The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Illinois schools say they lack guidance after finding high levels of lead in water
In today's deep dive, we'll learn how Illinois schools are tackling high levels of lead in their water.
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The 21st Show
Fat Tuesday traditions in Illinois
Every Fat Tuesday, thousands of people across Illinois line up at bakeries and grocery stores for the famous Polish pastries known as “paczki." In Illinois, the fourth most Polish state in the U.S. and Chicago, with the highest percentage of its population being Polish, the fluffy-cloud like pastries sometimes make a reappearance for Casimir Pulaski Day on the first Monday in March. We talked about the pastries and the traditions that come with them with two Central Illinois bakers.
The 21st Show
Thousands of Americans went missing in war. These men are bringing them home.
Tens of thousands of Americans who gave their lives in wars around the world have not yet received a proper burial. This week, a team helping locate those missing in action is in Illinois to talk about their work and how technology is changing their searches. Two of them joined us to talk about the search for missing service members and the technology that's help them in their efforts.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Treatment facilities for children with severe mental illness struggle to find staff
In today's deep dive, we'll hear about how treatment facilities for children with severe mental illness are struggling to hire enough workers.
The 21st Show
Illinois moms’ influence on the Beanie Baby craze
The story of Beanie Babies is the subject of a new documentary called “Beanie Mania.” The craze has ties to a group of northern Illinois moms, who helped Beanie Babies become the must-have collectors item of the late 1990s. We were joined by the documentary's director to talk about the craze, its Illinois connection, and more.
The 21st Show
The far-reaching effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
We discussed the war in Ukraine and the response from the Ukrainian community here in Illinois to the reinvasion of the country by Russia, plus some of the economic effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and what that means here in Illinois. The 21st was joined by reporters from WBEZ and the Quad City Times, an assistant professor of political science, and the vice president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Illinois Division.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Pandemic could accelerate the decline of in-person farm shows
In today's deep dive, we'll hear how the pandemic may have accelerated the decline of in-person farm shows.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Remains of an Illinois man killed in Pearl Harbor are coming home
In today's deep dive, more than 80 years after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, we'll hear about the remains of a Central Illinois man killed in the attack that are finally coming home.
The 21st Show
Making Peoria a cross-country skiing destination
The past month’s forecast has brought a series of weekly storms, snowfalls and snow squalls across the Midwest, and while winter brings with it the drudgery of shoveling, slippery ice and travel inconveniences, there are people who welcome winter and take full advantage of the snowfall. To talk about the trails and his passion for skiing, The 21st was joined by the man behind the volunteer-led efforts to groom the cross country ski trails in Peoria.
The 21st Show
Frontline physicians tackle a range of topics in a new podcast
Our two guests today are friends on the frontlines — both pulmonologists who’ve treated some of the most critically ill COVID patients and supported each other along the way. They have a new podcast called "Get Better" in which they talk not only about their experiences during the pandemic, but also where they learn about other topics — ranging from mental health to gender-affirming care.