The 217 Today Podcast

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 group of University of Illinois students hold signs that say “Stop Asian Hate” at a rally in downtown Champaign in March 2021. Students have been going to the University’s Asian American Cultural Center about Asian racism since long before the pandemic, center director David Chih said. — Vivian La/Illinois Public Media student newsroom

May 07, 2021

217 Today: Friday May 7, 2021

In today's deep dive, a look at the racism members of the Asian-American Pacific Islander community are facing on a daily basis, right here in Champaign-Urbana.

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In this file photo, House Speaker Chris Welch speaks on the floor of the Bank of Springfield Center during a session in January. — Justin L. Fowler/Springfield Journal-Register

May 06, 2021

217 Today: Thursday May 6, 2021

In today's deep dive, a conversation with Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch. He talks with Hannah Meisel about the path to sustainable state finances and economic growth.

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Ray Lay has been in recovery for over a decade. He says he did not miss a single appointment with his therapist and haven't touched a drink or a drug since. Now, he is working to guide others on their recovery process by volunteering at local hospitals and community organizations. — Farah Yousry/Side Effects Public Media

May 05, 2021

217 Today: Wednesday May 5, 2021

In today's deep dive, relatives of the gunman who killed eight people at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis say he had mental health issues. A look at the link, or lack thereof, between mental illness and violence.

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May 04, 2021

217 Today: Tuesday May 4, 2021

In today's deep dive, studies show that Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to get imaging like X-rays and MRIs in an emergency. We look at the consequences of those disparities.

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In this July 14, 2020, file photo, amid concerns of the spread of COVID-19, science teachers Ann Darby, left, and Rosa Herrera check-in students before a summer STEM camp at Wylie High School in Wylie, Texas. Schools and camps across the county are making plans to help kids catch up academically this summer after a year or more of remote learning for many of them. — LM Otero/AP

May 03, 2021

217 Today: Monday May 3, 2021

In today's deep dive, we talk to a University of Illinois epidemiologist about how parents can make the right decision for their child on whether to attend summer camp.

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Wendy Porter and her father Roger Jensen show off the morel mushrooms they found in the woods. — Melissa Rosales/NET

April 30, 2021

217 Today: Friday April 30, 2021

In today's deep dive, it's morel mushroom season in much of the Midwest, and people are scouring river bottoms to find the hollow, sponge-like, edible mushrooms.

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A new study, led by a University of Illinois researcher, finds that people of color are disproportionately affected by air pollution from all sources. — Reginald Hardwick/Illinois Newsroom

April 29, 2021

217 Today: Thursday April 29, 2021

In today's deep dive, we take a look at where Illinois Democrats might look to cut a Congressional seat before the 2022 election in a conversation with the director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

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April 28, 2021

217 Today: Wednesday April 28, 2021

In today's deep dive, a look at the challenges in connecting with LGBTQ+ youth who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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April 27, 2021

217 Today: Tuesday April 27, 2021

In today's deep dive, to keep new mothers from dying after childbirth, many maternal health experts say: Make sure they don’t lose their health insurance.

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