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.
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.
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.
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.
In today’s deep dive, Central Illinois Republican congressman Darin LaHood weighs in on Charlie Kirk’s debates and the looming government shutdown.
In today’s deep dive, a University of Illinois student was suspended after spray painting the word “divest” onto a campus building last semester.
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.
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 main actor of the popular television series Better Call Saul has roots in Illinois.
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.
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.
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.
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, enrollment is up a bit this fall at Northern Illinois University.
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.
In today’s deep dive, the late Clarence Shelley was known for building community between faculty and students at the University of Illinois.
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.
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, 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.
In today’s deep dive, surfing isn’t just an ocean sport anymore. Landlocked residents from Wisconsin to central Texas are also catching waves.
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.
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.
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 University of Illinois will soon offer abortion services through a partnership with Planned Parenthood.
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.
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.
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, a Central Illinois attorney was sanctioned for using A.I. in a brief with hallucinated cases.
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.
In today’s deep dive, class is back in session at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a new chancellor is on campus.
In today’s deep dive, tattoo removal programs could help people in Illinois prisons and jails find a fresh start.
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, 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.
In today’s deep dive, light pollution means most Americans can’t see the Milky Way anymore. It’s also hurting wildlife, including birds.
In today’s deep dive, we'll check in with the agency tasked with promoting the arts all across Illinois.
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.
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, 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?
In today’s deep dive, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2025-2026 performance season, which officially starts this September.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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, a Chicago migrant woman struggles to get by with her three children after her husband was arrested and deported.
In today’s deep dive, a Chicago migrant recently deported to Venezuela says conditions in detention are inhumane.
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.
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.
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.