217 Today: Proposed Illinois bill aims to change how schools teach Native American history

217 Today: Proposed Illinois bill aims to change how schools teach Native American history

Monday, May 1, 2023 Today’s headlines: The Danville City Council could pass an ordinance Tuesday night restricting abortion access in the city. The Illinois General Assembly is talking about ways for the state to better help children struggling with mental health. Organizers say nearly 9,000 athletes took part in this year’s Christie Clinic Race Weekend….

217 Today: A new political opera is coming to life at Krannert Center

217 Today: A new political opera is coming to life at Krannert Center

Friday, April 28, 2023 Today’s headlines:  A newly signed Illinois law will let out-of-state doctors and nurses practicing on temporary licenses stay here. The Mississippi River is on the rise. Snowmelt from the Upper Basin states has caused a slow moving flood throughout the region. A west suburban gun shop owner is taking his case…

217 Today: Substandard housing in Champaign has left residents displaced and sick

217 Today: Substandard housing in Champaign has left residents displaced and sick

Thursday, April 27, 2023 Today’s headlines:  After a year of bargaining – and a six-day strike – faculty and staff at Eastern Illinois University have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract. Jurors in the Commonwealth Edison bribery trial of four former executives and lobbyists are asking questions during their first full day of deliberations. Democratic State…

217 Today: Illinois colleges expand cannabis classes

217 Today: Illinois colleges expand cannabis classes

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Today’s headlines: The case against four former Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists is now in the hands of a federal jury. Southern Illinois University trustees will vote on next year’s tuition and fee schedules when they meet this week in Carbondale. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled to keep the abortion…

217 Today: Climate change affects largest maple syrup producer in Illinois

217 Today: Climate change affects largest maple syrup producer in Illinois

Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Today’s headlines: Republicans in the Illinois Senate say they want a chance for their legislation to be heard – particularly when it comes to victims’ rights. Cook County Health has received nearly $1 million to replace aging equipment for the most vulnerable newborns. A new student ensemble at the University of…

217 Today: Piatt County Board rejects wind farm proposal

217 Today: Piatt County Board rejects wind farm proposal

Monday, April 24, 2023 Today’s headlines: Closing arguments are expected to begin on Monday in one of Illinois’ most consequential corruption trials of the past decade. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition calling for a federal recall of some KIA and Hyundai cars after they said the companies failed to take steps to…

217 Today: Some Illinois schools are ‘growing their own’ principals to deal with staffing shortages

217 Today: Some Illinois schools are ‘growing their own’ principals to deal with staffing shortages

Friday, April 21, 2023 Today’s headlines: “Safe, alive, and out of prison.” Those are the goals for victims of crime and those who commit them, according to a year-old Davenport police initiative. Illinois House Republicans are worried the state is spending too much on healthcare for undocumented immigrants. The Urbana Board of Education has unanimously approved…

217 Today: Midwest gardeners are planting milkweed for Monarch butterflies despite bans

217 Today: Midwest gardeners are planting milkweed for Monarch butterflies despite bans

Thursday, April 20, 2023 Today’s headlines:  After nearly 6 weeks of testimony – the federal bribery trial of four former Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists is coming to a close. Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson is urging state lawmakers to change how school districts are paid. A new exhibit called “Welcome to the Pow-wow” opened this…

217 Today: From a Monopoly Board to a Railroad Hall of Fame, Western Illinois is trying to attract tourists

217 Today: From a Monopoly Board to a Railroad Hall of Fame, Western Illinois is trying to attract tourists

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Today’s headlines:  A former Commonwealth Edison CEO faced intense grilling Tuesday on the witness stand in a political corruption trial. Doctors in Missouri who offer hormones and other gender-affirming care are trying to see as many transgender patients as they can before temporary restrictions on that care start on April 27. In…

217 Today: Farmers, environmentalists oppose carbon dioxide pipeline proposals

217 Today: Farmers, environmentalists oppose carbon dioxide pipeline proposals

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 Today’s headlines: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones is condemning dozens of racist messages sent to a Black student group.  A pop-up shop in Champaign is offering free dresses and other formal wear for prom season. In 2022, there were 32 indicated child deaths from abuse and neglect in central…

ComEd bribery trial defendant takes the stand in her own defense

ComEd bribery trial defendant takes the stand in her own defense

Monday, April 17, 2023 Today’s headlines: Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski said recent court rulings curtailing the use of the so-called abortion pill shows continue overreach by abortion opponents. It’s been over seven years since Farmer City in DeWitt County has had a grocery store. Officials are vowing to find ways to ensure next year’s Democratic…

217 Today: Representative Nikki Budzinski completes first 100 days in office

217 Today: Representative Nikki Budzinski completes first 100 days in office

Friday, April 14, 2023 Today’s headlines:  A week-long strike by the union representing Eastern Illinois University faculty and support staff is on hold, while members consider the administration’s contract proposal. Medication abortion remains available in Illinois, despite a new federal court decision that put tighter rules on the drug. Illinois State University’s athletics director has…

217 Today: NPR’s student podcast challenge is looking for entries from middle and high school students

217 Today: NPR’s student podcast challenge is looking for entries from middle and high school students

Thursday, April 13, 2023 Today’s headlines:  Illinois will receive just over $67 million as part of a multi-state settlement with the e-cigarette maker Juul. A federal judge in southern Illinois heard arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit challenging the state’s recent ban on many high-powered weapons and high-capacity magazines. A substance use and mental health researcher at the…

Music director of Broadway’s ‘Six’ reflects on mental health journey

Music director of Broadway’s ‘Six’ reflects on mental health journey

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 Today’s headlines: A federal judge in southern Illinois will hear arguments on Wednesday in a lawsuit challenging the state’s recent assault weapons ban. The Democratic National Convention will be coming to Chicago next year, officials announced on Tuesday. New data shows more than 800,000 people in Illinois have had cannabis-related arrest…

217 Today: Rockford school district changes code of conduct to reduce expulsion rates

217 Today: Rockford school district changes code of conduct to reduce expulsion rates

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 Today’s headlines: Faculty and staff at three Illinois universities are on strike while they negotiate for better wages and hours. State lawmakers are looking to strengthen protections for patients at state-operated mental health facilities. The state’s economy continues to grow, but slowly. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to come together…