The 217 Today Podcast

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Keep up with news in Central Illinois every weekday with 217 Today. Hear the day's headlines, along with one deeper dive, in just ten minutes. Learn about the people and places that make Central Illinois unique with 217 Today.


    • Nov 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 786 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The 217 Today Podcast

    217 Today: Curious about astrophotography in C-U? Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the craft

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, astrophotographers in Champaign, Urbana share what’s so awe inspiring about their work. 

    217 Today: U of I College of Media removes Illinois Public Media executive director, promotes from within to fill

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the College of Media at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is installing new leadership at Illinois Public Media. 

    217 Today: What's Happening in Central Illinois Nov. 13 – Nov. 16

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025


    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.

    217 Today: Veterans showcase their artwork surrounding Veterans Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025


    In today’s deepdive, a group of veterans is coming together this month to showcase their artwork.

    217 Today: Farmers are desperate for workers. They want Trump to make it easier to hire foreign labor

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025


    In today’s deepdive, American agriculture depends on foreign workers. President Trump’s immigration clampdown is shrinking a farm workforce that was already too small, and farm groups are sounding the alarm.

    217 Today: Robert Moore, first Black U.S. Marshal from central Illinois, discusses his journey in law enforcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025


    In today’s deepdive, we'll bring you a conversation with Robert Moore Central Illinois' first Black U.S. Marshal. Moore shares details on his journey through the Illinois State Police and how he fought for civil rights within the realm of law enforcement.

    217 Today: Remembering Latrelle Bright, a pillar in the Champaign-Urbana theater community

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a University of Illinois theater professor touched the lives of nearly everyone she worked with.  

    217 Today: A look into the fall Illinois veto session in Springfield

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, it’s been over a week since state lawmakers in Springfield wrapped a busy fall veto session.

    217 Today: Tasks on a treadmill, live show pushes the limits, explores human abilities in unique way

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, four artists perform everyday tasks while running on a treadmill. Burnout Paradise is coming to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana this weekend.

    217 Today: Veterans showcase their artwork surrounding Veterans Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a group of veterans is coming together this month to showcase their artwork.

    217 Today: How Foley artists transform watermelons into a chorus of feasting zombies in horror films

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a majority of the spooky sounds in scary movies aren’t as scary as they seem. Most of the time they’re created with everyday objects.

    217 Today: Downstate jury finds ex-cop guilty of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Sonya Massey

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the conviction against former deputy sheriff Sean Grayson, who is white, carries a potential sentence of between four and 20 years.

    217 Today: ‘National Math Stars’ wants to identify and support Illinois’ youngest math minds

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a group of Illinois students has joined a program to foster the nation's top math minds.

    217 Today: Good gourd! These Midwesterners are raising giant pumpkins that weigh as much as a car

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, raising giant pumpkins is a labor of love for some Midwest growers. And the pumpkins keep getting bigger and bigger.

    217 Today: Jury could decide the fate of Sean Grayson in his murder trial this week

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the murder trial of Sean Grayson resumes today. He is the former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy who shot and killed Sonya Massey last year.

    217 Today: U of I satellite was delivered to space. It will study space weather and how it affects us on Earth

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign designed satellite was delivered to Earth’s outer atmosphere. We’ll learn more about how it will make a difference for technology on Earth.

    217 Today: What's Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 23 – Oct. 26

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025


    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.

    217 Today: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Huff Hall celebrates 100th anniversary

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, Huff Hall at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

    217 Today: Drought is shrinking Mississippi River levels — again. That's a big problem for farmers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the Mississippi River is running low south of Illinois. And that means shipping products like fertilizer will cost more.

    217 Today: Drought across the county is taking a toll on trees across Illinois. What can you do?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, more than half of Champaign County is currently in extreme drought. 

    217 Today: WILL Call: What's Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 16 – Oct. 19

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025


    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.

    217 Today: Drought is shrinking Mississippi River levels — again. That's a big problem for farmers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the Mississippi River is running low south of Illinois. And that means shipping products like fertilizer will cost more.

    217 Today: University of Illinois wheelchair athlete wins Chicago Marathon

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, University of Illinois wheelchair athlete Susannah Scaroni won the Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

    217 Today: How does the weather affect autumn leaf colors?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, we're getting closer to peak fall leaf color season. Find out specifically why the leaves turn yellow and how weather can affect the colors.

    217 Today: Farmers caught in Trump's trade war wait for bailout. But many call it a temporary fix

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the Trump administration is promising billions in a bailout for farmers affected by tariffs and facing a tough economy this year. 

    217 Today: WILL Call: What's Happening in Central Illinois Oct. 9 – Oct. 12

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025


    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.

    217 Today: Americans are drinking less. What does that mean for winemakers in the Heartland?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the grape harvest for wine is in full swing. But in some regions, the last few years have been tough.

    217 Today: What happens if new data centers come to C-U? A look at the environmental costs

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, still to come data centers use a lot of energy and water. And with the rise in AI some worry about the possibility of more facilities coming to downstate Illinois.

    217 Today: When will beef prices drop? We asked a rancher, a butcher and an economist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, beef is as expensive as it’s ever been, thanks to the high cost of cattle. Retailers of all sizes have upped their prices on steak and hamburger.

    217 Today: Rural America still needs fast internet. Some worry new federal plans will fall short

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, federal dollars will help bring internet connection to rural communities across the U.S. But new guidance from the Trump administration is asking states to consider the lowest cost options. 

    217 Today: CU Cyclists come together for a 22-mile moonlight ride

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, in the warmer months, on the evening of a full moon, a group of cyclists in Champaign-Urbana head out into the countryside.

    217 Today: Standing up to ICE in the suburbs, the People's Patrol puts its faith in resistance

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a west suburban effort called the People’s Patrol organizes scores of volunteers to confront immigration agents carrying out President Trump’s deportation blitz.

    217 Today: Rep. LaHood on the government shutdown, Tylenol guidance, and foreign aid after USAID

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, Central Illinois Republican congressman Darin LaHood weighs in on Charlie Kirk’s debates and the looming government shutdown.

    217 Today: A student vandalized a University of Illinois building. U of I prohibited him from coming back onto campus.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a University of Illinois student was suspended after spray painting the word “divest” onto a campus building last semester. 

    217 Today: Rising tick borne illnesses prompt Illinois public acts to increase surveillance

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, tick-borne diseases have been on the rise in Illinois for many years. And ticks appear to be migrating across the state.

    217 Today: What's Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 25 – Sep. 28

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025


    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.

    217 Today: Bob and Bill Odenkirk discuss Illinois roots and their passion for comedy on Prairie Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the main actor of the popular television series Better Call Saul has roots in Illinois. 

    217 Today: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign launches space mission to make electronics and air travel safer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a ​first for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign today! Learn about the space mission launch that could help make our electronics and air travel safer, coming up.

    217 Today: Illinois professors face threats after landing on Charlie Kirk group watch list

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, dozens of professors at Illinois colleges and universities are on a watch list ran by slain activist Charlie Kirk’s organization. 

    217 Today: ‘Predictor' brings the story of Meg Crane, inventor of the home pregnancy test, to Station Theatre in Urbana

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, “Predictor” is a play based on the real life story of Margaret Crane, who hasn’t always received credit for inventing the home pregnancy test.

    217 Today: WILL Call: What's Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 18 – Sep. 21

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025


    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.

    217 Today: International student enrollment increases at University of Illinois despite Trump policies

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, enrollment is up a bit this fall at Northern Illinois University.    

    217 Today: Politicians across party lines pay tribute to former Governor Jim Edgar, who died Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, we're remembering former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar, who died Sunday at age 79. A lifelong Republican from Charleston who later disagreed with his party over Donald Trump.

    217 Today: Dean Clarence Shelley memorialized in new honorary street sign

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the late Clarence Shelley was known for building community between faculty and students at the University of Illinois. 

    217 Today: Thinking of biking to work? These Champaign County residents shared why they did.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, Bike to Work Day was this week in Champaign County. Three cyclists share why they ride their bikes and what would make it easier to go for a bike ride in the area.

    217 Today: WILL Call: What's Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 11 – Sep. 14

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025


    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.  

    217 Today: When will beef prices drop? We asked a rancher, a butcher and an economist

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, beef is as expensive as it’s ever been, thanks to the high cost of cattle. Retailers of all sizes have upped their prices on steak and hamburger.

    217 Today: Surfing culture makes Sheboygan the ‘Malibu of the Midwest.' A WPR reporter tried it himself.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, surfing isn’t just an ocean sport anymore. Landlocked residents from Wisconsin to central Texas are also catching waves.

    217 Today: What to know about algal blooms after Mattoon's recent water crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, an algal bloom in Mattoon's water reservoirs forced the city to place a do-not-drink order in place this earlier this summer.

    217 Today: Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall talks first 100 days, engaging with youth, supporting economic development

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, Rantoul’s mayor says he’s been listening to the community for his first 100 days in office. Now, Samuel Hall says he’s focused on supporting local businesses and building an inclusive vision for the village. 

    217 Today: What's Happening in Central Illinois Sep. 4 – Sep. 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025


    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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