The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021

Brian Moline and Farrah Anderson
 
Edison Middle School in Champaign. One in four Champaign Unit 4 students were chronically absent last year.

Edison Middle School in Champaign. One in four Champaign Unit 4 students were chronically absent last year. Emily Hays/Illinois Newsroom

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Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021

Today's headlines: 

  • Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order on Monday declaring gun violence a public health crisis in Illinois.

  • lllinois’ economic growth slowed down in October, according to the University of Illinois Flash Index.

  • Upperclassmen at Champaign's Centennial High School have mentored freshmen for the past seven years. So, when this fall brought nearby gunfire and social media threats, many freshmen turned to their mentors for answers. 

In today's deep dive, we'll speak with Illinois Newsroom's Emily Hays about her findings from the Illinois State Board of Education's annual report card for schools. 

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Jim Meadows and Emily Hays.