The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Nitrate levels in water are often higher in the rural Midwest. How does this affect health?

Kimberly Schofield and Stephanie Mosqueda
 
Eleanor Rogan, a professor of public health, and Don Coulter, a professor of pediatric oncology, are part of an ongoing study looking at Nebraska's drinking water and pediatric cancer at the University of Nebraska Medical Center where they work.

Eleanor Rogan, a professor of public health, and Don Coulter, a professor of pediatric oncology, are part of an ongoing study looking at Nebraska's drinking water and pediatric cancer at the University of Nebraska Medical Center where they work. Natalie Krebs / Side Effects Public Media

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November 3, 2023

Today's headlines: 

  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office says he had “positive” and “productive” conversations in Washington D.C. yesterday about the ongoing migrant crisis.
  • The window to register high-powered, semi-automatic firearms with the state is soon closing but many Illinois gun owners say they’ll refuse to comply.
  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is celebrating the completion of a big infrastructure project in the northern suburbs.
  • Community blood center ImpactLife is introducing mixed reality technology that may help put anxious donors at ease when they give blood.

In today's deep dive, we'll learn more about how a growing number of studies suggest lower nitrate levels could still be tied to serious health issues for people in the rural Midwest. 

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting contributed by Alex Degman, Mawa Iqbal, Michael Puente, Eric Stock and Natalie Krebs.