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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University of Illinois students protest and hold a study in at Grainger Library. Some students wore Kuffiyehs and put up posters on laptops and chairs. — Mae Antar / IPM News

January 09, 2025

217 Today: Local Muslims and Arabs have anxiety and aspirations for a second Trump term

In today's deep dive, we will look at how local Arabs and Muslims are viewing a second Trump administration and the conflict in the Middle East.

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Soybeans grow by a wind turbine on farmland in Vermilion County, Illinois. — Reginald Hardwick / Illinois Public Media

January 08, 2025

217 Today: How Donald Trump’s tariffs have — and could — affect Illinois agriculture

In today's deep dive, we'll learn about how Donald Trump’s tariffs have—and could—affect Illinois agriculture.

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A close up of President-elect Donald Trump — Rick Scuteri / AP Photo

January 06, 2025

217 Today: Lack of access anticipated ahead of second Trump term

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how some people feel about Trump's next four years in office.

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Physical therapist Danielle Heltzel works with Althea Jordan, who has late stage Alzheimer's Disease. Jordan was diagnosed with the disease in its early stages more than a decade ago. She continues to live with her son and daughter-in-law in suburban Des Moines. — Natalie Krebs / Side Effects Public Media

January 03, 2025

217 Today: Recent Alzheimer’s advancements leave Black and Latino patients behind

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how Latino and Black people are significantly more likely to get diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at stages when treatments are less effective.

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A prototype of a small modular reactor — University of Illinois Nuclear, Plasma and Radiological Engineering website

January 02, 2025

217 Today: The University of Illinois will build a smaller, safer & smarter nuclear reactor. Here’s what’s next

In today's deep dive, we'll learn about the U of I’s Microreactor Demonstration Project.

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Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Champaign, Ill. — Matt Marton / AP Photo

December 31, 2024

217 Today: Pat Bryant leaves lasting legacy at Illinois

In today's deep dive, we'll learn about Illinois Fighting Illini receiver Pat Bryant.

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DeZha Smith, at 21-year-old farmer from north St. Louis, surveys dozens of collard green plants at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis, Ill. The plants are part of a study examining the roots of heirloom varieties of collards. — Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

December 27, 2024

217 Today: Collard enthusiasts are using science and preservation to lift up rare varieties of the leafy green

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how collard enthusiasts and scientists use science and preservation to lift rare varieties of the leafy green.

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Up to 50 wind turbines are set to operate in Piatt County, Illinois, as part of the Prosperity Wind project from Apex Clean Energy. Standing more than 600 feet tall, they are the largest turbines in the state. — Elissa Eaton / IPM News

December 23, 2024

217 Today: Illinois is transitioning to cleaner energy. Here’s how it is impacting some rural communities

In today's deep dive, we'll learn why some rural communities in Illinois aren’t too thrilled about the state's goal of getting to 100% clean energy by 2050.

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