The 217 Today Podcast

First elected in 2016, Susana Mendoza has been Illinois’ comptroller for nearly a decade. Now, she’s stepping aside. And four Democrats are vying for the seat.

The Jupiter String Quartet, a pet supply sale, the Lucky Dog 5K, and of course, live music. 

In western Illinois, there are gravel roads cut through open prairie, writer and Knox College professor Cyn Kitchen has been paying attention to seasons, to loss, and to faith.

Protein is everywhere, from Starbucks lattes to new dietary guidelines, which ask Americans to prioritize protein. But nutrition experts are wondering whether or not the protein craze is warranted.

Mosses are the underdogs of the plant world. Now, a group of scientists is coming together to protect them.

Since Monday, we've seen a LOT of rain in central Illinois, but is it enough to end the drought? The state climatologist tells us why we have a long way to go.

A screening of an Oscar-nominated film, opening nights of two plays, a tournament for a Quidditch-inspired sport, a cat show,and, of course, live music.

Illinois schools counted on federal grants to ease a shortage of school psychologists. After cancellation and a year of court battles, the future’s uncertain.

State Farm is sharing some of its profits with policyholders after having success last year. 

The story behind the new Flyover movie studios in Rantoul. The studio launched only a few years ago – but it’s already being recognized by state leaders for bringing notable economic growth to Illinois.

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.