The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Chicago rap duo teaches students how to build rapping skills and confidence

Emily Hays and Sydney Wood
 
Hip hop duo Mother Nature visit Booker T. Washington STEM Academy in late April 2022.

Hip hop duo Mother Nature visit Booker T. Washington STEM Academy in late April 2022. Emily Hays/Illinois Public Media

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Tuesday, June 8, 2022

Today's headlines:

  • As Illinois’ summer meals program gets underway, nonprofit groups and the Illinois Board of Education are hoping to extend a waiver that expires this month that’s made it easier for families to get food.

  • A recent study from the University of Illinois and the Illinois Economic Policy Institute estimates that gaining access to broadband increases worker salaries.

  • Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth just returned from visiting Taiwan and South Korea where she promoted the strength of Illinois’ electric vehicle industry.

In today's deep dive, we'll learn how a visit from a Chicago rap duo to a Champaign school taught students how to compose music and believe in themselves.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Mawa Iqbal.

Editor's note: Illinois is poised to spend about $500 million dollars in federal and state money to improve broadband access. The podcast includes an incorrect dollar amount.