The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Monday April 5, 2021

Brian Moline
 
Josie Shaw, a Swahili interpreter in Clive, Iowa, makes short videos to share with refugees that has information about COVID-19. She says she's trying to combat misinformation spread through social media.

Josie Shaw, a Swahili interpreter in Clive, Iowa, makes short videos to share with refugees that has information about COVID-19. She says she's trying to combat misinformation spread through social media. Natalie Krebs/Side Effects Public Media

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Monday April 5, 2021

Today's headlines:

  • A proposal advancing through the Illinois General Assembly would allow candidates for public office to use political committee funds to cover child caregiving costs.

  • University of Illinois students between the ages of 18 and 26 could soon be able to receive a COVID vaccine as part of a study.

  • March was a better month for the Illinois economy, according to the University of Illinois Flash Index.

  • The number of Champaign County residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19 topped 50,000 Sunday. Nearly 24 percent of the county's total population is now fully vaccinated.

In today's deep dive, it's been a challenge to provide information about COVID-19 and vaccines to those who don't speak English. We learn about efforts to reach refugees in the Midwest.

Reporting today contributed by Maureen McKinney, Cesar Sanchez, Jim Meadows, and Natalie Krebs.