The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Some farmers are using this new, experimental practice to help prevent flooding

Kimberly Schofield and Stephanie Orellana
 

Rachel Cramer / Harvest Public Media

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Monday, July 14, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

  • The U.S. Senate could vote on a package this week that would slash billions of dollars to foreign aid programs and public media outlets.
  • Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood says cuts to the supplemental nutrition assistance program or SNAP and work requirements for Medicaid eligibility are reasonable starts to paring down deficit spending.
  • Introducing babies to peanuts can help prevent them from becoming allergic. But that message isn’t reaching all parents whose kids are most at risk. 
  • One of the "Chapitos" or sons of notorious Mexican drug kingpin “El Chapo” has pleaded guilty in Chicago to U.S. drug trafficking charges.

In today’s deep dive, with climate change, the Midwest is expected to have shorter, heavier bursts of rain in the winter and spring, which could lead to more flooding. An experimental farming practice could help.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal, Charlie Schlenker, Kristen Schorsch, Christine Fernando and Rachel Cramer.