217 Today: Family of U of I freshman who died from hypothermia focus on prevention one year later
One year after the death of University of Illinois freshman Akul Dhawan, his family is finding ways to remember him and move forward. Courtesy of Ish Dhawan
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Today's headlines:
- Seventeen university labs that research food and agriculture have stopped work after President Donald Trump froze the U.S. Agency for International Development last month.
- Journalists from the University of Illinois are working with reporters in Sierra Leone to explore the issue of period poverty.
- The Urbana Police Chief says a proposed city ordinance to require approval for police surveillance technology goes too far.
- Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan left the courthouse smiling even though a federal jury found him guilty of conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud.
In today's deep dive, we'll learn how safety on the U of I campus has changed since a former freshman died from hypothermia after going out drinking with friends a year ago.
217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Diana Zhang, Mae Antar, Dave McKinney and Emily Hays.