The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Brian Moline and Carolina Garibay
 
Nearly half of Illinoisans are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and some are relishing the freedom to resume certain activities. Others are struggling with feelings of anxiety, despite being vaccinated.

Nearly half of Illinoisans are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and some are relishing the freedom to resume certain activities. Others are struggling with feelings of anxiety, despite being vaccinated. David Kovaluk/St. Louis Public Radio

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Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Today's headlines:

  • Lawmakers headed back to Springfield for a couple of days in order to take a vote on massive legislation that would get Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050. But a deal on major energy and climate legislation in Springfield appears to have fallen apart — at least for now.

  • The parent company of Chemtool is apologizing for a fire that continues to burn in northern Illinois. Seventy workers at the Rockton grease plant were evacuated safely Monday.

  • Local organizations are teaming up to help more people of color get the COVID-19 vaccine.

  • A large group of police supporters marched from the Champaign Police Department to Tuesday's night’s city council meeting.

In today's deep dive, with nearly half of Illinoisans fully vaccinated against COVID-19, some people are relishing a return to normalcy, while others are struggling with anxiety. A psychologist explains where this anxiety might come from and ways to cope with it. 

Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Farrah Anderson and Shahla Farzan.