The 217 Today Podcast | Illinois Public Media

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.

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Tradition and Triumph is the theme for the 2025 Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. — Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend

April 02, 2025

217 Today: Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend celebrates its sixteenth year in April

In today's deep dive, we'll learn about what goes into preparing for the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend and what it means for the community.

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Over 101,000 Americans need a kidney transplant, but only 17,000 people receive one each year due to a donated organ shortage. — Zach Bundy / WFYI

April 01, 2025

217 Today: Thousands of deceased donor kidneys are discarded. This organization hopes to revive them

In today's deep dive, we'll learn about a new Midwest-based organization trying to revive thousands of deceased donor kidneys that were discarded last year.

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These are some of the approximately 1,000 birds that slammed into McCormick Place in Chicago on Oct. 5, 2023. That was a night and morning when especially high numbers of birds were migrating along Lake Michigan. The building's windows have since been treated with a film that makes them visible to birds. Very few birds have hit the windows since then. — Daryl Coldren / Field Museum

March 31, 2025

217 Today: Midwest light pollution kills migrating birds, but scientists know how you can help

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how Midwest light pollution kills migrating birds and how people can help prevent it.

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March 28, 2025

217 Today: Urbana couple cultivates healing and growth through nature at Ujima Retreat Center

In today's deep dive, we'll listen to a conversation with an Urbana couple redefining what it means to learn, grow and heal together through nature.

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March 27, 2025

217 Today: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana Mar. 27 – Mar. 30

In today's deep dive, we'll learn what's coming to central Illinois in the world of art, culture and entertainment.

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Seven candidates running for the Champaign Unit 4 school board participated in the IPM News survey on key policy issues. — Emily Hays / Illinois Public Media

March 26, 2025

217 Today: Who is running in the April 1 Champaign Unit 4 school board race?

In today's deep dive, we'll learn about who is running in the April 1 Champaign Unit 4 school board race.

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March 25, 2025

217 Today: Brown v. Board in Champaign-Urbana

In today's deep dive, we'll listen to a conversation with locals and university faculty about what it was like growing up in the American education system post Brown v Board.

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