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217 Today

217 Today: More than a holiday tradition, reindeer are a way of life at the Hardy ranch in Rantoul

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.

Stephanie Orellana December 19, 2025
Student Newsroom

More than a holiday tradition: Reindeer are a way of life at the Hardy ranch in Rantoul

Illinois Student Newsroom December 19, 2025
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Government

Justice Department sues for access to Illinois voter rolls

Capitol News Illinois December 18, 2025
Education

Illinois Education officials brace for lean fiscal year ahead

Capitol News Illinois December 18, 2025

217 Today: Champaign’s only low-barrier shelter is at risk of closing. Some guests are worried

Stephanie Orellana December 8, 2025

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.

basketball player dribbles

No. 14 Illinois beats No. 13 Tennessee 75-62 in Music City Madness

Associated Press December 7, 2025

Illinois snapped a five-game skid on neutral courts against ranked opponents and also gave coach Brad Underwood his first win in three tries against Tennessee.

a telescope array

3I/ATLAS is not alien spacecraft. But here’s how scientists actually look for aliens

Illinois Student Newsroom December 5, 2025

3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object to pass through our solar system, is on its way out, yet speculation that it is alien technology persists.

Holiday cards to those in prison will be digitized this year. A local group points out the importance of physical copies

Emily Hays December 5, 2025

RIPPLE Effect brings together about two dozen strangers every holiday to write cards to incarcerated people from Champaign County.

weather map

Winter Weather Advisory for Champaign County now-Sunday 6am: winter mix possible

IPM News December 5, 2025

New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

217 Today: Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America

Stephanie Orellana December 5, 2025

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.”

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch celebrates 30 years and represents Illinois on Good Morning America

Kimberly Schofield December 5, 2025

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, recently featured on Good Morning America, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Eric Sorenson

Rep. Sorensen calls for Defense Secretary Hegseth to resign after Pentagon watchdog report

Illinois Public Radio December 4, 2025

A summary of the inspector general’s report provided to NPR finds that had a foreign adversary intercepted the intelligence discussed in the chat, it would have endangered both U.S. servicemembers and the mission at large.

Sonya Massey vigil

Massey Commission releases its final report

Illinois Public Radio December 4, 2025

The report summarizes the Commission’s public hearings, listening sessions, and research.

A person sits at a dining room table, reaching to pet a dark brown cat standing on the table.

Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois

Illinois Student Newsroom December 4, 2025

Amid increasingly hostile laws and rhetoric targeting transgender people in the United States, many of them seek to move to places they feel safer. Aaron Slayton is one of many who have made a new home in central Illinois.

Illinois unveils plans to celebrate 250 years of American independence

Capitol News Illinois December 4, 2025

The programs will seek to highlight local histories and celebrate Illinois’s achievements.

Champaign City Council rejects public encampment ban

IPM News December 4, 2025

The measure would’ve prohibited people from camping on public and city property while requiring city staff to make an effort to connect people with social services.

217 Today: Transgender people are looking for safer places to live. Some have found a home in central Illinois

Stephanie Orellana December 4, 2025

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.

Freezing temperatures continue until end of the week

IPM News December 3, 2025

Meteorologists said wind chills will range from zero to as low as 15 degrees below zero on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Unit 4 parents, students looking for ‘strong communicator’ in next superintendent

Emily Hays December 3, 2025

Those who want to be Champaign Unit 4’s next superintendent can apply now. The job description is based on the input parents, teachers and students.

Sean Grayson’s attorneys seek new trial after murder conviction

Capitol News Illinois December 3, 2025

Defense says judge should have barred video of minutes following Sonya Massey’s shooting.

Pritzker signs bill allowing Illinois to issue state-specific vaccine guidelines

Capitol News Illinois December 3, 2025

The new law will allow the state to publish guidelines that differ from the CDC.

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217 Today

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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The 21st Show

A public radio talk show that brings you the news, culture, and stories that matter to Illinois.

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Dialogue

Each week Dialogue features interviews people across the region along with in-depth stories from the IPM News team about education, health, politics, arts, and more as it relates to local Black communities. Dialogue airs Saturdays at 11 am and Tuesdays at 7 pm on Illinois Soul FM 101.1 and streams live at illinoissoul.org and can be heard Wednesdays at 8 pm on WILL-AM 580.

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What We Brought

What We Brought is a limited series exploring the Asian American experience in Central Illinois. Through voices from seven Asian American communities, it shares powerful stories of identity, resilience, and the things carried between countries— be it food, memories, language, or the weight of the past.​

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