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217 Today: Wednesday June 2, 2021
In today's deep dive, the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the mental health of many Midwesterners, including children. One state in the region has been trying to standardize mental health services for kids.
The 217 Today Podcast
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.
217 Today: Tuesday June 1, 2021
In today's deep dive, a few times a year, farmers have to do a dangerous task; go inside large grain bins to take care of their harvest. Last year, more than 30 of them were trapped inside silos in the U.S., according to Purdue University. But a new robot could help keep farmers safe.
217 Today: Friday May 28, 2021
In today's deep dive, parts of eastern Illinois are beginning to hear a brood of cicadas finally coming above ground after 17 years. Katie Dana, specialist in entomology at the Illinois Natural History Survey, discusses what to expect from these cicadas and what to do if you see them.
217 Today: Thursday May 27, 2021
In today's deep dive, Western Illinois University's new riverfront campus in Moline was supposed to allow Western to grow in the Quad Cities, but instead, enrollment has shrunk. This has led to criticism from some leaders in the Quad Cities about the university's direction.
217 Today: Wednesday May 26, 2021
In today's deep dive, in the wake of the George Floyd murder and the following protests, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus drafted a series of reforms centered on creating more equity in several areas including health care.
217 Today: Tuesday May 25, 2021
In today's deep dive, animal disease labs across the country stepped up to meet the need for COVID-19 testing. Because of their experience tracking animal diseases, the labs had the infrastructure to test and monitor the coronavirus.
217 Today: Monday May 24, 2021
In today’s deep dive, spring festivals are back after many small towns had to cancel them due to the pandemic. Many of these small towns depend on tourism for their economy.
217 Today: Friday May 21, 2021
In today's deep dive, Broadway had to turn off its lights a year ago, and so did many local theatres. But now Champaign-Urbana theatre companies are starting to return to live performances.
217 Today: Thursday May 20, 2021
In today's deep dive, most people know Black Lives Matter through large protests, but we look at another way the group is trying to save Black lives.
217 Today: Wednesday May 19, 2021
In today's deep dive, a look at how the pandemic has changed the way drag performers in central Illinois build their audiences as live drag shows begin to return.