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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September 13, 2024

217 Today: Illinois teachers weigh in on standardized testing changes and classroom impact

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn how a state review committee has standardized testing and how teachers use test data to help students.

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Evie Gholson, 18, speaks about her turkey while showing the bird to a judge on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the St. Charles County State Fair in Wentzville. — Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

September 12, 2024

217 Today: U.S. Postal Service slowdowns are so bad, baby birds are dying in transit

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about a Midwest Newsroom investigation that found shipment delays have led to many birds dying in transit.

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Water flows down the Mississippi River in April 2024 during a Lighthawk flight over Illinois and Missouri. — Eric Lee / St. Louis Public Radio

September 11, 2024

217 Today: The Midwest and Great Plains are gearing up for water fights fueled by climate change

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about climate change and water scarcity in the Midwest and Great Plains.

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Jim Knopik winds up a twine fence to let his cattle into a new area of pasture for grazing on his central Nebraska ranch. Knopik uses a ranching practice called mob grazing, which aims to improve soil quality and other natural resources through cattle ranching. — Elizabeth Rembert / Harvest Public Media

September 10, 2024

217 Today: Cows produce planet-warming gases. What does that mean for a beef-lover’s diet?

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn if there are ways people can lower their carbon footprint while still eating meat.

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Donna Wilson and her partner Greg Fletcher have been together for 11 years. She said having his support during her journey with breast cancer has helped a lot. — Elizabeth Gabriel / Side Effects Public Media

September 09, 2024

217 Today: Breast cancer survivors have better outcomes with solid romantic relationships

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about new data that found supportive romantic partners can lead to better mental and physical health for breast cancer survivors.

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The performing arts group, Squonk, will lead a procession from the UIUC Main Quad to the KCPA Amphitheatre for Krannert's opening night party. — Photo courtesy of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

September 06, 2024

217 Today: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts celebrates latest season with opening night party

In today's deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with the Assistant Director for Programming and Engagement at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts about what audiences can expect this upcoming season.

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Sean Grayson had a history of credibility issues. It didn’t stop him from being hired at police departments in Central Illinois. — Farrah Anderson for Invisible Institute

September 05, 2024

217 Today: Before killing Sonya Massey, Sean Grayson had a case thrown out after bringing charges with no evidence. Departments kept hiring him

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about a joint investigation between IPM News and the Invisible Institute about former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson’s history of credibility issues.

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