217 Today: Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

• The Champaign City Council unanimously rejected an ordinance to prohibit people without housing from camping out in public spaces.
• Among U.S. adults almost half of those who are transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse say they’ve considered moving or have already moved to a more trans-affirming place. 
• The state of Illinois has a full slate of events planned to commemorate the United States’ 250th birthday celebration.
• The Illinois Secretary of State has issued warnings to national rental car companies.

In today’s deep dive,  the political climate in some states has encouraged hostility towards trans people. It's causing some to leave in search of more affirming communities.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Sam Rink, Arjun Thakkar, Alex Degman and Mawa Iqbal.