217 Today

In today’s deep dive, dozens of professors at Illinois colleges and universities are on a watch list ran by slain activist Charlie Kirk’s organization.

Friday, September 19, 2025 Today’s headlines:  Police have arrested a 17-year-old student who threatened to “shoot up” Urbana High School. Portions of streets near Urbana High School will be briefly closed this afternoon for the school’s Homecoming Parade. Illinois has joined a growing list of states that are issuing their own vaccination guidelines.  Illinois football…

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.

In today’s deep dive, enrollment is up a bit this fall at Northern Illinois University.

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.

the late Clarence Shelley was known for building community between faculty and students at the University of Illinois. 

In today’s deep dive, Bike to Work Day was this week in Champaign County. We’ll bring you an audio postcard from three cyclists sharing why they ride their bikes and what would make it easier to go for a bike ride in the area.

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.   

In today’s deep dive, beef is as expensive as it’s ever been, thanks to the high cost of cattle. Retailers of all sizes have upped their prices on steak and hamburger.

In today’s deep dive,  surfing isn’t just an ocean sport anymore. Landlocked residents from Wisconsin to central Texas are also catching waves.

In today’s deep dive, an algal bloom in Mattoon’s water reservoirs forced the city to place a do-not-drink order in place this earlier this summer. 

In today’s deep dive, Rantoul’s mayor says he’s been listening to the community for his first 100 days in office. Now, Samuel Hall says he’s focused on supporting local businesses and building an inclusive vision for the village. 

In today’s deep dive, the University of Illinois will soon offer abortion services through a partnership with Planned Parenthood.

In today’s deep dive, “KPop Demon Hunters” is the number one, original movie on Netflix. And the film’s lead actress, Arden Cho, is a University of Illinois graduate. 

In today’s deep dive, a final conversation with Illinois Public Media’s Jim Meadows after 25 years of reporting and hosting he’s stepping into retirement.