Justice Department sues for access to Illinois voter rolls
Illinois among at least 19 states being sued for voter data.
3I/ATLAS is not alien spacecraft. But here’s how scientists actually look for aliens
3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system, is on its way out, yet speculation that it is alien technology persists.
Holiday cards to those in prison will be digitized this year. A local group points out the importance of physical copies
RIPPLE Effect brings together about two dozen strangers every holiday to write cards to incarcerated people from Champaign County.
Winter Weather Advisory for Champaign County now-Sunday 6am: winter mix possible
New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
217 Today: Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
In today’s deep dive, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch opened 30 years ago in Rantoul and today, 20 reindeer live at Hardy’s, which recently represented Illinois on Good Morning America’s “America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks.”
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, recently featured on Good Morning America, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Rep. Sorensen calls for Defense Secretary Hegseth to resign after Pentagon watchdog report
A summary of the inspector general’s report provided to NPR finds that had a foreign adversary intercepted the intelligence discussed in the chat, it would have endangered both U.S. servicemembers and the mission at large.
Massey Commission releases its final report
The report summarizes the Commission’s public hearings, listening sessions, and research.
Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois
Amid increasingly hostile laws and rhetoric targeting transgender people in the United States, many of them seek to move to places they feel safer. Aaron Slayton is one of many who have made a new home in central Illinois.
Illinois unveils plans to celebrate 250 years of American independence
The programs will seek to highlight local histories and celebrate Illinois’s achievements.
Champaign City Council rejects public encampment ban
The measure would’ve prohibited people from camping on public and city property while requiring city staff to make an effort to connect people with social services.
217 Today: Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois
In today’s deep dive, the political climate in some states has encouraged hostility towards trans people. It’s causing some to leave in search of more affirming communities.
Freezing temperatures continue until end of the week
Meteorologists said wind chills will range from zero to as low as 15 degrees below zero on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Unit 4 parents, students looking for ‘strong communicator’ in next superintendent
Those who want to be Champaign Unit 4’s next superintendent can apply now. The job description is based on the input parents, teachers and students.
Sean Grayson’s attorneys seek new trial after murder conviction
Defense says judge should have barred video of minutes following Sonya Massey’s shooting.
Pritzker signs bill allowing Illinois to issue state-specific vaccine guidelines
The new law will allow the state to publish guidelines that differ from the CDC.
217 Today: Crisis Nursery offers holiday shopping for kids
In today’s deep dive, the Crisis Nursery in Urbana is hosting its annual holiday shop this weekend. We’ll hear about how the children can shop for their loved ones.
WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 4 – Dec. 7
The Nutcracker ballet, a holiday parade, community dances, and more are all happening in Central Illinois this week.
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.
