The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Thursday April 29, 2021

Brian Moline
 
A new study, led by a University of Illinois researcher, finds that people of color are disproportionately affected by air pollution from all sources.

A new study, led by a University of Illinois researcher, finds that people of color are disproportionately affected by air pollution from all sources. Reginald Hardwick/Illinois Newsroom

Listen (Duration: 10:05)
Download

Thursday April 29, 2021

Today's headlines:

  • Gov. JB Pritzker is out with his own plan to bolster Illinois' renewable energy goals and address concerns over the political power amassed by public utilities in state government.

  • Democrats in the Illinois House last week approved a measure that would allow people convicted of a drug felony to still be able to access cash assistance.

  • A new University of Illinois study shows that all types of air pollution are disproportionately affecting communities of color.

  • More than 9 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered in Illinois, according to state health officials.

In today's deep dive, we take a look at where Illinois Democrats might look to cut a Congressional seat before the 2022 election in a conversation with the director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Derek Cantu, Dana Cronin, and Eric Stock.