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.

There's a crowded field of candidates running for Illinois' open U.S. Senate seat this year. Immigration enforcement has been a top issue in the race. We'll hear from Democrats and Republicans vying to succeed outgoing U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

The Hip Hop Convene, Romeo and Juliet, featuring IPM's very own Morning Edition host, A Night at the Art Museum, A Black History Gala and of course...live music.

Immigrants with asylum cases are missing their court hearings in higher numbers - and that's leading to MORE deportation orders.

We'll hear archival audio of Reverend Jesse Jackson looking back at some of his famous speeches.

Schools in Illinois were expecting to receive millions of dollars to hire more mental health professionals before the Trump administration cancelled those grants. We'll take a look at how that's impacting schools in the northern part of the state.

During the winter, Illinois is home to the largest population of eagles in the continental U.S. But the national bird didn't always have such a large presence in the state.

A celebration of queer art, a meet and greet with local authors, an interactive world full of dinosaurs and, of course, live music.

Illinois residents soon have a big choice to make: who should represent them in the U.S. Senate for the next six years?

The federal government created regional climate hubs more than a decade ago, to help producers adapt to climate change. But now funding for the climate hubs is uncertain.

Four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November.

Under the Trump administration, rising visa costs and fears at ports of entry are keeping more international artists and musicians away from the Midwest.

A screening of a French musical film, a tribute performance by a Chicago saxophonist, a musical dinner with a buffet of songs, and of course, live music.

Illinois' 2nd congressional district runs from the south side of Chicago to Champaign and Vermilion counties. Meet some the candidates, including one from a well-known political family.

BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions" shows at the Colwell Playhouse this Wednesday, February 11, at 5:00 P.M, followed by a Q & A with Joseph Hunt and other production team members.

Nikki Budzinski is seeking a third term representing central Illinois in Congress. But she has several Democratic and Republican challengers.

A conversation with Sanford Hess, who's running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.

A conversation with Michelle Jett, who's running for the Democratic ticket for Champaign County Executive.

In today's deep dive, an allergy to red meat spread by tick bites affects nearly half a million Americans.

A celebration of Illinois Soul's second year on air.

In today's deep dive, Maysa brings her dulcet voice to Champaign-Urbana to help Illinois Soul celebrate its anniversary.

In today's deep dive, What's Happening in Central Illinois Jan. 29 – Feb. 1

In today's deep dive, a look at the first face-to-face debate between the three Illinois Democrats vying to become the state's next U.S. senator that happened earlier this week.

In today's deep dive, dairy farms are opening new side businesses, such as cow cuddling and ice cream churning. But those opportunities of joy come amid a volatile milk market.

In today's deep dive, wheat isn't grown as much as it used to be across the Great Plains. We'll hear about an effort to hybridize wheat.

In today's deep dive, Illinois Public Media is launching a new video podcast with local teens talking about issues that matter to them, and we want your child to be involved.

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.

In today's deep dive, every year, Illinois students vote on the Readers' Choice Awards for the books they loved the most.

In today's deep dive, one man is the first to make the leap from a University of Illinois college-in-prison program to a U of I degree.

In today's deep dive, a new exhibit at the Urbana Free Library highlights Illinois' involvement in the Underground Railroad.

In today's deep dive, Champaign Movie Makers is hosting their annual 48 Hour Film Competition this weekend, where participants have just two days to make a movie.

In today's deep dive, Illinois and four other Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to block a freeze on federal funding for childcare and family services. A judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking immediate implementation of the freeze.

In today's deep dive, the president of the University of Illinois System is stepping down once his contract expires next year. We'll bring you a conversation with Tim Killeen about why he's leaving and his plans for the future.

In today's deep dive, some farmers ended 2025 unsure how they'll pay their bills. We'll hear from farmers around the central US about what made 2025 such a tough year and what's ahead.

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.

In today's deep dive, five candidates are seeking to represent central Illinois in Congress, including incumbent Nikki Budzinski.

In today's deep dive, a wetland preservation project continues, despite the shrinking number of wetlands in the Midwest.

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.

In today's deep dive, some rural towns are known for their holiday festivities. Tourist dollars are a big part of their local economy but getting people to town each year means new events.

In today's deep dive, will a new aid package for farmers go far enough? In a year when tariffs have affected sales of Illinois soybeans, there are major warning signs.

In today's deep dive, what's the best part of meeting reindeer in real life? According to 10-year-old Bear Taylor — the reindeer kisses.

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.

In today’s deep dive, the Illinois Farm Bureau is ushering in a new leadership, we’ll hear more from Philip Nelson who won the election.

In today’s deep dive, a federal incentive for homeowner solar is rapidly expiring. Congress voted this summer to eliminate the tax credit at the end of this year. But people in the solar industry remain optimistic.

In today’s deep dive, as church attendance declines in the U.S., some congregations are finding it difficult to maintain their historic buildings.

In today’s deep dive, Champaign County has one of the worst skilled nursing care shortages in the state. It means sometimes, people have to drive hours to see their loved ones.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear what’s coming to the central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture, and entertainment.

In today’s deep dive, Cold temperatures have already hit the St. Louis region. With that will come increased use of natural gas to heat homes. Ameren Illinois says changes to their local gas storage fields will help save customers money.

In today's deep dive, cottonseeds could help reduce hunger and add new revenue for farmers. One researcher has been working for decades to make edible seeds a reality.

In today’s deep dive, the only low-barrier shelter in Champaign-Urbana is at risk of closing. Some guests worry they’ll end up on the streets.

In today’s deep dive, the political climate in some states has encouraged hostility towards trans people. It's causing some to leave in search of more affirming communities.

In today’s deep dive, the Crisis Nursery in Urbana is hosting its annual holiday shop this weekend. We’ll hear about how the children can shop for their loved ones.