217 Today: The interest in local food systems, like farmer’s markets and direct farm-to-consumer sales, is on the rise. But the U.S. is still more reliant on imported foods than ever before.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

• Urbana is taking steps to address funding gaps for programs that serve the area's homeless population.
• A defense workers strike continues at Boeing factories in the St. Louis area.
• Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is not ruling out redrawing Illinois’ congressional maps in response to Texas.
• The last of four convicted ComEd co-conspirators is headed to federal prison for an illegal scheme to influence one-time House Speaker Michael Madigan.

In today’s deep dive, a trip to the produce section of the grocery store can take you around the world. An exploration of why our food travels so far to get to us.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Olivia Mizelle, Alex Degman, Dave Mckinney and Molly Ashford.