Justice Department sues for access to Illinois voter rolls
Illinois among at least 19 states being sued for voter data.
Nonpartisan think tank identifies Illinois’ most effective state legislators
Because of their legislative supermajorities, Democrats in the Illinois House and Senate ranked the highest on the researchers’ list of legislators’ deemed to be the most effective.
Illinois prison artist wowed that her artwork reached Pope Leo XIV
When Gov. JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker visited the pope in Rome on Nov. 19, they gave the pontiff a gift: a hand-drawn self-portrait by Yesenia Diaz, who’s incarcerated downstate.
A native prairie bird lost federal protection. People are still trying to save it on private land
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates millions of lesser prairie chickens may have once scurried across a range of almost 100 million acres across the Great Plains. Today, scientists estimate there are only about 27,000 left in five states – Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado.
217 Today: A native prairie bird lost federal protection. People are still trying to save it on private land
In today’s deep dive, lesser prairie chickens used to roam across the Great Plains by the millions. Now there’s only a few thousand. And they recently lost federal protection.
Snow ends in central Illinois, prepare now for dangerous cold
From IPM meteorologist Andrew Pritchard: Another, weaker storm system will bring another coating of light, powdery snow to central Illinois on Monday.
School closings/delays/e-learning days for December 2, 2025
Tolono Unit 7 Schools will hold an e-learning day on Tuesday, December 2.
Crisis Nursery offers holiday shopping for kids
The Holiday Shop is open this weekend to all children who want to find gifts for family, friends, and loved ones.
National Guard member shot in DC has shown positive signs, West Virginia governor says
Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House while deployed as part of President Donald Trump’s crime-fighting plan that federalized D.C. police.
Floating wetlands in Lake Decatur aim to improve water quality while providing wildlife habitats
As winter approaches, the durability of two new floating wetlands in Lake Decatur will be tested. These man-made structures were installed on the lake this summer with the goal of improving water quality and creating a habitat for wildlife.
Trump cuts could shrink Illinois economy by $10B: report
The report offers a detailed looked at the effects of cuts enacted by Trump through executive order or legislation, directives by federal agency leaders or through Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency.”
217 Today: Ebertfest and beyond, how the C-U film sphere moves forward after the loss of a giant
In today’s deep dive, EbertFest organizers announced this fall they won’t be coming back but there’s some discussion of a possible encore.
Ebertfest and beyond: How the C-U film sphere moves forward after the loss of a giant
CHAMPAIGN — Ebertfest began in 1999 as a star-studded, red-carpet affair showcasing the overlooked indie film darlings in Hollywood at
Miles Scott’s 2 late interceptions secure Illinois’ 20-13 win over Northwestern
Luke Altmyer, one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, was 10-of-15 passing for 136 yards in his final regular-season home game for Illinois.
Rhythm and roots: The restorative power of Black holiday music
From the tone and tenor of Black holiday music, what brings the spirit more than sounds that bring a community together?
Ameren residential gas customers to see average $3.65 increase on bills in January
Ameren serves approximately 816,000 customers in central and southern Illinois.
U.S. Rep. Sorensen pushes for extension of Obamacare subsidies during visit to Normal
Sorensen dismissed an idea raised by the chair of the U.S. Senate Health Committee, Republican Bill Cassidy, to shift the money from the subsidies to health savings accounts for consumers.
Wind advisory in effect today for much of Central Illinois
The National Weather Service’s advisory is in effect for portions of central, east central, southeast, and west central Illinois until 6 pm Wednesday.
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.
