You Asked: Will The Pandemic Have Lasting Effects On Child Development?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for many families — and that stress can affect a child’s development, including their language and social skills. Side Effects Public Media recently received questions from audience members through our texting group, the Midwest Checkup, about how the changes wrought by the pandemic may affect child development. To learn […]
More Than 1 Million Deaths In 2017 Linked To Burning Fossil Fuels, Wash U Study Finds

ST. LOUIS — Burning fossil fuels has created a massive, global problem: climate change. New research from Washington University finds these fuel sources also have serious health consequences. The study found more than 1 million people died worldwide in 2017 related to air pollution from burning coal, oil and natural gas. When inhaled, the microscopic […]
The White House Seeks To Boost Competition In The Meat Industry

Updated July 9, 12:09 p.m.: President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Friday directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make rules to increase competition in the meat industry, according to a White House announcement. The new rules are part of 72 initiatives to increase competition in the economy. White House press secretary Jen Psaki […]
217 Today: Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Tuesday, July 13, 2021 Today’s headlines: Cities and towns in Illinois are calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker’s administration to apply for the federal funds they’re entitled to under the American Rescue Plan. The annual Redneck Fishing Tournament is coming back to Central Illinois after a two-year hiatus. A new bill awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature […]
Media Literacy Requirement, Animal Products Ban Among Latest 53 Bills Signed By Pritzker

SPRINGFIELD — Public high schools in Illinois will soon be required to teach students how to access and evaluate various kinds of news and social media they see online and elsewhere as part of their regular curriculum. That was among the 53 bills that Gov. JB Pritzker signed on Friday, July 9, bringing the total […]
At Community Vigil, A Peoria Wracked By Gun Violence And Trauma Urged Not To Give Up Hope For Healing

PEORIA — Michael Anthony Charles Johnson II was Peoria’s 16th homicide victim of 2021. Johnson, 21, was one of four people shot at a house on Haungs Avenue on the 4th of July. A youth also was critically injured in that shooting. And just days later, another youth suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound on the […]
Undocumented Students In Illinois Stand To Gain Institutional Support In Higher Education

CHAMPAIGN – All colleges and universities within Illinois could be required to create a liaison position to support undocumented students if Governor J.B. Pritzker signs a new bill into law. House Bill 3438, which was sent to the governor in June, would require every public university and community college in Illinois to designate an employee […]
This Vegetable Garden Is Also A Safe Haven For Neighborhood Youth

INDIANAPOLIS — On summer mornings, high schoolers in bright green T-shirts gather on the side of Burdsal Parkway north of downtown Indianapolis. As traffic speeds past, they work on designing and growing a quarter-acre vegetable garden. There’s okra, corn, beans, tomatoes, dill and mint among other vegetables and herbs. In the middle is a small […]