217 Today: Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall talks first 100 days, engaging with youth, supporting economic development
Courtesy of the Village of Rantoul
Friday, September 5, 2025
Today’s headlines:
- Students from all over Illinois are meeting in Chicago later this month to read their award-winning poetry.
- The Prairieland Punishers roller derby team is back in action this weekend in Bloomington with a first-of-its-kind event that skaters hope will help grow the sport.
- Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams says there are no plans for the National Guard to be deployed to the city.
- Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is backing the Fair Maps ballot initiative to have Illinois’ state legislative districts drawn by an independent commission.
In today’s deep dive, Rantoul’s mayor says he’s been listening to the community for his first 100 days in office. Now, Samuel Hall says he’s focused on supporting local businesses and building an inclusive vision for the village.
217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Ryan Denham, Arjun Thakkar, Mae Antar and Patricia Bradford.
