More Illinois universities are covering tuition for low-income households, but issues with cost remains
In Illinois, state funding for higher education dropped by nearly 40% since 2000. Public university tuition has increased 121% in the same time. Students from low-income homes are receiving financial aid, but face other costs.
217 Today: Big box grocers dominate some markets. That impacts small grocers and food deserts
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about some of the challenges independent grocers face in low-income areas and food deserts.
Caregivers play a crucial role in the health care system. But their needs are often unmet
Family caregivers play an important role in the well-being of older adults and can help in their recovery after an illness or hospitalization. But communication between the health care system and caregivers it often lacking.
Prosecution rests in Madigan trial as defense calls witness dropped from feds’ list
After calling 50 witnesses over the last two months, prosecutors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption trial rested their case Wednesday.
Ahead of her retirement, Champaign City Manager Dorothy David reflects on 30 years of service
IPM’s Arjun Thakkar sat down with outgoing Champaign City Manager Dorothy David to reflect on her record and her time working for the city.
217 Today: Ahead of her retirement, Champaign City Manager Dorothy David reflects on 30 years of service
In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with Dorothy David as she reflects on her tenure in Champaign.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Dec. 19 – Dec. 22
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 –
Two Danville men featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 list
Two young men from Danville were featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2025.
Feds set to rest case in Madigan trial; defense prepares to call first witnesses
Prosecution ends two months of testimony with confused appearance from former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo in the Mike Madigan trial.
217 Today: Illinois DCFS director cites progress, says more changes are needed
In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with the head of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services about the department’s progress and future changes.
Whooping cough cases on the rise in Champaign County
Public health officials say there have been 26 cases of pertussis reported in Champaign County this year, primarily among high school and college students.
Mississippi River mayors launch a new push for a legal agreement to manage the waterway
Legal agreements govern the Great Lakes and some river systems in the U.S., but the Mississippi River doesn’t have a compact. Some mayors on the waterway think it’s time to change that.
Urbana City Council tables measure that would require approval for police surveillance technology
Officials in Urbana have tabled an ordinance that would require the city’s police department to seek approval before purchasing and using surveillance technology, including license plate readers, facial recognition software, drones, social media analytics software, mobile X-Rays and tools used to gain access to a mobile device.
A look back at the late Zakir Hussain’s performances in Urbana
Renowned Indian musician Zakir Hussain, who died this week, performed twice in Urbana within the last few years.
Former Madigan ally contradicts past statements after being ordered to testify
Ex-state Rep. Eddie Acevedo was forced to take the stand during the Madigan trial despite objections over his dementia.
217 Today: Women are a growing segment of hunters. But keeping them in the sport remains a challenge
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about the barriers women face as they try to break into the sport of hunting.
Sam Banks is third school board member to resign from Champaign Unit 4 this year
Sam Banks is the third Champaign Unit 4 school board member to resign this year. All three have cited unproductive tensions in the group.
More of the nation’s milk supply will be tested for bird flu under a new federal rule
The new strategy aims to pinpoint where bird flu exists in the U.S. and halt its spread. There have been hundreds of cases in cattle and dozens in humans.
Keep up with news in Central Illinois every weekday with 217 Today. Hear the day's headlines, along with one deeper dive, in just ten minutes. Learn about the people and places that make Central Illinois unique with 217 Today.
Meet the team
Reginald Hardwick
News & Public Affairs Director
Jim Meadows
All Things Considered Host & Harvest Public Media reporter
Arjun Thakkar
Senior Editor
Kimberly Schofield
Morning Edition Host & Arts reporter
Mae Antar
Weekend Edition Host & reporter
David Pierce
Reporter
Kennedy Vincent
Black & Immigrant Communities Reporter & Dialogue Host
Emily Hays
Reporter
Steve Morck
Senior Digital Media Producer
Stephanie Mosqueda
Producer
Brian Mackey
Host of The 21st
Jose Zepeda
Producer on The 21st
Christine Hatfield
Producer on The 21st
