Stephanie Orellana
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.