The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Drought across the county is taking a toll on trees across Illinois. What can you do?

Stephanie Orellana
 

AP Photo/Seth Perlman

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Friday, October 17, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  •  Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker made more than $10 million last year.
  • Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker is commending actions by a federal judge in Chicago.
  • The Strides low-barrier shelter could close by February of next year if officials don’t find new sources of funding.
  • The Champaign City Council has denied a request to name the University Place Christian Church a local landmark as demolition of the building is already underway.

In today’s deep dive, more than half of Champaign County is currently in extreme drought. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Arjun Thakkar, Maddie Stover and Trent Ford.