217 Today: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign launches space mission to make electronics and air travel safer
Adrien Reetz/Illinois Student Newsroom
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Today’s headlines:
- The fate of Illinois’ assault weapons ban is now before a federal appeals court.
- Tomorrow morning, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is launching its first-ever NASA mission into space.
- Hundreds of steelworkers rallied in Granite City this weekend. Their hope: Secure a long-term commitment to keep the mill open beyond 2027.
- Mayors along the Mississippi River are pushing for changes in how the federal government prevents disasters.
In today’s deep dive, a first for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign tomorrow. Learn about the space mission launch that could help make our electronics and air travel safer, coming up.
217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Dave Mckinney, Will Bauer, Kate Grumke and Madie Stover.
