217 Today: Scientists are debating the risks of carbon sequestration under sole-source aquifers
Sam Rink / Illinois Student Newsroom
Friday, July 11, 2025
Today’s headlines:
- Residents of Mattoon are being told not to drink or cook with their tap water until further notice. The reason is a harmful algal bloom spreading toxins in the water supply.
- People lined the streets of Champaign and Urbana yesterday night to show support for those hurt by federal policies under the Trump administration.
- A 15-year-old is in serious condition after being injured in a shooting incident in Danville.
- Chicago immigrant rights advocates say they’re worried about federal authorities casing the area around the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.
In today’s deep dive, state lawmakers are calling for a partial ban on carbon sequestration over concerns that it could contaminate drinking water in important resources like the Mahomet Aquifer. But some scientists say those risks are minimal.
217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Jim Meadows, Stephanie Mosqueda, Arjun Thakkar, Mawa Iqbal and Sam Rink.