217 Today: Americans are drinking less. What does that mean for winemakers in the Heartland?
Rachel Cramer/Harvest Public Media
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Today’s headlines:
- Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the intersection of Green Street and Goodwin Avenue in Urbana yesterday on the two-year anniversary of Israel’s war in Gaza.
- U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth says the Trump administration’s plan to send hundreds of National Guard members to Chicago is unconstitutional.
- The University of Illinois’ Soybean Innovation Lab nearly shut down earlier this year after the Trump administration cut USAID funding. Additional funding could be on the way.
- The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved a request from OSF HealthCare to restructure operations at the Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana.
In today’s deep dive, the grape harvest for wine is in full swing. But in some regions, the last few years have been tough.
217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Mawa Iqbal, Stephanie Orellana, Arjun Thakkar and Rachel Cramer.
