The 217 Today Podcast

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.