The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Flyover Film Studios in Rantoul brings new growth to central Illinois’ film industry

Kimberly Schofield and Giuliana Means
 

A. Oishii Basu/Illinois Student Newsroom

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Monday, March 2, 2026

Today’s headlines: 

  • A lot of veterans carry invisible trauma and wounds after their service ends. And often, those struggles are overlooked.
  • The only competitive County Board race on this year’s primary election ballot is for district six -- which covers neighborhoods in the northern and central parts of the county. 
  • The Illinois women's basketball team ended their season with a 78-to-73 loss to No. 22 ranked Minnesota yesterday afternoon.
  • U-S Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois says she does NOT believe President Donald Trump had the authority to launch an attack on Iran.

In today’s deep dive, the story behind the new Flyover movie studios in Rantoul. The studio launched only a few years ago – but it’s already being recognized by state leaders for bringing notable economic growth to Illinois.

217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Jakia Hines, Elissa Eaton, Jonathan Mathew, Reginald Hardwick, and Oishii Basu.