217 Today: Trump’s on a pardon spree, prison looms for Madigan, and Blago wouldn’t wish sentencing on his ‘worst enemy’
In today’s deep dive, after former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is sentenced this week, could his next move be to seek President Trump’s intervention?
Trump’s on a pardon spree, prison looms for Madigan, and Blago wouldn’t wish sentencing on his ‘worst enemy’
Many wonder if President Donald Trump would grant clemency to Mike Madigan.
OSF Healthcare to merge Urbana and Danville hospitals into one system
The organization says the move will expand mental health treatment options and reduce duplication — though some employees say the announcement caught them off guard.
Ranchers may have to relearn how to fight an old enemy — the New World screwworm
New World screwworms used to be a constant concern for ranchers, until they were eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960’s. Now that they’re on their way back, those who remember dealing with them have warnings about their impact.
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jun. 12 – Jun. 15
Listen to Kimberly Schofield and Patricia Bradford talk about weekend events on IPM News AM 580 and FM 90.9 –
217 Today: Ranchers may have to relearn how to fight an old enemy — the New World screwworm
In today’s deep dive, a parasite has cattle ranchers worried. New World Screwworms were pushed south of the U.S. border for decades but they’re on their way back. Ranchers recall what it was like to fight screwworms and the efforts they’d like to see to keep them out of the U.S.
Gov. Pritzker prepping for House committee showdown with help from top Biden attorney
Pritzker is preparing for Thursday’s House hearing on Illinois immigration policies with the help of Dana Remus, former White House counsel to President Biden.
Midwest women may be impacted by Trump’s revocation of emergency abortion guidance
The Trump Administration last week rescinded Biden-era guidance requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortions to women when they are necessary to stabilize their medical condition.
Midwest pork producers hope for a profitable year, but trade tensions could complicate that
While the U.S. pork industry has grown significantly in the past two decades, producers have struggled to make a profit in recent years. Industry leaders are looking for new markets abroad and at home.
217 Today: Former staff attorney releases ‘The Velvet Hammer,’ a song reflecting on Michael Madigan’s legacy
In today’s deep dive, a new song explores former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s grip on power as he awaits sentencing.
Around the Block exhibit showcases the creativity and talent in Central Illinois
In the exhibit’s fifth iteration, the Giertz Gallery at Parkland College is showcasing the work of local artists from around Central Illinois. It runs from June 9 through July 24.
Campus to coast: A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign grad student investigates The Gambia’s fishmeal crisis and its toll on West African communities
What happens when coastal resources are taken, and local communities are left to stay afloat? Dialogue looks at how large-scale fishing operations in The Gambia are changing the environment, disrupting livelihoods, and raising questions about justice along West Africa’s shores.
Vermilion County Pride Coalition hosts Danville’s third annual Pride — and everyone is invited
Vermilion County Pride Coalition will host its third annual Pride celebration at Ellsworth Park in Danville on Saturday, June 7. Founding members of the organization reflect on what it means to them to finally be able to have pride where they grew up.
Champaign-based Health Alliance plans to end all coverage, eliminating more than 600 jobs
The news comes after Carle Health recently announced that Health Alliance will stop providing all types of coverage at the end of the year.
‘That funding is really essential’: IPM’s executive director weighs in on potential cuts to public broadcasting
IPM’s executive director Moss Bresnahan spoke to IPM News’ Kimberly Schofield about what a loss in public support could mean for the station’s radio, television and digital programs.
217 Today: How will this spring’s General Assembly session affect education in Illinois?
In today’s deep dive, the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session has come to an end. State lawmakers passed dozens of education bills, but they also left hundreds more on the table when they wrapped up this past weekend.
UW-Madison provost named next chancellor of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Isbell is a computer scientist currently serving as provost of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He’ll join the U of I later this summer, pending approval from the Board of Trustees.
Five years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some takeaways.
Social distancing, sanitation, and remote work became part of our everyday lives when the COVID-19 Pandemic began in 2020. Five years later, its impacts are still being felt.
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
