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217 Today: At this 124-year-old livestock show, kids steal the spotlight with their prize animals

Landon Witherow, 11, prepares to enter the ring with his market steer entry inside Hale Arena.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Today’s headlines: 

  • The state’s annual public school report card shows students have largely caught up to where they were before the pandemic in reading, but are still struggling in math.
  • Black students across Illinois grew their reading skills last year faster than any other group.
  • Illinois taxpayers have been spending up to $49,000 per month to pay a single contractor at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
  • The Fighting Illini football team is on the road this week to play the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn more about what it’s like for kids and teenagers who show livestock at one of the largest competitions in the U.S.

Reporting today contributed by Sarah Karp, Emily Hays, Alex Degman, Colin Hislope and Eva Tesfaye.

Picture of Farrah Anderson

Farrah Anderson

Farrah Anderson is a student at the University of Illinois studying journalism. At Illinois Public Media, Anderson works as a general assignment reporter and produces and hosts the 217 Today podcast.

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