The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Monday May 3, 2021

Brian Moline
 
In this July 14, 2020, file photo, amid concerns of the spread of COVID-19, science teachers Ann Darby, left, and Rosa Herrera check-in students before a summer STEM camp at Wylie High School in Wylie, Texas. Schools and camps across the county are making plans to help kids catch up academically this summer after a year or more of remote learning for many of them.

In this July 14, 2020, file photo, amid concerns of the spread of COVID-19, science teachers Ann Darby, left, and Rosa Herrera check-in students before a summer STEM camp at Wylie High School in Wylie, Texas. Schools and camps across the county are making plans to help kids catch up academically this summer after a year or more of remote learning for many of them. LM Otero/AP

Listen (Duration: 9:41)
Download

Monday May 3, 2021

Today's headlines:

  • Illinois' coronavirus death toll surpassed 22,000 people over the weekend as the state's vaccination rate continues to drop.

  • Lawmakers and Gov. JB Pritzker's office say they've finally compromised on a fix to award long-delayed cannabis dispensary licenses.

  • The Iowa Board of Regents has selected University of Illinois vice-president Barbara Wilson to be the next president of the University of Iowa.

  • The pace of COVID-19 vaccinations in Champaign County is slowing down, mirroring the trend statewide.

In today's deep dive, we talk to a University of Illinois epidemiologist about how parents can make the right decision for their child on whether to attend summer camp.

Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Kate Payne, and Christine Herman.