217 Today: The 21st Show sought interviews with all 16 candidates for U.S. senator from Illinois. Listen to them here

Friday, February 27, 2026

Today’s headlines: 

• The Illinois House is calling on the Department of Justice to release any remaining files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• Young people raised in homes with violence can struggle to cultivate healthy relationships later in life.
• The Illinois women’s basketball team concluded their final road game of the regular season with a close 82- 78 loss against No. 9-ranked Iowa last night.

In today’s deep dive, there's a crowded field of candidates running for Illinois' open U.S. Senate seat this year. Immigration enforcement has been a top issue in the race. We'll hear from Democrats and Republicans vying to succeed outgoing U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Arjun Thakkar, Jonathan Mathew, Lyric Roy, and Sam Naftzger.