The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Thursday May 13, 2021

Brian Moline
 
Shaersti Anderson and her daughter Raelynn bond after Anderson picks Raelynn up from daycare. Anderson said that balancing taking care of Raelynn and doing her school work has not been easy, especially since the transition to online classes.

Shaersti Anderson and her daughter Raelynn bond after Anderson picks Raelynn up from daycare. Anderson said that balancing taking care of Raelynn and doing her school work has not been easy, especially since the transition to online classes. Carolina Garibay/WILL Student Newsroom

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Thursday May 13, 2021

Today's headlines:

  • One of Illinois' most influential business associations says the state is facing a severe labor shortage because of enhanced unemployment benefits. Gov. JB Pritzker disagrees.

  • As the state introduces a new tourism campaign, advocacy groups say tourism recovery will help Illinois stay competitive in the national and global economies.

  • Local health departments are working with the Asian Health Coalition to raise awareness about Hepatitis B infection.

  • Children as young as 12 could start receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as soon as Thursday in Champaign County.

In today's deep dive, the pandemic is forcing colleges in central Illinois and elsewhere to reconsider ways they can support student parents as they return for in-person classes this fall.

Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Christine Hatfield, Christine Herman, and Carolina Garibay.