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 school bus lot in Rockford. — Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco/WNIJ

October 07, 2020

217 Today: Wednesday October 7, 2020

In today's deeper dive, among the many people adjusting to a new normal during the pandemic are school bus drivers. We’ll check in with drivers in Rockford to see how they’re handling COVID-19.

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Democratic candidate Betsy Dirksen Londrigan (left) and Republican incumbent Rodney Davis, deliver opening statements during their broadcast debate in Champaign Monday evening. — Reginald Hardwick/Illinois Newsroom

October 06, 2020

217 Today: Tuesday October 6, 2020

In today's deeper dive, Republican Congressman Rodney Davis and his Democratic challenger Betsy Dirksen Londrigantalked about healthcare, the COVID-19 pandemic, racial justice and a lot more, in a one-hour debate broadcast live Monday night on WILL radio and TV. Illinois Newsroom's Jim Meadows has details.

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People wearing face masks to protect against the coronavirus watch a film at a movie theater in Beijing, Friday, July 24, 2020. Beijing partially reopened movie theaters as the threat from the coronavirus continues to recede in China’s capital. — Mark Schiefelbein/AP

October 05, 2020

217 Today: Monday October 5, 2020

In today's deeper dive, the pandemic has drastically changed how we watch movies. That's having a big impact not only on movie studios, but also local theaters.

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October 01, 2020

217 Today: Friday October 2, 2020

Today, we take a deeper dive into vaccinating against the flu. As the COVID-19 pandemic carries on, health officials say it’s more important than ever this year.

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Turnover in Indiana prisons is a long-standing problem that has grown worse during the coronavirus pandemic. Former employees at the Indiana Women's Prison say the issue stems from the harsh work environment and staff culture. — Jake Harper/Side Effects Public Media

September 30, 2020

217 Today: Thursday October 1, 2020

Today, staff retention is a long-standing issue within the Indiana Department of Corrections. There are consistently hundreds of vacancies across the state’s 18 adult prisons. But the problem has gotten worse during the pandemic.

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Storefront office for the Rantoul Press in downtown Rantoul. — Jim Meadows/Illinois Newsroom

September 30, 2020

217 Today: Wednesday September 30, 2020

Today, we hear about a weekly newspaper closing its doors after more than 140 years of publication. Plus, the University of Illinois walks back its claims of FDA Emergency Use Authorization for its saliva-based COVID-19 test.

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Screenshot/League of Women Voters of Champaign County

September 29, 2020

217 Today: Tuesday September 29, 2020

Today on 217 Today, a look at the candidates running for Champaign County Treasurer. Plus, an Illinois Newsroom investigation into school arrest data.

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