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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A map of shootings in Champaign from Jan. 1, 2016 to Nov. 15, 2021. It was released in the Community Violence Reduction Blueprint, which was released in February 2022. — C-U Citizen Access

September 01, 2022

217 Today: New report from C-U Citizen Access highlights causes of local gun violence

In today's deep dive, we'll learn more about a C-U Citizen Access report that looks at the causes of gun violence in Champaign.

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Illinois Republicans are hoping they can regain control of the state Supreme Court by picking up two seats in Chicago's suburbs in November's election. Clockwise from the top left corner, the candidates are: Republican Mark Curran, Democrat Elizabeth Rochford, Democrat Mary Kay O'Brien and Republican Michael Burke. — Provided by candidates

August 31, 2022

217 Today: Illinois Republicans look to gain control of the state Supreme Court this election

In today's deep dive, we'll take a closer look at races on the November ballot in Illinois that could have a big impact on the state.

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Sickle cell disease patients undergo regular exchange blood transfusions to help reduce the risk of pain crises. Every few weeks, the patient’s sickled blood cells are replaced with healthy blood in a process that takes anywhere from two to six hours. — Jacob Dean/Side Effects Public Media

August 30, 2022

217 Today: Lack of data on sickle cell disease creates consequences for patients

In today's deep dive, we'll learn about the lack of data on sickle cell disease and the subsequent consequences for patients.

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Scientist Jim Lamer holds an invasive silver carp on the Illinois River. — Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco/WNIJ

August 29, 2022

217 Today: Invasive species threaten the Mississippi River Basin

In today's deep dive, we'll hear about the threat of invasive species to the Mississippi River Basin.

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An empty classroom inside DeKalb High School. — Spencer Tritt/WNIJ

August 26, 2022

217 Today: Education researcher says school staffing issues are more than just a ‘teacher shortage’

In today's deep dive, we'll take a closer look at the teacher shortage in the state of Illinois.

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University of Illinois Hall of Fame football player David Williams speaks in the Illinois Public Media studios. — Jill Clements/Illinois Public Media

August 25, 2022

217 Today: Hall of Fame wide receiver returns to central Illinois to attend season opener, hold golf tournament

In today's deep dive, we'll hear from former Illinois Hall of Fame wide receiver David Williams about this year’s team and his charity golf tournament.

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Empty classrooms at DeKalb High School, one of many high schools struggling to improve diversity in Advanced Placement classes. — Spencer Tritt/WNIJ

August 24, 2022

217 Today: School districts across Illinois attempt to increase diversity in Advanced Placement classes

In today's deep dive, we'll hear about efforts to increase diversity in Advanced Placement classes at high schools across the state.

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The average rate of in-network claims denials by ACA Marketplace plans is 18 percent, according to a recent analysis of federal data by the Kaiser Family Foundation. — Screenshot/Healthcare.gov

August 23, 2022

217 Today: Marketplace plans deny in-network claims more than you might think

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how having health insurance doesn’t always mean the care people need will be covered, even if that care is provided in-network.

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