217 Today: A family came to Chicago seeking asylum. Dad was deported. Now, Mom wants to leave.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

• The Champaign County Fair Queen Pageant isn’t just a beauty competition.
• The rise of artificial intelligence is driving demand for data centers in states like Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin.
• Doctors and nurse practitioners across Illinois are stepping up to provide gender affirming care for minors as hospitals scale back. 
• Hospitals across the Midwest are bracing for cuts to services and staff in the wake of President Donald Trump’s budget bill.

In today’s deep dive, a Chicago migrant recently deported to Venezuela says conditions in detention are inhumane.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Sam Rink, Joe Schulz, Kristen Schorsch, Ben Thorp and Adriana Cardona Maguigad.