The 217 Today Podcast | Illinois Public Media

Keep up with news in Central Illinois every weekday with 217 Today. Hear the day's headlines, along with one deeper dive, in just ten minutes. Learn about the people and places that make Central Illinois unique with 217 Today.

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A homeless encampment that had been growing on the Constitution Trail near Home Sweet Home Ministries shelter in Bloomington was later disbanded by the city. — Melissa Ellin / WGLT

February 10, 2025

217 Today: Advocates ask Illinois lawmakers to increase funding for the unhoused in new budget

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how advocates are asking Illinois lawmakers to increase funding for the unhoused in their new budget.

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New University of Illinois Board of Trustees Chairman Jesse Ruiz says he is committed to following the law while also supporting all students. — University of Illinois System

February 07, 2025

217 Today: How will the new chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees navigate the changes of the Trump administration?

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how the new chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees will navigate the changes of the Trump administration.

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Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, Champaign

February 06, 2025

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Feb. 06 – Feb. 09

In today's deep dive, we'll learn more about what's coming to the Champaign-Urbana area in the world of art and entertainment.

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The InterTribal Buffalo Council, which helps many tribes and tribal nations reestablish bison on their land, hosted a training event in the fall with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes in Oklahoma last fall. The two tribes are now home to hundreds of bison. — Anna Pope / Harvest Public Media

February 05, 2025

217 Today: How more tribes are working to bring bison back to their land

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how more tribes are working to bring bison back to their land.

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DeShawn Williams (right) says he'll bring — DJ Roach / Illinois Public Media

February 04, 2025

217 Today: Urbana mayoral candidates Annie Adams and DeShawn Williams explain why they are running

In today's deep dive, we'll listen to a conversation with the candidates for Mayor of Urbana.

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Champaign County Chief Public Defender Elisabeth Pollock said she’d been hoping a public safety sales tax referendum on the ballot last fall would’ve passed, to help provide additional funding to her office. Without that additional funding stream, she worries current challenges will get worse. — Nathan Gonzalez / Illinois Student Newsroom

February 03, 2025

217 Today: Champaign County Public Defender’s Office is facing a funding crisis after tax referendum fails

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how some Illinois lawmakers want the state to help the Public Defender’s Office in Champaign County with funding and staffing challenges.

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Colleen Hayes used Illinois' ties to agriculture as inspiration for a new Illinois state flag design. — Photo courtesy of Scott Clanin

January 31, 2025

217 Today: A Champaign agency’s design is a finalist for the Illinois new state flag contest

In today's deep dive, we'll learn that Champaign-based Clanin Creative‘s design has made it one of the top ten finalists for Illinois’ state flag contest.

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January 30, 2025

217 Today: A Dialogue with Jane Eugene of Loose Ends

In today's deep dive, we'll listen to a conversation with Jane Eugene from the British R&B trio Loose Ends to learn about the group's role in soul music.

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