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 socially distanced audience watches the Lyric Theatre department’s production of “The Last American Hammer” in the Krannert Center’s amphitheater. The show combined bluegrass music and opera for a story about a conspiracy theorist and a dying community in rural Ohio. — Owen Henderson/WILL Student Newsroom

May 21, 2021

217 Today: Friday May 21, 2021

In today's deep dive, Broadway had to turn off its lights a year ago, and so did many local theatres. But now Champaign-Urbana theatre companies are starting to return to live performances.

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Harriett Rankin, a member of Black Lives Matter Louisville, helps residents board a van to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. — Jess Clark/Side Effects Public Media

May 20, 2021

217 Today: Thursday May 20, 2021

In today's deep dive, most people know Black Lives Matter through large protests, but we look at another way the group is trying to save Black lives.

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Drag queen Ceduxion Carrington cracks jokes while emceeing at a drag show in Clinton. She’s been performing for about 26 years. — Marissa Plecia/WILL Student Newsroom

May 19, 2021

217 Today: Wednesday May 19, 2021

In today's deep dive, a look at how the pandemic has changed the way drag performers in central Illinois build their audiences as live drag shows begin to return.

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Ricardo Lopez, a junior in food science and human nutrition, works at La Casa to hand out tokens for a free meal at Bevier Cafe. — Luis Velazquez Perez/WILL Student Newsroom

May 18, 2021

217 Today: Tuesday May 18, 2021

In today's deep dive, amid the pandemic, some students say that it is hard to obtain food on college campuses, including the University of Illinois.

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Miku Morikuni and Katie Roscher spin for a photo during a graduation photoshoot. The two have been roommates for three years now and are as close as can be. — Sabrina Lee/WILL student newsroom

May 17, 2021

217 Today: Monday May 17, 2021

In today's deep dive, we'll find out how some University of Illinois graduates felt about the modified commencement ceremonies held over the weekend.

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The sun rises over Clinton Lake each morning as the crew unloads the boats to get on the water. The Illini rowing team leaves campus at 4:50 a.m. to get to practice. — Amanda Brennan/WILL Student Newsroom

May 14, 2021

217 Today: Friday May 14, 2021

In today's deep dive, we spend a morning with the Illini rowing team at Clinton Lake. WILL student reporter Amanda Brennan takes us there.

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Shaersti Anderson and her daughter Raelynn bond after Anderson picks Raelynn up from daycare. Anderson said that balancing taking care of Raelynn and doing her school work has not been easy, especially since the transition to online classes. — Carolina Garibay/WILL Student Newsroom

May 13, 2021

217 Today: Thursday May 13, 2021

In today's deep dive, the pandemic is forcing colleges in central Illinois and elsewhere to reconsider ways they can support student parents as they return for in-person classes this fall.

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Noelle Broughton, left, is a 25-year-old graduate student seeking mental health care. The roadblocks she has faced in search of a provider has made her question if treatment is worth it. — Provided by Noelle Broughton

May 12, 2021

217 Today: Wednesday May 12, 2021

In today's deep dive, navigating the health system to find help for mental health challenges can be difficult for young adults. We learn more from Side Effects Public Media.

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Archie's mother Elizabeth takes a picture of the big moment. — Steve Burger/WNIN

May 11, 2021

217 Today: Tuesday May 11, 2021

In today's deep dive, we follow the journey of one dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, from its manufacuring, to its final destination in Archie Thomas' left arm.

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A house in Danville's Rabbittown neighborhood was torn down by a Public Works employee using a Caterpillar excavator, on April 28, as part of the city's building demolition program. — Jim Meadows/Illinois Newsroom

May 10, 2021

217 Today: Monday May 10, 2021

In today's deep dive, a look at the City of Danville's building demolition program. Illinois Newsroom's Jim Meadows reports on why the city hopes tearing down now will lead to rebuilding in the future.

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