The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Upper Mississippi River refuge celebrates 100 years of protection for fish, wildlife and habitat

Kimberly Schofield and Stephanie Mosqueda
 
Barges wrap around bottomland forest in Pool 10 of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The 240,000-acre refuge, which includes backwaters off the main river channel, is designated as a “Globally Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society and part of a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention.

Barges wrap around bottomland forest in Pool 10 of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The 240,000-acre refuge, which includes backwaters off the main river channel, is designated as a “Globally Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society and part of a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention. Brandon Jones / Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Today's headlines: 

  • A new gender-affirming closet on the University of Illinois’ Urbana campus opened Monday at the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center.
  • Defense lawyers in the federal racketeering conspiracy trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan made inroads yesterday with a government witness.
  • Officials in Champaign County are responding to incidents of community members violating state election rules. 
  • The front wall of the long-vacant building at 129 North Vermilion Street in downtown Danville is coming down today.

In today's deep dive, we'll take a look at how Midwesterners are leading a national campaign to save a haven for fish, wildlife and people.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Stephanie Mosqueda, Dave McKinney, Arjun Thakkar, Jim Meadows and Rachel Cramer.