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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An overview of Japan House and the Dry Garden at dusk. — Photo by Charles Hannon

May 05, 2023

217 Today: University of Illinois Japan House to celebrate anniversary with a festival

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about a festival happening at Japan House at the University of Illinois this weekend.

Protestors wait for the Danville City Council meeting to start on Tuesday, May 2. The council passed an ordinance outlawing the shipping of abortion medication and tools into the city. — Farrah Anderson/Illinois Newsroom

May 04, 2023

217 Today: Danville’s new abortion restriction could trigger a legal showdown

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about a city ordinance passed in Danville this week that could result in a legal showdown over abortion rights.

Dr. Caicina Jones, school psychologist at Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn. — Maria Gardner Lara / Northern Public Radio

May 03, 2023

217 Today: Schools suffer shortage of psychologists during youth mental health crisis

In today's deep dive, we'll hear about the important work of school psychologists and the limitations of their jobs during a time experts are calling a youth mental health crisis.

The 2023 Farm Bill is estimated to cost more than $709 billion over the next five years, the most ever. And with a debt ceiling fight looming between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, it could be a tough year to get the omnibus bill passed. — Illustration By Xcaret Nuñez / Harvest Public Media

May 02, 2023

217 Today: Congress looks to slash spending in 5-year farm bill renewal

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about the main parts of the big farm bill that Congress passes every five years

Members of the Native American community and the Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois gathered at the Illinois State Capitol in November for a Native American Summit. A bill to require Illinois schools to teach a unit of Native American history has passed the Illinois House and is pending in the Illinois Senate. — Courtesy of Chris Withers Photography

May 01, 2023

217 Today: Proposed Illinois bill aims to change how schools teach Native American history

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear about a bill in the Illinois legislature that aims to increase education about Native American history.

Singer, composer and producer Toshi Reagon — Ehud Lazin - provided by Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

April 27, 2023

217 Today: A new political opera is coming to life at Krannert Center

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about a new opera opening at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts this weekend.

Dustin Schingl sits outside of a condemned building at Champaign Park Apartments in Champaign, Illinois, on April 10. The ground is scattered in broken shingles that fell from the roof. — Sydney Wood / Illinois Newsroom

April 26, 2023

217 Today: Substandard housing in Champaign has left residents displaced and sick

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about the effects on Champaign residents after over 400 apartment units were condemned last year.

Rows of cannabis plants growing at Revolution Global's cannabis cultivation center in Delavan, Ill., in 2020. Retail-focused and medicinal health courses were the first subject matters to pop up in college classrooms but campuses are starting to offer more agriculture-centered programs as workforce demands increase. — Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

April 26, 2023

217 Today: Illinois colleges expand cannabis classes

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn how Illinois colleges and universities are creating cannabis programs to meet the growing demand for workers.

The maple syrup evaporator at Funks Grove is used to concentrate sugar from sap. — Charlie Schlenker / WGLT

April 25, 2023

217 Today: Climate change affects largest maple syrup producer in Illinois

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear about how climate change is affecting a generations-old Illinois maple syrup business.

The Piatt County Board at their April 12 meeting in Monticello, Illinois, where they discussed the county's options regarding wind farms. — Jim Meadows/Illinois Public Media

April 24, 2023

217 Today: Piatt County Board rejects wind farm proposal

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear from the Piatt County Board Vice-Chair about the county’s rejection of wind farm proposals.