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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State Farm denies the allegations raised in four race discrimination lawsuits filed in recent weeks against Bloomington-based the insurance company. — Staff/WGLT

August 16, 2022

217 Today: State Farm faces more race discrimination lawsuits in Texas and Georgia

In today's deep dive, we hear from a University of Illinois discrimination law expert on recent racial discrimination lawsuits filed against State Farm Insurance.

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As kids return to the classroom they will also spread germs. But one infectious disease expert says monkeypox isn’t a major concern. — Loegunn Lai/Unsplash

August 15, 2022

217 Today: infectious disease experts keep a close eye on pediatric cases of monkeypox

In today's deep dive, we'll learn more about how doctors are keeping an eye on pediatric monkeypox cases as kids head back to school.

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Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, was part of the congressional delegation that recently visited Taiwan. — House.gov

August 12, 2022

217 Today: U.S. trip to Taiwan may further strain relationship between U.S. and China

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear from a U.S. Representative from Illinois who was part of the delegation that recently visited Taiwan.

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A prison fence outside one of the Illinois Department of Corrections' facilities. — IDOC/Facebook

August 11, 2022

217 Today: Federal judge holds Illinois Department of Corrections accountable for poor prison conditions

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear how a federal judge in Chicago has entered an order of contempt against the Illinois Department of Corrections for its failures to provide healthcare for incarcerated people.

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Charmin Gabbard looks at a bulletin board in her office at Connection Cafe — the Indiana Recovery Network regional recovery hub she runs in Connersville, Indiana. After she was released from prison in 2015, Gabbard did not have a driver’s license. She said transportation is a huge barrier for many with a history of substance use. — Darian Benson/Side Effects Public Media

August 10, 2022

217 Today: Providing free rides could help people in addiction recovery

In today's deep dive, we’ll a look at the transportation challenges that people in addiction recovery face, along with efforts to mitigate these issues by providing free rides.

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In the distance, Dean Fedde can see what used to be his grandparent’s farmland. It’s now five housing lots. He and his brother Wayne knew they never wanted their land to leave agriculture production, so they put in a conservation easement. The conservation tool has come under attack by the movement opposing the Biden administration’s 30 by 30 goal. — Elizabeth Rembert/Harvest Public Media

August 09, 2022

217 Today: Antagonism toward conservation efforts increases after Biden’s latest proposal

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn why a new conservation proposal from the Biden administration has drawn ire in the agricultural community.

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The first LEAP Program cohort from the Elgin U-46 school district during training at Northern Illinois University. — Northern Illinois University

August 08, 2022

217 Today: One school district is training current educators to fill special education openings

In today's deep dive, we’ll find out how one of the largest school districts in Illinois is filling its special education teacher shortage.

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The behavior of fans is driving a number of IHSA officials away. — Courtesy IHSA

August 05, 2022

217 Today: As the new school year draws closer, the IHSA sees a shortage of referees for high school athletics

In today's deep dive, we'll hear how high school football and volleyball seasons will get underway later this month, but the Illinois High School Association is seeing a shortage of athletic officials.

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