217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 18 – Dec. 21
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.
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217 Today: New Illinois Farm Bureau president wants to restore communication and credibility for the venerable organization
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.
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217 Today: With a federal tax credit ending early, installing home solar is about to get more expensive
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.
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217 Today: Declining attendance & rising maintenance costs bring an end to a historic church building in Champaign
In today’s deep dive, as church attendance declines in the U.S., some congregations are finding it difficult to maintain their historic buildings.
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217 Today: Advocates for Aging Care pushes for solutions as Champaign County faces skilled nursing bed shortage
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.
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217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 11 – Dec. 14
In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear what’s coming to the central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture, and entertainment.
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217 Today: Improved natural gas storage fields will save customers money, Ameren Illinois says
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.
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217 Today: Cottonseeds are loaded with protein. Could these seeds become a new food source?
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.
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217 Today: Champaign’s only low-barrier shelter is at risk of closing. Some guests are worried
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.
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217 Today: Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America
In today’s deep dive, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch opened 30 years ago in Rantoul and today, 20 reindeer live at Hardy’s, which recently represented Illinois on Good Morning America’s “America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks.”
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217 Today: Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois
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.
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217 Today: Crisis Nursery offers holiday shopping for kids
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.
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217 Today: A native prairie bird lost federal protection. People are still trying to save it on private land
In today’s deep dive, lesser prairie chickens used to roam across the Great Plains by the millions. Now there’s only a few thousand. And they recently lost federal protection.
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217 Today: Ebertfest and beyond, how the C-U film sphere moves forward after the loss of a giant
In today’s deep dive, EbertFest organizers announced this fall they won’t be coming back but there’s some discussion of a possible encore.
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217 Today: Illinois prisons are confining the incarcerated to their cells more often than during the pandemic. Can peer education help?
In today’s deep dive, prison lockdowns cut incarcerated people off from educational opportunities, and they often occur due to staff shortages. Experts say peer mentorship could help fill the gap.
