembering former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar, who died Sunday at age 79. A lifelong Republican from Charleston who later disagreed with his party over Donald Trump.
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Surfing in America’s heartland? You can catch waves even if you’re far from the ocean
Most people think of California for surfing. But surfers can be found from Wisconsin to Texas on lakes, rivers and even man-made water parks.
