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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Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder. It could affect most of the bodys organs including the spleen the organ responsible for fighting germs in the blood which is why children like Calieb need the daily prophylactic penicillin doses. — Farah Yousry/Side Effects Public Media

January 16, 2023

217 Today: Penicillin shortage could endanger children with sickle cell disease

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn how a penicillin shortage could affect children with sickle cell disease.

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McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout called the new law “a clear violation of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution.” — Rich Egger/TriStates Public Radio

January 13, 2023

217 Today: Many Illinois sheriffs oppose new assault weapon ban

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn how the assault weapons ban signed into Illinois law this week has prompted many sheriffs in the state to issue statements saying they won’t enforce it.

Concentrated animal feeding operations hold thousands of head of livestock, such as hogs, which produce a lot of waste. Some states are passing laws or instituting programs that encourage less local regulation. — United Soybean Board

January 12, 2023

217 Today: Rural residents worry about potential effects of CAFOs

In today's deep dive, we’ll take a look at the fight over CAFOs in some Midwestern states.

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Democrat-elect Nabeela Syed will become one of the youngest members ever of the Illinois General Assembly after Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony. Provided by the Chicago Sun-Times. — Provided by Nabeela Syed

January 11, 2023

217 Today: 23-year-old Nabeela Syed will be one of the youngest ever members in Illinois General Assembly

In today's deep dive, we’ll meet the youngest member of the new Illinois General Assembly, 23-year-old Nabeela Syed.

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Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker waves to crowd after delivering his inaugural address during ceremonies Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Springfield, Ill. — Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

January 10, 2023

217 Today: Gov. J.B. Pritzker kicks off second term in office

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn about J.B. Pritzker’s goals for his second term as governor.

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Dr. Michael Quinlan has practiced medicine in Mexico for decades, but the hospital his clinic was associated with closed in September. — Sebastián Martínez Valdivia/Side Effects Public Media

January 09, 2023

217 Today: Rural hospital closures hinder access to critical care

In today's deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the consequences of rural hospital closures.

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An Oxford English Dictionary is shown at the headquarters of the Associated Press in New York on Aug. 29, 2010. — Caleb Jones/AP

January 06, 2023

217 Today: Self-proclaimed guardians of English language release annual list of banished words

In today's deep dive, we’ll hear about a list of words that would-be guardians of the English language say should be banned for mis-use and over-use.

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Police remove a protester from a recent Rockford School Board meeting. — Peter Medlin/WNIJ

January 05, 2023

217 Today: Rockford community protests police violence against students

In today's deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the reaction to school violence in Rockford.

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Picture of a supercell taken by meteorologist Andrew Pritchard in DeWitt County on January 3, 2023. — Andrew Pritchard/Chambana Weather

January 04, 2023

217 Today: Meteorologist explains cause of January tornadoes

In today's deep dive, we’ll learn more about the several tornado touchdowns down in Central Illinois on Tuesday and how they formed on a warm January day.

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