217 today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jun. 05 – Jun. 08

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

• Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is speaking out against a proposal to  pull back federal funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting.
• It’s been more than five years since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic. And while public health officials say the emergency threat is over, its impacts are still being felt today.
• A new federal bill would give farmers more options to protect their livestock from black vultures. 
• Experts say the Trump administration's policy approach to international students could slow economic growth in the U.S.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Reginald Hardwick, Anna Koh, Jess Savage and Stephanie Orellana.