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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Annelise Rittberg watches as their four friends enjoy a late summer dip in Lake Michigan just south of Belmont Harbor. — Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco / WBEZ

October 02, 2024

217 Today: Chicago’s beach season is over … or is it? Lake Michigan temps are breaking records

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how climate change has impacted Lake Michigan in Chicago.

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Laura Fehling (right), project coordinator for Northern Illinois University's Edible Campus, and volunteer Matthew McCanna-Molina, stand in one of the campus' gardens. The program provides free fruits and vegetables to students and community members. — Spencer Tritt / WNIJ

September 30, 2024

217 Today: More college students are struggling to get enough food. What schools are doing about it

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about what some colleges are doing to help students who are struggling to get enough food.

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September 27, 2024

217 Today: Last year, Illinois passed a law to ban book bans. How is it working so far?

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about the book ban law that was passed in Illinois last year.

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The National Police Index allows people to search an officer’s name, agency or unique identifier number and review their employment history. The tool currently shows data in 17 states, including Illinois, with more states expected to be available soon. — National Police Index

September 26, 2024

217 Today: Want to know a police officer’s job history? There’s a new tool for that from Invisible Institute

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about a new tool launched by the Invisible Institute that shows the employment history of police officers.

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State Rep. Dan Caulkins, a Republican from Decatur, represents parts of south and east Bloomington.

September 25, 2024

217 Today: Immigration advocate says bill to stop Illinois non-citizens from voting is unnecessary and harmful

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about an immigration advocate's opinion on a bill proposed by a conservative lawmaker from central Illinois.

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Lavon Robinson leads a discussion about financial aid with a group of juniors at Downers Grove South High School, where he was a college counselor. WBEZ shadowed Robinson last school year, an especially difficult one for college admissions. — Lisa Kurian Philip / WBEZ

September 24, 2024

217 Today: How one college counselor navigated the year FAFSA broke

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about the experience of a high school counselor who helped students navigate college admissions last school year.

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Jazmin Olivas is a senior at the University of Illinois. She received the Student Leadership Award for her work as a volunteer and case manager at The Immigration Project in Champaign. — Stephanie Mosqueda / Illinois Student Newsroom

September 23, 2024

217 Today: 11th annual Immigrant Welcome Awards celebrates the work of community members in Champaign County

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear a conversation with one of this year's Immigrant Welcome Award winners about their work with The Immigration Project.

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