The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Thursday January 28, 2021

Olivia Butts
 
Cannabis flower grows at a recreational grow facility in Illinois. Illinois dispensaries sold some $700 million of recreational marijuana products in 2020.

Cannabis flower grows at a recreational grow facility in Illinois. Illinois dispensaries sold some $700 million of recreational marijuana products in 2020. Eric Schmid/St. Louis Public Radio

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Thursday January 28, 2021

Today’s headlines:

  • Citing an analysis from the New York Times, a top Illinois Republican is criticizing the governor for fewer than half of the state’s allotted COVID-19 vaccines being administered.

  • High school sports across much of Illinois are now a 'go' after COVID-19 restrictions put activities on hold for nearly a year.

  • Republican Congressman Rodney Davis said he doesn’t believe former president Donald Trump’s comments -- prior to the insurrection at the Capitol earlier this month -- warrant impeachment.  

  • Champaign County health officials reported 49 new COVID-19 cases today, and one additional death. 107 county residents have now died from the disease.

In today’s deep dive, Illinois’ first year of legal marijuana sales was largely successful after overcoming a few initial hurdles, but challenges around equity remain.

217 Today is produced by Olivia Butts and hosted by Brian Moline. Reporting today contributed by Mary Hansen, Eric Stock, Lee Gaines, and Eric Schmid.