The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Monday, Feb. 22, 2021

Christine Herman and Olivia Butts
 
Two Natural Helper Specialists, Francisco Ruiz and Virna Diaz, collecting Mask Up posters to distribute to immigrant-owned businesses for COVID-19 prevention.

Two Natural Helper Specialists, Francisco Ruiz and Virna Diaz, collecting Mask Up posters to distribute to immigrant-owned businesses for COVID-19 prevention. Courtesy of Immigrant Welcome Center

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Today's headlines:

  • Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has chosen a successor for the House seat he held for more than 50 years.

  • Carle’s mobile health clinic has expanded its services to include help for people with substance use disorders.

  • The surge in home sales continued in January, both nationwide and locally. Compared to a year ago, sales of existing homes were up nearly 24% nationwide and up about 18% in Illinois.

In today's deep dive, people of color continue to be hit hard by COVID-19,  but they’re being vaccinated at lower rates. Experts say mistrust in vaccines is a big factor. Side Effects Public Media’s Darian Benson reports on some groups that are trying to help.

217 Today is produced by Olivia Butts. Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Jim Meadows, Darian Benson and Christine Herman.