The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jul. 17 – Jul. 20
In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.
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The 21st Show
Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun on cultural significance of the chain and revamping strategies after facing bankruptcy
Red Lobster's CEO Damola Adamolekun talks about his personal life experiences, what made the restaurant chain so iconic, and how it plans to make a comeback amid closings nationwide.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Millions of acres of Midwest forest were left vulnerable by a storm. What’s being done to protect it?
In today’s deep dive, much of Michigan’s forests were damaged by a massive ice storm in March. Now officials are scrambling to clean up thousands of acres of broken trees and dead limbs.
The 21st Show
Sociologist’s new book encourages more questioning of ourselves and less judgement of others
Nowadays social issues and politics can be very polarizing. Many tend to view those who disagree with them as hateful or ignorant with lots of assumptions. Sociologist Ilana Redstone takes a deep look into this with her book: “The Certainty Trap: Why We Need to Question Ourselves More— and How We Can Judge Others Less.”
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Rep. LaHood supports Medicaid cuts and SNAP reductions in the GOP megabill
In today’s deep dive, we'll bring you a conversation with Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood and he explains his support for President Trump's tax and spending package.
The 21st Show
Climate of Misinformation: How did weather get politicized?
A research scientist who has studied what makes people susceptible to misinformation around climate change, a journalist covering climate politics, and a climate scientist weigh in on the conspiracy theories surrounding weather.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Some farmers are using this new, experimental practice to help prevent flooding
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.
The 21st Show
The 21st Show goes ‘up, up and away’ at 2025 Balloons over Vermilion
On the Friday, July 11, 2025 edition of The 21st Show, we took our program on the road to Vermilion County, which sits on the Illinois/Indiana border. The weather broke just in time for host Brian Mackey to be aboard a hot air balloon.
The 217 Today Podcast
217 Today: Scientists are debating the risks of carbon sequestration under sole-source aquifers
In today’s deep dive, state lawmakers are calling for a partial ban on carbon sequestration over concerns that it could contaminate drinking water in important resources like the Mahomet Aquifer. But some scientists say those risks are minimal.
These programs are partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
