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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Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, appears at an event with Gov. JB Pritzker and others in 2019. He announced Monday he will be leaving the Illinois Senate to take a job in Pritzker's administration as a senior advisor. — Capitol News Illinois file photo by Jerry Nowicki

January 05, 2021

217 Today: Tuesday January 5, 2021

In today’s deep dive, one of the few downstate Democrats in the Illinois Senate has resigned to take a position in Governor JB Pritzker’s administration.

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One of several water tanks in Hobart, Oklahoma. The town has been working on making improvements to its reservoir, Rocky Lake, since 2010. — Seth Bodine/Harvest Public Media

January 04, 2021

217 Today: Monday January 4, 2021

In today’s deep dive, a glass of water is supposed to be clear, but in small, rural towns that’s often not the case. Harvest Public Media looks into how small towns struggle to keep their water clean.

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December 28, 2020

217 Today Special Episode: Somi

In one of Brian Moline's favorite interviews of 2020, Grammy-nominated vocalist and composer Somi discusses her most recent album, and her short film project.

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December 23, 2020

217 Today: Wednesday December 23, 2020

In today’s deep dive, some emergency rooms report seeing a surge of patients in mental health crisis during the pandemic

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In some Midwestern states like Iowa and Missouri, this was the first year of legal hemp production. — Provided by American Hemp Research

December 22, 2020

217 Today: Tuesday December 22, 2020

In today' deep dive, for many Midwestern states, this was the first year of legal hemp production. And while challenges persist, many remain hopeful for the crop’s future.

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Patrons enjoying outdoor seating earlier this year at The Esquire in downtown Champaign. — Courtesy of The Esquire

December 21, 2020

217 Today: Monday November 21, 2020

In today's deep dive, as a few area restaurants are fighting against COVID-19 restrictions against indoor dining despite the health risks, we’ll hear from one restaurant owner who’s doing his best to survive while following all the guidelines.

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Trauma surgeon Uretz Oliphant was the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana on Thursday, Dec. 17. — Christine Herman/Illinois Newsroom

December 18, 2020

217 Today: Friday December 18, 2020

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear from the first frontline health worker at Carle Foundation Hospital to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

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William Rentel checks his blood sugar while his wife Angela looks on. — Jacob Dean

December 17, 2020

217 Today: Thursday December 17, 2020

In today’s deep dive, healthcare workers are learning that COVID-19 has the power to raise blood sugar to dangerous levels. And that’s creating serious challenges for hospitals.

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