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.

RSS Link

Amber Cannon (front), 15, listens to instructions during Joe Brewer's Contemporary World Issues class at Cuba High School on March 21, 2024. — Emily Hays / Illinois Public Media

July 23, 2024

217 Today: Rural student “didn’t see any changes” after Illinois LGBTQ+ history law passed

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about how one high school in rural Illinois is teaching its students about sexuality.

Listen

Cuba was probably one of Illinois' sundown towns, according to historian James Loewen. — Emily Hays / Illinois Public Media

July 22, 2024

217 Today: High schoolers in rural, western Illinois learn the history of why their town is white

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn how some parents in rural, majority-white areas of Illinois are seeing the value of diversity education.

Listen

Rush University Medical Center’s emergency department was built for a disaster and is close to the United Center on the Near West Side. Doctors are preparing for potential what ifs during the Democratic National Convention next month, like an explosion or dozens of people getting pepper sprayed. — Kristen Schorsch / WBEZ

July 19, 2024

217 Today: From regular doctor visits to injured protesters, here’s how Chicago’s hospitals are preparing for the DNC

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how hospitals near the United Center are preparing for when the Democratic National Convention comes to Chicago.

Listen

Cook County delegate Susan Sweeney and alternate delegate Robin Haus at the Illinois delegate breakfast in Milwaukee. — Jose Zepeda / Illinois Public Media

July 18, 2024

217 Today: Illinois Republicans seek new strategies to boost competitiveness in Illinois

In today's deep dive, we'll learn about how Illinois Republicans are taking advice and reflecting on how they can win more elections or gain more influence statewide.

Listen

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL13) sits at the 2024 RNC convention in the center of frame wearing a blue polo shirt. — Maria Gardner Lara / WNIJ

July 17, 2024

217 Today: Illinois Rep. Mary Miller takes questions from reporters at the RNC

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about Rep. Mary Miller’s opinion on Donald Trump, immigration and crime.

Listen

Sen. J.D. Vance has both arms in the air. He waves at an audience while standing in front of a U.S. flag. — Jeff Dean / AP Photo

July 15, 2024

217 Today: RNC attendees react to Trump’s vice presidential pick

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about what attendees at the Republican National Convention think about J.D. Vance as Donald Trump's vice-presidential pick.

Listen

July 15, 2024

217 Today: Milwaukee residents and visitors share mixed reactions on political tensions ahead of RNC

In today's deep dive, we’ll listen to conversations with several people in Milwaukee at the Republican National Convention on how political tensions can be reduced in America.

Listen