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.


    • Oct 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 757 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The 217 Today Podcast

    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.

    217 Today: U of I will offer students on-campus abortion access starting this fall, following new Illinois law

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the University of Illinois will soon offer abortion services through a partnership with Planned Parenthood.

    217 Today: “KPop Demon Hunters” lead actress Arden Cho talks about her days at the University of Illinois

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, “KPop Demon Hunters” is the number one, original movie on Netflix. And the film’s lead actress, Arden Cho, is a University of Illinois graduate. 

    217 Today: Jim Meadows signs off for the final time

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a final conversation with Illinois Public Media’s Jim Meadows after 25 years of reporting and hosting, he’s stepping into retirement.

    217 Today: What's Happening in Central Illinois Aug. 28 – Aug. 31

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 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: In court, hallucinations can overshadow A.I.'s promise in closing ‘access to justice' gap

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a Central Illinois attorney was sanctioned for using A.I. in a brief with hallucinated cases.

    217 Today: Looking back on a century of broadcasting, Jim Meadows retires after years of reporting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, after 25 years covering city council meetings, storms and state fairs, Jim Meadows is about to retire from reporting here on Illinois Public Media.

    217 Today: Champaign-Urbana chancellor talks about federal funding cuts and his new office decor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, class is back in session at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a new chancellor is on campus.

    217 Today: How tattoo removal could give some incarcerated Illinoisans a blank slate

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, ​​tattoo removal programs could help people in Illinois prisons and jails find a fresh start.

    217 Today: WILL Call: What's Happening in Central Illinois Aug. 21 – Aug. 27

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 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: Your food probably traveled a long way before reaching the grocery store. Here's why

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025


    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: Skyglow is erasing the stars, but smarter outdoor lighting can help bring the night back

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, ​​light pollution means most Americans can’t see the Milky Way anymore. It’s also hurting wildlife, including birds.

    217 Today: Illinois Arts Council promotes regional approach: ‘It's only going to get better'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, ​​we'll check in with the agency tasked with promoting the arts all across Illinois.

    217 Today: Naturalization ceremony at Illinois State Fair celebrates immigrants

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, it's the second year in a row in which there was a naturalization ceremony at the Illinois State Fair. We'll talk to some of the nearly 400 new Americans.

    217 Today: WILL Call: What's Happening in Central Illinois Aug. 14 – Aug. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 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: Illinois redistricting effort possible, but unlikely to yield more Democratic seats

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker talks about fighting fire with fire as President Trump pushes a mid-decade redistricting effort in Texas – but what does that look like in Illinois?

    217 Today: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts announces its 2025-2026 season

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2025-2026 performance season, which officially starts this September.

    performing arts krannert center
    217 Today: Monmouth College phasing out ten majors, enhancing other programs following academic prioritization process

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, students across Illinois will soon head back to class. But one college in our state is phasing out ten majors.

    217 Today: Meteorologist breaks down Texas flood tragedy and how to stay prepared for flooding in Illinois

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, the weather story that dominated the news this summer was the Texas flood tragedy. An Illinois meteorologist breaks down what happened and why you should never risk driving through a flash flood.

    217 Today: Illinois Gov. Pritzker on why his state is hosting Texas state lawmakers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, governor JB Pritzker speaks to NPR about why Illinois is hosting a group of Texas state lawmakers as they protest a partisan redistricting effort in their state.

    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.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025


    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: NPR journalist's new book tells humanizing stories of life under current Chinese communist government

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a voice you hear on NPR has a new book reflecting what happens when you live in China and disagree with the government.

    217 Today: Next U of I chancellor talks AI, responding to Trump policies and comic books

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, we’re revisiting a conversation with Charles Isbell and his top priorities for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as its new Chancellor.

    217 Today: Illinois Public Media launches weekly show on weather and climate

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, Illinois Public Media is teaming up with Illinois’ top scientists to talk about climate and weather in a new podcast called “Weather Realness.”

    WILL Call: What's Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jul. 31 – Aug. 03

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 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: After husband was deported, a mother alone with three children turns to Trump's voluntary self-deportation program

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a Chicago migrant woman struggles to get by with her three children after her husband was arrested and deported.  

    217 Today: A family came to Chicago seeking asylum. Dad was deported. Now, Mom wants to leave.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, a Chicago migrant recently deported to Venezuela says conditions in detention are inhumane.

    217 Today: Consumer advocate pushes for legislative action regarding State Farm rate spike

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, State Farm's recent 27% rate hike for Illinois homeowners has prompted calls for regulations in the state. A consumer advocate is supporting state oversight over excessive insurance prices.

    217 Today: University of Illinois dance camp teaches a contemporary African dance rooted in identity and culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025


    In today’s deep dive, we bring you a closer look at a high school dance camp on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

    217 Today: WILL Call: What's Happening in Champaign – Urbana Jul. 24 – Jul. 27

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 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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